Word on the Street

The Mayor's Missive | July 31, 2025

COMP PLAN—KEEP WALKING AND TALKING

Thanks to all those that came out to our “Walk and Talk” events about the draft comprehensive plan the past two Thursdays. We have one more session scheduled at the bottom of Heidelberg Hill trail at 5:30 PM today, Thursday, July 31. Please join us to provide feedback as to how the plan potentially impacts neighborhood development and what changes (if any) you’d like to see made. City Council will be providing feedback of their own during deliberations on the plan at our August 4 meeting.  

2026 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE

Our budget discussions continue with the first formal budget ordinance public hearing of the year. The focus of our discretionary spending will be on infrastructure. The 5-year Capital Improvement Plan continues to prioritize the growing demand on city infrastructure, although financial constraints continue to persist. This year’s budget allocates $4.3M towards infrastructure projects. In addition to capital investment within the tax funds, the enterprise funds (water and wastewater) plan to invest over $5.9M towards capital infrastructure. The continued partnership with Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency will support projects ranging from sidewalk improvements to Community Housing. Click here for complete details in the latest budget book draft.

SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING, INCLUDING THE COUNTY FAIR, SYMPHONY, AND A LOT, LOT MORE!

It is not hard to fill your day with a plethora of activities that are populating the valley’s calendar. I hope you can make the trip to Carey to enjoy our County Fair and all that it offers. There is something for everyone (including tasty BBQ!) and a chance to support all the kids in the wonderful 4-H program. Symphony concerts are also underway, including a special student pop-up concert in Town Square this weekend (see below for more details). The final Ketch’em Alive concert also takes place next Tuesday, and fresh produce is in steady supply at the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays throughout the summer. 

I’m lovin’ summer—hope you are too!

Cheers,
Neil

To read the rest of Issue No. 180 of the Word on the Street, click here.