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Hayden council votes 3–1 to publish notice for urban renewal expansion; hearing set for Nov. 18
Summary
The council authorized publication of a public-hearing notice on Oct. 7 to consider a first amendment expanding the Hayden Urban Renewal revenue allocation area by roughly 19 acres to include five nodes; staff estimated the amendment would add about $19,232 in total increment and listed potential projects including intersections, a civic center, and park improvements.
Hayden, Idaho — The Hayden City Council voted 3–1 on Oct. 7 to publish a public-hearing notice for a proposed first amendment to the Hayden Urban Renewal Capital Improvement Plan that would expand the city’s revenue allocation area by roughly 19 acres and five nodes. The hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18; staff said publication must be submitted by Oct. 10.
Staff member Lisa and consultants Megan Conrad (legal counsel) and Olivia Metz (feasibility/eligibility author) outlined a process that began with council direction in March 2024, an eligibility report adopted in September 2024 and an economic feasibility analysis completed in January 2025. Planning & Zoning reviewed the draft Oct. 6 and found it in general conformance with the comprehensive plan.
The amendment would add roughly 19.0 acres to the revenue allocation area and, according to staff, is estimated to generate about $19,232 in total increment over the remainder of the district’s life (Lisa clarified that this is total increment, not an annual figure, and staff gave an approximate per‑year equivalent of about $7,000 over the remaining term). Counsel told the council that the full revenue-allocation area is estimated to generate roughly $6.2 million over the remaining fiscal term, subject to assumptions in the feasibility analysis.
The plan’s project list includes road and intersection improvements (the stated primary purpose of the expansion), and also identifies higher-cost possibilities such as a civic center, city-hall upgrades and McIntyre Park improvements. Consultants and council members repeatedly emphasized that listing a project in the plan does not automatically allocate funds or commit the city to constructing that project; any large undertaking would return to council for separate approvals, funding decisions and public hearings.
Legal counsel Megan Conrad summarized statutory requirements for notice and timing, including that if the amendment is approved before Dec. 31, 2025 the amendment area’s base year would be Jan. 1, 2025. Counsel also explained general procedures at district termination and noted that unencumbered surplus funds are typically distributed back to overlapping taxing districts as part of termination planning.
Several council members asked how long the city might have to use HERA-generated funds before the district closes and whether grants or other funding would be required to complete large projects. Staff said at least one intersection project is nearly fully designed and could move forward if funds are available; consultants said the agency’s plan lists projects to preserve flexibility and to show the economic feasibility with higher-cost items included.
Council member Sandy (speaking against the motion) said she would vote no because the special meeting limited public review time and the plan’s focus had shifted beyond roads to include more costly projects without clear answers on long-term management and taxpayer obligations. The council’s roll call on the motion to publish was: Council member Schaeffer — yes; Council member White — no; Council President Rotor — yes; Council member Dupree — yes. The motion passed 3–1.
Staff will submit the notice for publication and return to council with the formal ordinance and any additional information before the Nov. 18 public hearing. The publication itself will include maps, legal descriptions and the statutorily required method-of-findings and project lists.
