Last week I delivered the 2025 State of the City Address. The event, hosted by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, brought together community leaders, business partners, and residents to reflect on Meridian’s key accomplishments, progress on major initiatives and hear about the challenges and opportunities for the future. Specifically, the address focused on how we are ensuring public safety, enhancing the quality of life, protecting taxpayer resources, and continuing to see job growth.

As transportation remains one of the communities’ top concerns, I provided updates on several high-impact projects and the benefit they will have to Meridian residents and business. Some of the projects are already under construction such as the Linder Road Overpass and the extension of Highway 16, both of which are expected to be completed in 2027. I also touched on a new variable speed corridor on Eagle Road, as well as safety and capacity upgrades to Meridian Road (Highway 69) which are expected to move forward later this year or in 2026.

Public safety continues to be a priority. Total offenses and group A per capita crime rates decreased in 2024, and that trend remains true in the first quarter of 2025.  We have also seen a 23-second reduction in travel times for our first responders in the last few months through the upgrades of the traffic control Opticom system. As a testament to these efforts, we were once again recognized as one of the safest cities in Idaho based on based on FBI crime data according to Safewise, and our School Resource Officer program is being recognized as a Model Agency next month by the National Association of School Resource Officers. Yet while we continue to remain safe, the challenges and needs to do so do not stop coming

To address current and future needs, I requested the City Council consider placing a levy for public safety on the November 2025 ballot.  If we are going to attract the best talent from the start and retain the people who we have made huge investments in, we need to increase the wages to our sworn officers. The levy also proposes funding to keep 13 firefighters that were hired with money from a federal grant and will enable the City to hire its own prosecution team. You can learn more about the levy request on the City’s information page about that plan to fund public safety.

Meridian’s quality of life and business-friendly climate continues to attract residents and investment. In 2024, the city added 4,500 new residents and more than 1,800 new jobs across hundreds of businesses. The average wage in Meridian rose to over $58,000, a nearly five percent increase. Additionally, the percentage of local jobs filled by local residents continues to increase, a reflection of intentional planning and strategic economic development. This growth has impacts, but it also brings opportunities for residents to have access to great amenities and shopping, and also for employment closer to home as businesses thrive.

As I focused on the future, I reiterated that our long-term economic success relies on meeting the healthcare needs of the region. Idaho ranks 50 out of 50 nationally when it comes to the number of physicians compared to population and to keep our economy and community thriving, we must improve this. With Idaho State University and Grand Canyon University making investments, as well as the opportunity that exists with the State of Idaho to purchase the Idaho College of Oesteopathic Medicine, Meridian has a bright future as the medical epicenter of Idaho.

Our partners are doing a great job of serving our community. With the opening of the newest Meridian Library District branch in south Meridian, roads being improved by the Ada County Highway District and the Idaho Transportation Department, collaboration with the Western Ada Recreation District and work being done by the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District, we are seeing investments and smart decisions to provide necessary services for residents and businesses to thrive.

I also spent time highlighting West Ada School District, recognizing its top statewide academic rankings in literacy, math, and science. I shared their plans to expand Career and Technical Education programming, and their support in awarding scholarships to local students.

One of the highlights of any State of the City is when we are able to celebrate the Legacy Award winner. This year it was bittersweet as the award was presented posthumously to Eva Plimmer, a 10-year-old whose service to the community has and will make a lasting impact. Through her vision and efforts of the community, a Ninja Warrior Course was opened last month at Discovery Park that will serve as a place of gathering for multiple generations.

Ultimately, the State of the City is stable, If we want to maintain premier services as a City, Valley and State, we must make investments in our kids, investments in businesses, investments in our infrastructure, and most importantly investments in our people. Now is the time for Meridian to invest.

The full 2025 State of the City Address is available to watch on the City of Meridian’s YouTube page.