As the glorious days and pleasant nights of summer begin to wane I thought I'd reflect on a season of uncommon events, even in an area where the uncommon is becoming routine.

First it was the urban renewal agency in Post Falls distributing millions of unspent tax dollars to local governments as one of its districts closed down. That was uncommon because in Idaho only a handful of districts have closed in recent years. Even more significant will be the windfall of those new taxes annually to agencies like the city and Kootenai County, whose budgets next year will be greatly impacted by the decisions of its elected officials. A former chairman of the URA has called publicly for the end of more of its districts so additional tax dollars can flow to these governments instead of the URA.

Urban renewal was also at the forefront of the next two events. The opening of the latest phase of the education corridor showcased the efforts of Coeur d'Alene's urban renewal agency, LCDC, and North Idaho College to expand the educational opportunities at the colleges in the corridor. This uncommon partnership was the culmination of 20 years of collaboration and planning, showing the region once again that North Idaho is a progressive area working hard to keep its higher education students in town.

Then, of course, it was the recall effort of four officials in Coeur d'Alene, following the city's announcement that it was proceeding with the makeover of McEuen Field. While the recall effort failed it highlighted the issue of urban renewal, since LCDC is funding the bulk of the improvements to the park. A sharply divided City Council has since approved the removal of the ball fields and reconstruction of the area bordering Tubbs Hill, with an eye toward the full reconstruction next year of the Front Avenue promenade and its parking facility underneath. Compromises to the original plan have occurred, such as keeping the Third Street boat launch in place, as the council responded to the public on this polarizing issue.

Finally, the opening of KTEC on the Rathdrum prairie has illustrated what an incredible public/partnership can achieve, as several progressive businesses and three independent school districts are providing alternate educational opportunities for high school students. This effort, like the education corridor many years in the making, will mark a watershed change in education that many generations can enjoy.

An uncommon summer, yes, but also one filled with remarkable achievements as our local officials on many levels worked to make this a better place to live.

John Austin is a former finance director for Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County. He can be reached at john@pacni.org.