POST FALLS — What was once empty fields is becoming a bustling economic district on the west side of Post Falls.

The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency on Dec. 18, 2022, officially closed the 335-acre Center Point Urban Renewal District. The agency announced Thursday the district experienced immense growth since it opened in 2002, closing with 1,232 jobs and a more than 8,400% tax-base growth.

When the district was created, the tax base of its properties was $1,395,916. The current tax base of the properties within the district is now $118,839,620.

"That's outstanding, and that was the hope," Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency Executive Director Joe Johns said Friday. "When it first opened, Sysco was the first employer out there with 65 jobs. Before that, it was open field. Everyone could foresee it would be something else."

The district now includes Cabela’s, United Parcel Service, Pointe Pest Control, Hayden Beverage Company, Northwest Refrigeration, Allklean, Crown Enterprises, Service Master and more. A recent survey of businesses in the district identified 1,232 total jobs, with nearly 900 jobs providing full-time employment.

The $117.4 million increase now returns to the budgeting authority of the underlying tax districts with the termination of the district: The city of Post Falls, Kootenai County, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, the Community Library Network, North Idaho College, Kootenai Emergency Medical Services, Post Falls Highway District No. 1 and the Post Falls School District.

This increased valuation broadens the community’s property tax base and will provide additional annual taxing district revenue because of the growing business activity within the Center Point District, the agency reported. The continuing development of available land within the district, as a result of the completed public infrastructure projects funded through urban renewal, will carry on this benefit to the community into the future.

The Center Point Urban Renewal District was created to stimulate industrial development, enhance the site for industrial and manufacturing use, improve public infrastructure and facilities, improve transportation routes and increase job opportunities for Post Falls residents.

The district has accomplished this and more. The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency considers it a win for businesses and residents alike.

"It just lends to greater economic diversity and opportunities for the city of Post Falls and the entire area," Johns said. "One thing that’s really important for the community to know is we had an outstanding board of volunteer commissioners who really care and are passionate about Post Falls. It’s their home and they want to continue to see it vibrant and healthy."

The Center Point Urban Renewal District is the sixth urban renewal district closed by the Post Falls Urban Renewal Commission.

Commission Chairman Jerry Baltzell said he is proud of the work done by the urban renewal agency in partnership with the city of Post Falls.

"All six districts attracted new employers, improved commercial and industrial diversification within Post Falls, created new jobs and expanded and improved the level of public water, sewer and transportation services available within the community," he said.

Post Falls now has three active urban renewal districts: Downtown and Pleasant View, both of which opened in 2021, and Post Falls Technology, which opened in 2018.

Johns said no plans to open a new urban renewal district are on the books at this time.