Word on the Street

The Mayor's Missive | May 15, 2025

HOUSING PROPOSALS ARE EVALUATED, THE SOUTH YMCA LOT TO MOVE FORWARD

In response to our Request for Proposals (RFP) for housing solutions located at both the south YMCA parking lot and the Lift Tower Lodge, we received a total of five proposals for each site (a total of seven bidders). With council approval, we will move forward on awarding a contract for the site at the YMCA. The recommended proposal is primarily for families, including 25% moderate-income households, and requires tax credit equity, so it will rely on a successful application for federal tax credits later this year. There will be no award for the Lift Tower Lodge site at this time. We will look to undertake another RFP for Lift Tower Lodge in the future once we have completed more work on site preparation and a financial feasibility analysis.

FIRST HEARING ON E-BIKE ORDINANCE

After much council discussion, we will be holding a first hearing on the proposed change to the e-bike ordinance. This ordinance seeks to improve safety on the multi-use path and roadways by addressing reckless behavior. Although it will be good to have the ordinance in place, the key action will be the education of our visitors as well as our local community. In this regard, we will be initiating an education and outreach campaign to raise awareness of acceptable e-bike usage.

KETCHUM NEEDS YOU!

In November, there will be local elections for Ketchum Mayor and for two positions on the Ketchum City Council. Even though it is six months to go before those elections, I encourage anyone who is interested in serving their community to start formulating their plan for their election campaign. I have found it to be a wonderful experience and a serious responsibility to be a steward of our town. I am available to meet with anyone interested in finding out more about the roles and responsibilities of an elected official, so please feel free to contact me. Contested elections are important community conversations and provide an opportunity for candidates to articulate their values and their vision for our town. I will not be seeking re-election in November.

As the spring flowers, the soul revives. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Neil

To read the rest of Issue No. 175 of the Word on the Street, click here.