There are many issues being dealt with in the legislature that impact our local businesses, economies and communities. Here are some of the most current and relevant that we are monitoring and getting involved in.

Local Option Tax: The local option tax continues to be a matter of serious debate.  Transportation and infrastructure funding and current downturns in the economy make this a critical issue. While there is still much debate, the consensus that seems to be forming within the Chamber Alliance is similar to what appeared in last year's legislation, H. 688.  

A questionnaire was recently sent out to all Chamber Alliance members to help us gage support we might have for Local Option Taxes, and what ideas might be viable as legislation in the upcoming session. We received replies from Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Garden City, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Mountain Home, Pocatello, Rathdrum and Twin Falls.  Below is a summary of the results.

1. Election Dates

Most favored a November election date of any year

2. Voter Thresholds

Support for 60% threshold with or without constitutional amendment, object to a supermajority (66.6%) with a constitutional amendment

3. Citizen Approval of Legislative Action

Preference for legislative approval rather than citizen initiative or constitutional amendment

4. Tax Rate

Favor a 1% upper limit, don’t want to leave to voter decision

5. Revenue Use

Strongly favor revenue use for any legal purpose approved by vote

6. Local Hearing or Other Requirements

Support a written plan with adoption of local ordinances required

7. Geographic Applicability

Divided between multi-city or multi-county approval or approval by city only

Transportation: The Governor's office has outlined a possible plan for transportation funding to move forward in the upcoming legislative session. The plan has several key elements, including stronger accountability within the Idaho Department of Transportation, a renewed focus on maintenance and capacity issues and adjustments to the way big trucks are registered in the state. The focus of this plan is to modernize our existing transportation systems, as well as keep up with maintenance on roads and bridges that have been neglected. Ensuring our infrastructure and transportation system is safe, efficient and diverse is the best way to help Idaho grow and succeed in an increasingly challenging economy.

Urban Renewal Districts:  Current legal issues suround urban renewal, and we are following along to help understand what may come legislatively. (Provides a brief summary of the legislative history of Urban Renewal Districts begining in 2000.) During the legislative interim, the Joint Interim Land Use Study Group discussed both annexation and urban renewal, and how to best deal with the challenges and concerns of URA's. Please check out the 2007 Legislative Updates for further information. We anticipate Counties and Cities bringing legislation to address some of the concerns brought up in the Study Group, and will track and post any further discussion or development regarding URD's.