Still growing
It’s at a slower pace than in previous years, but growth in Kootenai County continuing
Shelly Enderud has traveled the country as president of the Association of Public Treasurers.
She sees the evidence of economic downturn in many places she visits.
But not so much when she’s riding her bike around Post Falls. Though development has slowed, the city finance director still sees new homes and new businesses under construction.
While more than 130 cities throughout the state saw little or no growth last year, many towns in Kootenai County continued to grow, though some at a slower pace than previous years.
Post Falls’ population grew at a higher rate than neighboring Coeur d’Alene – 4.1 percent compared to 2.9 percent.
Rathdrum and Spirit Lake each grew by more than 5 percent in 2007.
Statewide, the population grew at a slower pace than in 2006 and that was the case in Post Falls, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake, too.
Enderud believes North Idaho hasn’t been affected by the economy as much as other areas. Growth is still in the forecast for Post Falls, she said, but not as dramatic as in prior years.
Home sales have slowed, she said, and housing prices have dropped. But there’s still activity.
The city recently had a study done looking at Post Falls subdivisions and whether those subdivisions would bring in enough taxes to allow the city to keep up with growth and expand city services.
“As we continue to grow, we’re trying to grow smartly to ensure we aren’t going to have to cut services,” Enderud said.
The city is also looking hard at Urban Renewal Areas within Post Falls. The city can’t tax new growth in those areas and Enderud said the city is facing the challenge of servicing those areas without the tax income.
“With growth, you’d hope come the tax dollars and the businesses that help support the city,” she said. She said the city has been fortunate to see growth in industry, especially in high-tech businesses that bring high-paying jobs.
According to the census figures, Idaho grew in 2007 by 35,500 residents.
The Department of Labor is predicting the growth statewide to slow as the economy slows. In 2001 through 2003, the state’s population grew by 1.6 percent due to a national recession, according to the Department of Labor.
In the years since, the state has grown by 2 percent more.
Star, a Boise suburb, was the fastest-growing city in Idaho in 2007, with an increase of 17.7 percent. That was a bit slower pace than 2006 when Star grew by 44 percent.