BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
When Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner travels, representing his city, the people he meets want to know what makes Caldwell special.
It isn’t something that can be easily acquired or replicated, Wagoner said at his third state of the city address on Wednesday.
“That secret ingredient is each and every one of you ... you, with your incredible passion for Caldwell is interwoven within every being of who Caldwell has become, and that’s not something that can be purchased,” he said, addressing the audience.
This year’s state of the city address was held at Sky Ranch, a large warehouse building that is part of the Sky Ranch and North Ranch Business Park.
The mayor discussed development projects, partnerships with companies, other city happenings, and honored two community members with awards.
Wagoner said he asks himself daily: “What is best for our community today and for our future? How can we make our employees’ lives better and provide them with the tools necessary to be successful? How do we provide the best service to our residents and to our customers, and in the most cost effective and efficient way possible?”
CITY IMPROVEMENTS
City staff work hard to reduce costs and eliminate wasteful spending, Wagoner said. As a result, the city’s budget for the current year reduced residents’ property tax burden by an average of 15%, he said.
Wagoner anticipated more improvements to come, given staff’s efforts.
The city has reduced its staff turnover rate by 25%, which in turn has reduced training costs and allowed the city to increase employee benefits, he said.
Wagoner also highlighted businesses choosing to open in Caldwell, providing jobs for residents and increasing the city’s commercial tax base.
Partnerships between the city and companies “makes us all stronger,” he said. He highlighted D&B Supply for being an exemplary partner, including their support of community events.
LIVE, WORK, PLAY, STAY
Wagoner touted Caldwell’s status as a go-to city and expressed gratitude for previous local leaders.
“I pay homage to those great leaders that came before and I thank them for setting the foundation for the great successes that we are experiencing today,” he said.
Thanks to commercial developments in the city’s business parkway, “Caldwell is now home to thousands of high-paying jobs,” he said. “Coupled with Caldwell’s entertainment district in the downtown, and the plethora of parks and family activities, we are truly a destination city where our residents can” live, work, dine, shop, and “truly live their best lives right here in Caldwell.”
The city’s first downtown residential development, Tilian Apartments, opened in the fall, he said. The city is working with a hotel company to develop an 80- to 100-room boutique hotel in the downtown core, and separately, is in conversation with a company that proposed a 4,500-seat outdoor amphitheater.
“The economic impact of such a venue cannot be overstated,” Wagoner said. “From expected hotels, restaurants, and shopping experiences that will follow, we’re excited for this truly game-changing development to come to our community.”
AWARDEES
Wagoner awarded Maylee McConnell-Soong with the 2024 Mayor’s Rising Star Award. A student at Caldwell High School, McConnell-Soong serves as the secretary on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council’s executive committee, and dedicates her time, including summers, to volunteering for numerous causes, Wagoner said.
“Maylee is a true shining example of the power of one and that you are never too young to impact the world around you,” Wagoner said.
Donna Shines and her late husband, Mike Shines, were honored as the 2024 Mayor’s Community Hero.
Donna Shines leads a mentoring network for adults and youth. Mike Shines was a coach and aquatic center coordinator at College of Idaho until his sudden passing in 2023.
“(Donna) is such a special lady,” Wagoner said. “I cannot think of anybody else more deserving. And Mike, too, he was a true hero for so many people, so thank you again for all that you do.”
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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