Idaho
Meridian State of the City: Transportation and public safety challenges take center stage
MERIDIAN, Idaho — Meridian Mayor Robert Simison took to the stage Wednesday to address his community in the annual State of the City. He outlined his vision for Idaho’s second-largest city, emphasizing investment in public safety, transportation, and economic development amid the rapid growth in Meridian Neighborhoods.
“We have been taking steps to address these issues where possible, with my direction of reducing or holding our spending flat on discretionary expenses over the last several years. Yet expenses continue to grow, and the revenues aren’t able to keep up,” said Mayor Simison.
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Transportation remains a top concern, as the Linder Road Overpass project breaks ground, Eagle Road is expecting slower speeds in the fall, and ITD continues progress on Highway 16.
With over 4,500 new residents in 2024, Simison is looking to strengthen public safety departments. He proposed a levy for the November ballot to fund police recruitment, firefighter positions, and new in-house prosecution services.
“If we are going to attract the best talent from the start and retain the people who we have made huge investments in the Meridian Police Department, we need to increase the wages to our sworn officers,” said Mayor Simison.
The public safety levy needs to be approved by Meridian’s City Council before voters can see it on their ballot in November. Mayor Simison says the community will have the chance to weigh in on the levy’s details in the coming months.
On the economic front, Meridian reports adding over 1,800 jobs last year, with average wages rising nearly 5%. Simison also outlined a bold vision to make the city Idaho’s healthcare education hub, citing investments from Grand Canyon University and Idaho State University.
Closing his speech, Simison stressed the importance of investing in youth, businesses, and infrastructure to ensure Meridian’s continued success.
“As we look to the future, we will see the need for more transportation projects, rising costs, and shrinking revenue. We will also see growing healthcare needs, public safety challenges, legislative changes, and more. When that happens, I will say “Challenge Accepted,” said Mayor Simison.
Skijor Boise will be one of the stops on a new professional skijoring tour. The action-packed event will happen at the Ford Idaho Center on Feb. 6th and 7th.
The Nampa event will be one of seven stops for the new Frontier Tour in the Rocky Mountain region, with another being in eastern Idaho in Driggs. Local competitors McKinley Keener and Caroline Potter look forward to competing.
WATCH: See skijoring in action and more from McKinley and Caroline
Pro Skijor debuts new tour and this extreme winter sport will stop in the Treasure Valley
“We are really excited to have a hometown race,” said Keener. “I think it was smart to bring a race to the Treasure Valley with the horse culture and the ski culture. I think it is a win-win idea.”
Skijoring is a unique sport that is gaining traction in the West. During the event, a horseback rider pulls a skier on a rope, and that skier has to navigate gates, jumps and grab rings. The horseback rider also has to grab a ring, depending on the venue.
RELATED | Extreme skijoring brings two different cultures together in the Wood River Valley
We first met McKinley and Caroline last winter during the Wood River Valley skijoring competition. They won the couple’s division and finished second and third in the novice division.
“We won this buckle and the vest I’m wearing at the Wood River race,” said Potter. “It’s a fantastic race, the people who put it on are wonderful. That race will always be special to McKinley and I because we met there.”
The couple met two years ago at the competition, and this past summer, they got engaged.
“I’ve been riding since I was in grade school, and he’s been skiing since he was really young,” said Potter. “We both let each other do our thing, and as a team we really do well.”
Their story showcases how unique skijoring is, bringing together both the equine and skiing communities.
“Skijoring is the craziest and funnest sport in my opinion,” said Keener. “I just love it, it is a rush. The people are fantastic, and it is like nothing else I have ever done,” said Potter.
This duo looks forward to competing in their own backyard, as it will allow friends and family to watch them in action. Skijor Boise will happen at the beginning of February, and the Wood River event will follow it in mid-February.
“We hope everyone can come out and watch,” said Potter. “It is a wonderful time, there is never a dull moment at a skijor race. I highly recommend it to come out and maybe even try it.”
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