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Idaho Falls redevelopment agency approves Willow Creek urban renewal plan
Summary
The board approved Resolution 2026-04 adopting the Willow Creek Urban Renewal Plan after staff presented an economic feasibility study showing developer-eligible costs of about $5.3 million and roughly $11.8 million in public improvements; staff said the plan passes the statutory 10% test (~1.8%) and would terminate revenue allocation on Dec. 31, 2046.
The Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency on May 21 unanimously approved Resolution 2026-04 to adopt the Willow Creek Urban Renewal Plan, clearing the way for developer participation agreements and future public improvements.
Megan, the agency attorney/administrator, told commissioners the plan includes developer-estimated eligible project costs of about $5,300,000 and identifies approximately $11,800,000 in anticipated public improvements. "It is financially feasible," Brad said when summarizing the economic feasibility report prepared for the plan.
The plan outlines eligible activities including basalt removal and site remediation, structural fill, new rights-of-way and utility trenching and allows the agency to fund projects through participation or reimbursement agreements. Megan said the feasibility analysis used 2025 certified levy rates and showed the proposed district would remain under the statutory 10% valuation limit (about 1.8% by their estimate). She cautioned that two agricultural parcels will need agricultural operation consents before the plan is forwarded to city council and explained that those consents will be obtained or the boundary adjusted to exclude a parcel if necessary.
Developer Tyson Fitzgerald, who joined the meeting remotely, told the board he anticipates breaking ground before year-end and described the Aspen View Road as a critical arterial; he said infrastructure work including a bridge over a canal is planned to support the project timeline. On phasing and product mix, Tyson said the south portion is intended as "build-to-hold" apartments while the north is planned for townhome/condo "build-to-sell" products, adding the condo/townhome split and FHA compliance issues are still under review.
The resolution the board approved authorizes agency leaders to make technical corrections and to take actions necessary to circulate the plan to the city and, if adopted by city council, to move to owner participation or reimbursement agreements. The agency set the termination of revenue allocation authority for Dec. 31, 2046, with anticipated revenue in 2047.
The board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2026-04; the item will next be considered by the city council as part of the statutory process.
