Public invited to shape city’s future

BONNERS FERRY — The city of Bonners Ferry is updating its comprehensive plan and wants the community to have an active part in deciding how the city looks, functions, and serves the needs of its residents as the future brings change.

On Saturday, June 4, city consultants and community volunteers will have a booth at the farmers market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide information and activities for the community to help shape the overall direction of the plan.

Those who participate may also enter a raffle to win a gift certificate at a local downtown business. Later that afternoon from 3-5 p.m., a public workshop will be held at the Boundary County School District board meeting room, 7188 Oak St.

At the workshop, participants will be invited to work with other community members to help determine long-range priorities.

A requirement by the sate of Idaho, a comprehensive plan is a long-range vision of 20 years that establishes goals and policies for nearly everything Bonners Ferry does. It is intimately tied to zoning and other regulations that govern land development throughout the city.

“This is where the ‘rubber meets the road’ for community planners,” said City Administrator Lisa Ailport. “Comprehensive planning is how your current and future leadership and staff respond to growth pressures in the future. Consider getting involved or at least providing your thoughts so that the community can benefit from your participation.”

The June 4 events represent the first broad public engagement effort for shaping the comprehensive plan, following initial workshops and input by the Plan’s Advisory Committee members, the City Planning and Zoning Commission and City Elected Leadership.

Further engagement efforts are anticipated to include a community survey, Boundary County Fair booth and subsequent public meetings, including a public hearing. The plan is anticipated to be completed by early 2023.

For more information and to sign up to receive plan updates via email, please visit the plan webpage at https://bonnersferry.id.gov/compplan or contact plan consultant Aaron Qualls at 509-835-3770, ext. 325; or by email at aaron.qualls@scjalliance.com.