Idaho Falls commission approves resolution validating River Walk urban renewal plan to target redevelopment sites
November 05, 2025 | Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho
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The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 5 approved a resolution validating the River Walk urban renewal plan, a step that allows the city to use tax-increment financing (TIF) to support redevelopment on three targeted infill sites. Staff and the plan's consultant emphasized that shallow basalt/lava rock and site remediation costs are the principal barriers to development in the area; blasting and remediation costs make projects financially marginal without assistance.
What the plan does: The urban renewal proposal focuses on three specific sites near the Snake River corridor identified as ready for near-term development (hotel first, then an office project and a mixed-use retail/residential site). The plan uses tax increment financing to reimburse eligible remediation and public-infrastructure costs over a maximum 20-year district life; staff said Idaho Falls historically has been conservative with TIF and expects developers to pay upfront costs and be reimbursed by future increment.
Why it matters: The sites are near existing utilities and major streets but have historically underperformed because of high remediation costs. TIF is intended to unlock infill development without raising property tax rates; the consultant emphasized the plan's conformity with ImagineIF (the city's comprehensive plan) goals for infill, connectivity, and reuse of existing infrastructure.
Commission action: After presentation and Q&A on financing mechanics and statutory constraints, the commission voted to approve the resolution validating the plan as consistent with the comprehensive plan. Staff said the target date for council consideration is Dec. 18, and the plan package includes an economic-feasibility study showing the anticipated tax increment can support the identified public costs.
Next steps: The plan will be transmitted as required by state law and brought forward to City Council for any further approvals or financing steps. Developers who fund remediation will look for reimbursement as taxable increment is generated by future private development.
What the plan does: The urban renewal proposal focuses on three specific sites near the Snake River corridor identified as ready for near-term development (hotel first, then an office project and a mixed-use retail/residential site). The plan uses tax increment financing to reimburse eligible remediation and public-infrastructure costs over a maximum 20-year district life; staff said Idaho Falls historically has been conservative with TIF and expects developers to pay upfront costs and be reimbursed by future increment.
Why it matters: The sites are near existing utilities and major streets but have historically underperformed because of high remediation costs. TIF is intended to unlock infill development without raising property tax rates; the consultant emphasized the plan's conformity with ImagineIF (the city's comprehensive plan) goals for infill, connectivity, and reuse of existing infrastructure.
Commission action: After presentation and Q&A on financing mechanics and statutory constraints, the commission voted to approve the resolution validating the plan as consistent with the comprehensive plan. Staff said the target date for council consideration is Dec. 18, and the plan package includes an economic-feasibility study showing the anticipated tax increment can support the identified public costs.
Next steps: The plan will be transmitted as required by state law and brought forward to City Council for any further approvals or financing steps. Developers who fund remediation will look for reimbursement as taxable increment is generated by future private development.
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