MERIDIAN, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho's second-largest city is prospering, so says its mayor, Robert Simison.
Simison delivered his second State of the City address at the Galaxy Event Center Tuesday afternoon.
“The state of Meridian is strong," the mayor said. "Our public safety is there in times of need and to protect our civil liberties. We have common sense fiscal management of the valuable taxpayer dollars we are entrusted with. We are committed to the infrastructure improvements necessary to provide efficient and effective services. All of which contribute to the premier quality of life we all enjoy."
Not surprisingly, the mayor touched many times on growth and mentioned the need for two joint police and fire stations in south Meridian and one in north Meridian.
“We need to bring down our response times to meet our current goals," Simison said. "And that means doing the right thing to deliver the services our current residents expect and demand."
As part of an update on development occurring in downtown, Simison mentioned the hope for a new Community Center in the heart of Meridian.
“I believe a downtown, central location for an enhanced community center is essential for our residents. If it is not included as part of a proposal, we will be focusing on developing our own plans for a much-needed new facility in the upcoming budget,” said Mayor Simison. “This is an important part of our downtown’s future.”
You can watch the mayor's full speech below.
MERIDIAN – Under the theme Believe in Meridian, Mayor Robert Simison delivered his second State of the City address at the Galaxy Event Center. The event was hosted by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Albertsons.
“The State of Meridian is strongOur public safety is there in times of need and to protect our civil liberties. We have common sense fiscal management of the valuable taxpayer dollars we are entrusted with. We are committed to the infrastructure improvements necessary to provide efficient and effective services. All of which contribute to the premier quality of life we all enjoy,” said Mayor Simison, City of Meridian.
Mayor Simison began his speech with gratitude to the City of Meridian’s employees. He announced that Meridian was recognized by the ETC Institute with a ‘Leading the Way Award.’ The award recognizes local governments that rank in the top 10% of all U.S. communities with regard to resident satisfaction and the overall quality of local government services, customer service, and the value provided for local taxes and fees. “Our employees take pride not just in the work they do, but how they do it. I believe in them. I believe in Meridian,” said Mayor Simison.
Simison also spoke about the three high-priority issues identified in the 2020 City Survey – transportation, growth, and education. “I was not surprised to see these issues as opportunities for improvement because these are the same issues from previous surveys and when I was campaigning,” said Mayor Simison. “I remain committed to making each of these areas a priority, and bringing solutions, not excuses as Mayor, because that is what the community is asking for.”
With transportation being one of the top concerns for Meridian residents, Mayor Simison discussed many road improvement projects underway along with Meridian’s number one road priority project – construction of the Linder Road Overpass. Although the Linder Road Overpass will need to be completed by Idaho Transportation Department and Ada County Highway District, the Meridian City Council recently approved $2.5 million to spur the bridge construction and also launched a task force that is committed to furthering this project. “This group will help build the needed community support. When the time is right, I will ask for your voice, time, and talent to help make this project a reality,” said Mayor Simison.
As part of the speech, Mayor Simison focused on the needs he is presenting in the upcoming city budget, including two joint police and fire stations: one in South Meridian and one in North Meridian. Mayor Simison says his budget proposes the police and fire station planned to open in 2025 needs to be built alongside the one planned to open in 2023, helping to address response times for service throughout the community. “We need to bring down our response times to meet our current goals. And that means doing the right thing to deliver the services our current residents expect and demand,” said Mayor Simison.
The Mayor pointed to the collected impact fees to help cover the cost of these facilities, noting that Meridian has been saving before spending. “We are lean so we can bring on the needed police, fire and other personnel timely to deliver these services,” said Mayor Simison.
Mayor Simison mentioned his support in establishing new urban renewal areas that will bring both investment and family-wage jobs to Meridian. “These districts matter because urban renewal works. Look at what is occurring at Ten Mile and in downtown. The jobs, which are now located at Ten Mile, are a direct result of the district,” said Mayor Simison.
An update was provided by Mayor Simison about how the City plans to move forward in electing City Council members by district in the 2023 elections, and how the City will be impacted by the property tax relief bill passed by the legislature. “For Meridian, so long as we are willing to focus development in our growth priority areas, we should be able to provide city services as planned under the legislation”, Mayor Simison said regarding property tax legislation.
As part of an update on development occurring in downtown, Mayor Simison mentioned the hope for a new Community Center in the heart of Meridian. “I believe a downtown, central location for an enhanced community center is essential for our residents. If it is not included as part of a proposal, we will be focusing on developing our own plans for a much needed new facility in the upcoming budget,” said Mayor Simison. “This is an important part of our downtown’s future.”
As the Mayor looks to Meridian’s future, he described a change in Meridian’s demographics. The population of residents 65 and over has increased from 8.3% to 12.7%. Mayor Simison announced his intention of making Meridian an AARP Livable Community. “Through the age-friendly program, AARP helps participating communities become more livable and age-friendly by creating safer and more walkable streets, needed housing and transportation options, better access to key services, and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities.” The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities provides a structured process that guides change and serves as a catalyst to educate, encourage, promote and recognize improvements that benefit residents of all ages and life stages.
The City of Meridian has more information regarding many of the Mayor's updates in the online annual report. You can view highlights and accomplishments, and other City news from 2020 at https://meridiancity.org/mayor/annualreport.
Before wrapping up, the Mayor also noted the challenges of the past year, and encouraged the community to focus on civility moving forward, sharing that “the responsibility lies with all of us if we are to be the community we say we are and desire to be – the premier place to live, work and raise a family.”
In concluding, the Mayor also announced this year’s Legacy Award recipient. The award is presented to a Meridian resident or business person who has contributed to the betterment of Meridian in a variety of capacities over a number of years. Mayor Simison recognized Toni Smith, for a lifetime of involvement in Meridian and dedication to the youth throughout the Treasure Valley. “This year's Legacy Award winner isn't a stranger to the Meridian Chamber or the community,” said Mayor Simison. “Most recently this year's winner played a role in the Chamber's first Job Shadowing Day in Meridian, and coordinated a school backpack program. What really caught my eye was how instrumental she was in starting the Meridian Chamber Scholarship Program, which awards seven students in the Treasure Valley with a 1,000 dollar scholarship - a true Legacy project.”
Video of the Mayor’s State of the City speech can be viewed here. A copy of Mayor Simison’s State of the City speech and the video will be posted here on Thursday, June 3, 2021.
This year's presenting sponsor is Albertsons. Supporting Sponsors for the event include: First Interstate Bank, Galaxy Event Center, TDS, Idaho Power, CBH Homes, CapEd Credit Union, Bright Bank, Sparklight, Intermountain Gas Company, D.L. Evans Bank, United Heritage Insurance, Power Engineers, ICOM, All American Insurance, and Citi.
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