What's not to love? Ranking makes Cd'A shine

COEUR d’ALENE — On Valentine’s Day, Coeur d’Alene is basking in a different kind of adoration.

Fueled by job growth and higher wages, the Lake City’s ranking has skyrocketed in an annual listing of the nation’s best performing cities.

In the recently released report, “Best-Performing Cities: Where America’s Jobs are Created and Sustained,” Coeur d’Alene ranks fifth overall for small U.S. cities. Last year, Cd’A was ranked 29th in the same study.

“Coeur d’Alene has both one- and five-year job growth, as well as one-year wage growth. The leisure and hospitality sectors, in conjunction with a lower cost of living in the metro area, have created an additional appeal as a retiree community,” according to the study.

The report was published by the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank that publishes research applying market-based principles and financial innovations to social issues of cities in the U.S. and internationally.

Community leaders said the report underscores the alluring economic and quality of life distinctions that Coeur d’Alene possesses.

“Anytime you can get recognized for being a progressive, expanding, vibrant community it will draw attention to other companies and startups that may come to town and continue to foster that growth,” said Steve Wilson, president and CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce.

Despite significant growth over the past 20 years, Coeur d’Alene hasn’t lost its small town appeal that continues to make it an attractive destination, Wilson said.

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer said what puts the Lake City on the map in studies like the Milken report is its enviable quality of life.

“I think the driver of this is one word: Lifestyle. It’s a driver for economic prosperity,” the mayor said. “People love the lifestyle that Coeur d’Alene has and they want to live, work and play here.”

Community leaders said visionary planning goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity and applauded the efforts of groups like Coeur d’Alene 2030, a grassroots organization made up of a broad section of community interests and focused on developing a bright vision for the city’s future.

“It is interesting that Bend, Ore., and Coeur d’Alene placed in the Top 10 Best-Performing Small Cities,” said CDA 2030 executive director Nicole Kahler. “Both cities have a comprehensive community vision and action plan with a nonprofit organization held responsible for moving the community’s vision and plan forward.”

Organizations like CDA 2030 and Bend 2030, Kahler added, encourage community foresight and collaboration, while empowering citizens and partners to contribute to and achieve their vision.

“We have preserved our small town character and heritage, strengthening our neighborhoods while improving our downtown and commercial districts,” Kahler said. “Our area remains affordable and has expanded economic opportunities.”

The Milken report also offered these notable trends in Coeur d’Alene: From 2014 to 2017, single-family housing permits increased nearly 72 percent. Over the same time frame the metro area — including the neighborhood cities of Post Falls, Hayden and Rathdrum — saw an 11,000-person population increase.

Kahler said broad-based community support and partnerships in the visionary process will continue to foster growth and prosperity.

“Our community’s aspirations are realized by its engaged citizens in collaboration with the public and private sectors,” she said. “We are proud of our values and are committed to our future and the legacy we celebrate.”