House Local Gov’t convenes for first time this session, takes up urban renewal bills

Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, has convened the committee she chairs - the House Local Government Committee - for the first time this session, to consider introducing seven urban renewal bills, many of them challenging the entire urban renewal concept. “Fasten your seatbelts - it’s probably going to be a bumpy ride,” Barrett declared. The committee meeting room is close to full.

First up is lobbyist Scott Turlington, who said he represents the Meridian Urban Renewal District and was presenting “at the request of Rep. Moyle.” Turlington said he’s proposing legislation in “an effort to really reach some compromise on these issues.”