Bloem makes final State of the City address
KEITH ERICKSON/Special to The Press | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 7 months AGO
In an uplifting and inspiring message to nearly 400 people who packed two bays at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday morning, Mayor Sandi Bloem delivered her final State of the City address during the Chamber of Commerce's Upbeat Breakfast.
As she wraps up an unprecedented third term at the city's helm, Bloem reflected on her 12 years in office and the importance of continuing to build a "sense of place" to unite a community and create an environment that fosters growth.
"I believe creating membership in a community is the central feature in building prosperity," Bloem said. "More and more, people are choosing to return here ... choosing to live here, to retire, recreate and raise a family here."
During a 40-minute address, Bloem reflected on the growth the city has experienced in the past several years, praised citizen involvement in creating a "sense of place," and applauded outstanding leadership within City Hall.
It's an important time for the city, the mayor said, as the city prepares for major changes, including the hiring of several new department heads, and the swearing in of two new City Council members and a new mayor.
"We have people with compassion, and that's one of the most important things you can have as you move forward," Bloem said of the dedicated city staff.
Outlining eight key points to community success, Bloem said the city has made great strides on all fronts, including human rights, public safety, protecting the environment, creating great public spaces and nurturing healthy growth through urban renewal efforts.
She also reflected on some of the major - and sometimes controversial - accomplishments during her tenure, including the construction of the Kroc Community Center, the new downtown library, and transformation of McEuen Park.
"I believe with all my heart that McEuen is going to be the gathering place where people will come to heal," Bloem said. The mayor applauded successful urban renewal efforts that made the redevelopment of McEuen Park and other community projects possible.
In the past 12 years, the mayor pointed out, the city has added "miles and miles" to the North Idaho Centennial Trail network, built a library that has welcomed twice the number of visitors as the previous facility, and built several new community parks.
She also praised efforts to meet federal regulations regarding wastewater treatment disposal regulations that cost millions of dollars with minimal user fee increases, thanks to a prudent city staff that examined methods to secure the best rates possible for treatment plant upgrades.
On another sometimes touchy subject, Bloem saluted community efforts in the area of arts and culture. On June 1, 1999, Coeur d'Alene became the first city in Idaho with a funding mechanism for public art, dedicating 1 percent of all eligible capital improvement projects toward art across the city.
"Public art engages people, enriches our community and provides a sense of place," Bloem said.
On the jobs front, Bloem recognized Jobs Plus and the Lake City Development Corp. for helping to create thousands of jobs in the community over the years.
"Most decisions about where people want to live, work and play are based on the quality of life ... a healthy job market is a big part of that," she said.
Following her address, Bloem said she was "overwhelmed" by the warmth of the audience. "It was such a great feeling to see so much enthusiasm and support for our city... and what lies ahead," she said.
Mayor-elect Steve Widmyer will be sworn into office on Jan. 7, along with new council members Kiki Miller and Amy Evans. Councilman Woody McEvers will also renew his oath to serve another four years.
Keith Erickson is the communications coordinator for the city of Coeur d'Alene.
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ARTICLES BY KEITH ERICKSON/SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Bloem makes final State of the City address
In an uplifting and inspiring message to nearly 400 people who packed two bays at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Tuesday morning, Mayor Sandi Bloem delivered her final State of the City address during the Chamber of Commerce's Upbeat Breakfast.