Mayor's Youth Advisory Council cleans City Creek and hosts successful essential needs drive

The Pocatello City Council held a work session on May 8, 2025, focusing on various community initiatives and updates from advisory boards. The meeting began with a report from the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, which highlighted upcoming events, including two remaining meetings for the year and a community cleanup project at City Creek. The council expressed gratitude for the success of an essential needs drive, which resulted in two truckloads of donations for local food pantries.

Following this, updates were provided on housing developments by CECA, noting that two houses are nearing completion and additional lots are set to close soon. The council discussed the impact of recent layoffs in the LIHEAP energy efficiency program but confirmed that Meals on Wheels remains funded.

Council member updates included a report on the Historic Downtown Pocatello board, which discussed the economic landscape and the effects of the Center Street Underpass closure on local businesses. The audit committee reported that they are on track to meet the June deadline for the 2024 audit, following previous delays.

Transportation updates included the hiring of a new executive director for the Bannock Transportation organization, Devin Hillam, who will oversee the transportation improvement program and address ongoing projects. The council also discussed recent legislative changes affecting bike lanes and pedestrian areas, emphasizing their commitment to promoting multi-modal transportation options.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on community engagement, housing development, and transportation planning, with several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Pocatello. The next steps include continued collaboration on community projects and monitoring the impacts of new legislation on local transportation policies.