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Idaho Falls council approves eligibility report for Narrows Urban Renewal District
Summary
The Idaho Falls City Council accepted an eligibility report finding seven statutory criteria met for the proposed Narrows Urban Renewal District and authorized the redevelopment agency to draft a district plan; the report estimates the capture would include about 1.52% of city valuation (estimated 1.87% using 2025 numbers), under statutory limits.
The Idaho Falls City Council voted Jan. 22 to approve an eligibility report that clears the way for staff and the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency to prepare a formal Narrows Urban Renewal District plan.
Community Development staff introduced the item and consultant Brad Kramer walked the council through the 15 statutory criteria that determine eligibility for tax‑increment financing. Kramer reported that seven criteria were met for the proposed study area, calling out inadequate street layout, challenging topography and observed insanitary/unsafe conditions among the primary drivers for eligibility. He told the council the eligibility report used 2024 valuation data and found the study area represented about 1.52% of the city's taxable valuation; Kramer added that preliminary 2025 values would push that estimate to roughly 1.87% — both figures are well under the statutory capture limit.
Kramer emphasized that approving the eligibility report does not obligate the council to create a district; rather it authorizes the redevelopment agency to draft an improvement plan and an economic feasibility study that would update valuation numbers and include specific public projects and financing plans. The Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency previously reviewed and approved the eligibility report on Sept. 18, 2025.
Council members asked clarifying questions about owner consent, the statutory 10% cap on valuation capture and next steps. Staff explained property owners are not required to consent unless a parcel is agricultural or otherwise explicitly protected by statute; the next steps are plan drafting, an economic feasibility study and further public hearings before any formal district creation.
The council approved the resolution accepting the eligibility report and authorized staff and the redevelopment agency to proceed with plan drafting and subsequent hearings.
