The Hayden City Council held a special meeting on October 7, 2025, primarily focused on the expansion of the Urban Renewal District and the associated public input process. The meeting began with a discussion regarding the Urban Renewal Agency's past actions, particularly concerning the purchase and demolition of the Owl Cafe, which raised concerns among council members about the agency's communication with the council.

A council member questioned the assurance that the Urban Renewal Agency would consult the city council on future projects, such as the civic center and park developments. This prompted a call for clarity on the agency's engagement with the council moving forward.

The council then moved to an action item regarding the publication of a public hearing notice for the first amendment to the Hayden Urban Renewal Capital Improvement Plan. The intent was to allow the public to provide input on the proposed expansion of the district. A motion was made to publish the notice, which received a second and led to further discussion.

During the deliberation, one council member expressed concerns about the speed of the decision-making process, arguing that the public had not been given sufficient time to review the proposed changes. They emphasized the need for careful consideration of costs, management, and accountability before proceeding.

Despite the concerns raised, the motion to publish the public hearing notice passed with a roll call vote: three members voted in favor, while one member opposed it. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of the session. The council's next steps will involve further discussions and public engagement regarding the Urban Renewal District expansion.