Coeur d'Alene Tribe Seeks Sublease from University of Idaho at Harbor Center

During the City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, a significant discussion centered around a proposed sublease agreement involving the University of Idaho and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. The council considered consenting to a sublease for a portion of the Harbor Center facility, which has been leased by the University of Idaho since 2002.

The University of Idaho currently holds a master lease for the Harbor Center, which has undergone several amendments to extend its duration. The latest amendment, effective July 1, 2013, extends the lease until June 30, 2028. The university has requested permission to sublease the first floor of the South Wing of the Harbor Center, previously occupied by Lewis and Clark State College (LCSC), which vacated the space on June 30, 2025.

The proposed sublease would allow the Coeur d'Alene Tribe to utilize the space for tribal government services, enhancing accessibility for community support and outreach efforts. The term of the sublease, if approved, would run from August 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, coinciding with the end of the university's lease.

City officials noted that the sublease would not have any financial impact on the city, as the university has consistently paid a nominal rental fee of $10 per year since the inception of the lease. Furthermore, the city currently has no plans for the vacated space, making the sublease a practical solution that fosters goodwill between the city, the university, and the tribe.

The council's approval of this sublease is seen as a positive step towards strengthening relationships within the community and supporting the tribal government's initiatives. As discussions continue, the council remains focused on ensuring that the agreement aligns with the city's interests and community needs.