Ushering in a new year, Post Falls elected officials shared their thoughts regarding what was achieved in the River City in 2022 and what is to come in 2023.

Post Falls City Council President Kerri Thoreson said this year's accomplishments for the city of Post Falls start with the city maintaining a high level of service, despite hiring challenges that are affecting so many businesses and organizations.

"It's a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our staff in every department," Thoreson said.

She said considering the turnover of half — three — of the city council seats in January, the council was effective in doing the work of the people in 2022.

"The list of successes include collaborative projects such as the completion of the Highway 41 project, the opening of the Idaho State Veterans Home, the amphitheater and park at the Landings on the river," she said. "While not the biggest accomplishment, I'm pleased that in 2022 the city instituted resident passes for free parking at Q'emiln Park."

Thoreson said 2023's priorities must include land use issues, housing options and maintaining infrastructure improvements. The major improvements to the Water Reclamation Plant are slated to be completed in 2023, she said.

"The coming year will hopefully see a leveling out of both the economy and growth with continued efficiency in providing services," Thoreson said. "I'm confident the citizens will continue to be respectfully engaged in providing valuable input via public hearings and meetings."

Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson laid out several of the city's achievements for 2022.

"Commercial site plan reviews for 2021 and 2022 were record numbers," he said. "The park at Post Falls Landing was completed. Post Falls closed another urban renewal district with two more scheduled to close next year."

Main goals for 2023, Jacobson said, include:

• Closing the Center Point and East Post Falls urban renewal districts

• Completing the Waste Water Treatment Plan upgrade and the Waste Water Master Plan update

• Working on property tax relief legislation with the Idaho Legislature and Gov. Brad Little's office

• Continuing traffic mitigation work to include the Highway 41/I-90 interchange, the Spokane Street and Prairie Avenue improvements, infrastructure for Pleasant View Road and the reconstruction of West Seltice Way

Jacobson said priorities for the coming year include working to facilitate meaningful property tax relief and resolving issues with the county treasurer on the handling of property tax penalties and interest.

"Inflationary costs continue to be a challenge for projects and regular operational costs," he said. "Workforce availability continues to be a challenge and we will have to continue to work on ways to resolve, or at least lessen, the impact it has."

He said Post Falls has been faced with challenges regarding growth, affordable housing, available workforce and taxes.

"The city has done a good job in dealing with these issues," he said. "We will continue to work on these issues. I feel tax relief is critical and hopefully we will be able to work with the state legislators to enact property tax relief that is effective."

In 2023, the mayor is looking forward to the continued development of Post Falls' “downtown” area, the commercial development at Millworx, the development of the Pleasant View corridor and the other commercial projects being developed. He said he is also looking forward to working with a well-qualified staff and a council with both seasoned members and newer members who have gained experience.

"They are all a pleasure to work with," Jacobson said.