POST FALLS - It takes a village to make the wheels of economic development turn.

The city of Post Falls, the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency received a Hometown Partnership Award from the regional nonprofit Inland Northwest Partners for collaborating on local economic development activities over the past year.

The three groups brought construction of the $15 million, urban renewal-funded Greensferry overpass at Interstate 90 to life this fall. The project had been discussed for 20 years.

Post Falls City Administrator Shelly Enderud read the award description during the chamber of commerce's membership meeting at Red Lion Templin's Hotel on Tuesday. The award was originally presented on Friday during the INP annual meeting.

"Without a partnership between the URA, the chamber and the city, it's doubtful that this much-needed project would have ever happened," Enderud said. "They took the matter into their own hands to move the project forward at the local level."

The overpass, which will feature two lanes in each direction and bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides, is expected to be completed in fall 2015. It is intended to ease congestion, create economic development and improve emergency response time.

Another project this year that involved collaboration between the city, URA and chamber of commerce is the Spokane Street improvement project, which is close to completion in the city center. Landscaping and other final touches will be done in the spring.

The total project cost for the Spokane Street revitalization is $1.9 million.

The project includes street improvements, sidewalks, medians, lighting and a pocket park on the west side of Spokane next to the Centennial Trail. It is intended to calm traffic in the city center and make it more inviting to residents and visitors.

INP also honored Jim Hammond as a Hometown Hero for his efforts promoting economic development for Post Falls, the region and state for decades.

Hammond is Coeur d'Alene's new city administrator. He recently served as interim executive director for the Panhandle Area Council.

His career in public service has included time as mayor of Post Falls, state senator, city council member and Post Falls city administrator. He has served on several boards and with several organizations.

"Over the years, Hammond has supported and often led the charge to recruit new businesses, retain existing business and develop public infrastructure to support new growth," INP stated. "His early vision and leadership helped make Post Falls one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities and home to industries such as manufacturing, research, medical, robotics and international companies.

"His support of economic development tools such as urban renewal districts, tax-increment financing and the STAR (sales tax anticipation revenue) bill helped bring businesses such as Cabela's, Sysco, Flexel (formerly Harpers and now Kimball Office) and Buck Knives to Post Falls and strengthened the public infrastructure."

For more than 25 years INP has recognized individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in supporting the economic growth of communities in the Inland Northwest.