Bloem Gives "State of the City" Address

COEUR D’ALENE -- The city’s greatest accomplishments were created by people taking risks, which is what the community needs more than ever during economic hard times, the mayor said Tuesday at the annual "State of the City" address.

Mayor Sandi Bloem pointed to Tubbs Hill, The Resort and its floating green, the new library, The Kroc Center and the education corridor as ideas that have, or will make the city a better place.

The same ingenuity used in their creation, Bloem said, needs to be applied to future priorities.

"Ending homelessness and providing affordable housing must be at the top of our priority list next year and for years to come," Bloem said to about 300 people at the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce Upbeat Breakfast at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Bloem praised community leaders who placed Tubbs Hill in the public trust and worked to have the new library built. She said 286,000 people visited the library last year, borrowing half a million items while participating in 870 community events and exhibits.

"What this library offers it can provide because of the many citizens willing to put themselves on the line -- to take risks," Bloem said.

The planning department finished updating new regulations that should help in affordable housing, while the wastewater treatment department’s most recent plant inspection "passed with flying colors," she said.

The water department converted the city’s meters so water could be managed more efficiently and the city’s trail system moved closer to its goal of being totally connected.
Ironman was a great success, again, Bloem said, "because many in this room, six years ago, said we will take the risk."

With 160 inches of snow and 11 plows, the roads department had its hands full last winter, but schools only closed their doors twice.

"By the way Tim, that is not popular (with the students)," Bloem joked with street superintendent Tim Martin. "We have a snow gate program and full leaf pickup. We have not found another city that provides both."

A recent assessment indicated 99 percent of the city’s citizens feel safe in Coeur d’Alene and the number of injury crashes was reduced to 261 in 2008 from 316 in 2007.

"I would challenge anyone to find a better financially managed city," Bloem said.

Still, Bloem said, she has heard reports that there are 200 homeless children in School District 271.

"These are real people with real problems needing our solutions," Bloem said.

North Idaho Title Manager Michelle Fink said she has heard several of the mayor’s "State of the City" addresses in the last few years.

"They bring to the forefront all the accomplishments that you don’t always hear about," Fink said. "I don’t think the community always hears what we do."

By Tom Greene, Staff writer
CDA Press