I was invited to talk about LCDC last week, one of my favorite topics. The Coeur d'Alene Board of Realtors asked both Dan Gookin and me to present information and answer their questions.  Tony Berns, Executive Director of the LCDC, was brought in for the second hour of the two hour brown-bag lunch, to share his differing perspective. 

Dan and I are both concerned citizens and were happy to speak with this group because we are seeking responsible changes to the way LCDC operates. Our current mayor and city council are supposed to oversee the urban renewal agency but have taken no action. Tony Berns is the sole employee of LCDC and is among the highest paid public officials in the state, making more than even the Governor.  It's unlikely that Tony wants any changes to LCDC; he's probably happy with the status quo. So we had quite divergent viewpoints to offer.

Our contrasting ideas were not allowed in the room at the same time, however.  We were asked to keep both our presence and our presentations separate. It would have been great to have an open, public conversation with Tony on the important issue of urban renewal, but maybe next time. 

The realtors were quite attentive and interested in both the positive and negative impacts of LCDC.  They asked some astute questions and quickly understood the tax repercussions of the 4.3% increase in property taxes for Kootenai County residents, with the total 10% property tax increase for CdA citizens, caused by urban renewal.

One aspect of LCDC that grabbed special attention was the issue of jobs.

Urban renewal can be a strong tool for attracting jobs. Post Falls' urban renewal agency stated at a forum last spring that its main focus is to bring in jobs.  By contrast, CdA's Mayor Bloem told LCDC at last year's retreat that, "Your #1 goal is to acquire property".  The temporary construction jobs and seasonal, entry level positions that have been created by LCDC's projects are not careers for people who want to live here long term.

But now there's some new hope on the subject of jobs. Our local Job Service has been awarded a $250,000 federal Regional Innovation Grant to study and promote job creation in the five northern counties of Idaho.  Way to go! 

Last week, I attended the first meeting of the community group invited to work on this grant.  There were about 50 people filling the Job Service conference room. The group was made up in large part by educators, business people and resource providers like Jobs Plus, the Small Business Development Center and more.

The energy in the room was positive; people seemed aware of the urgent need for action.  I love meeting with business people because they get right to the point and have a clear commitment to problem solving.  That's why I have high hopes for this group; I expect this mix of people to generate a realistic plan that will offer diverse help all over our northern counties.  We need serious answers.

Maybe LCDC can learn from this grant also. Perhaps they can start to attract businesses with long term jobs.  We need to find a better balance in our community to protect citizens' futures and promote year round residents who want to become part of our wonderful North Idaho lifestyle.  Yes, there is hope, but only if we work together to refocus assets and energies toward our essential need for good, career level jobs.