Draft Comprehensive Plan Available

The County Planning Commission unveiled drafts of the first 10 chapters of the County Comprehensive Plan Update. The Chamber has been actively attending commission workshops on behalf of the membership. You can read the draft documents here: http://www.kcgov.us/departments/planning/newcompplan.asp. Members are encouraged to share their thoughts with the Chamber to guide its input to the planning commission and county commissioners. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the county regarding any input that may assist in ensuring business interests are heard.

Daily Roundup 1-9-08

Throughout the day I will utilize this space to provide links to key stories and information in the press, including The Spokesman-Review, Coeur d'Alene Press, and Idaho Statesman. And now, here's today's Roundup...

Idaho Ranked Last in Education: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13109

Workforce Housing: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13096

Grocery Tax Credit: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13089

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/boise/archive/?postID=6822

Governor's Aquifer Budget Request: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=226901

State of the State/Transportation: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/idaho/story.asp?ID=226793

http://www.idahostatesman.com/1306/story/258580.html

State Worker Benefits: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/boise/archive.asp?postID=6816#comments

Local Option: http://www.idahostatesman.com/1306/story/259345.html


More to come...

Rep. Sali Visits with Community and Chamber Leaders

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Sali met with community and Chamber leaders. Among the attendees were Mayor Bloem and Chamber Board Chair Barb Bradley. After an update from the Congressman on the affairs of Washington D.C. the Chamber presented an initial federal legislative agenda for the 1st District Representative. Among the issues discussed and that will be followed up on in D.C. during the Joint Chambers D.C. Trip were, Bridging the Valley, Inland Pacific Hub Funding, University Place (Education Corridor), Lake Management Funding, and Workforce Development. Registration for the D.C. Fly-In is now available on the Chamber website.

Chamber Unveils Transportation Survey

The Coeur d'Alene Chamber uveiled a survey of its membership Thursday and preliminary results are in. Thus far there is strong support for GARVEE, Local Option Sales Tax, and an increase in registration fees. All results will be available at the beginning of next week when the survey closes. In the meantime, additional information on the ITD budget shortfall can be obtained at the following link:http://itd.idaho.gov/revenue/ quick facts can be found on the left bar menu.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the transportation funding shortfall or the Chamber's legislative position, please email me at lucas@cdachamber.com

Mike Rush Submits PTE Funding Increase to the Governor

Mike Rush, State Administrator of the Division of Professional Technical Education met with Governor Otter today presenting his departments 2008 Budget Request which entails a substantial increase in PTE funding. The Chamber has responded by sending a letter in support of this request to the Governor and later will do the same to JFAC. Businesses are encourage to contact the Governor and JFAC members to voice your support for PTE funding.

State of the State Address, January 7th

Governor Otter is slated to give his second State of the State/Budget Address January 7th at 2:00 pm pacific time. As per usual the Chamber extends an invitation to a group viewing. This year's viewing will take place at Whisper's Lounge in the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Individuals will be responsible for their own food & drinks.

Urban Renewal Subject of Discussion at Joint Interim Land-Use Study Group Meeting Dec. 20th

The Joint Interim Land-Use Study Group will be convening in Boise December 20th to discuss Urban Renewal. At a previous meeting in December the group heard testimony regarding URA's with word coming out that Rep. Phil Hart of District 3 was entertaining a motion that would recommend legislation that would limit the life of URA districts more than current statute provides. In response the Chamber has submitted a letter for the record indicating our position in support of urban renewal as an effective economic development tool that should not be hindered in its current effectiveness. It seems that the meeting by this Study Group will not be taking testimony during the proceedings tomorrow raising concerns that URA's will be subject to ongoing assaults this legislative session.