Disconnect

COEUR d’ALENE —  When CDA 2030 changed its name to Connect Kootenai last year, its goals included strengthening relationships, bolstering community engagement and sparking action.

While the nonprofit enjoyed some success, it didn’t translate into enough funding to keep the doors open.

The organization, formed in 2013, announced this week it would be closing this month, "amidst changing economic landscape."

"This decision did not come lightly. We are grateful for the hard work of our dedicated staff and the unwavering support of this amazing community throughout the years. However, current economic conditions compel us to make the responsible choice at this time,” said a press release from past Connect Kootenai board chair Sarah McCracken.

Greta Gissel, executive director, was disappointed but said she was "honored for the opportunity to have been part of this organization for the last year and a half and the dedication that we’ve had for the community and the connection in the community.”

McCracken said it had become more difficult to sustain financial support for Connect Kootenai. 

She said they tried to find a long-term funding mechanism but could not.

One hope was that the rebranding to Connect Kootenai and taking a regional approach would encourage donations, but it didn't pan out.

“Budgets are tight everywhere and we are not the only ones facing a challenge,” McCracken said. 

Its budget was just under $120,000, which paid for Gissel, the only full-timer, part-time executive assistant Tess Reasor and rent at The Innovation Den as well as other operational expenses.

It received contributions from the city of Coeur d’Alene, ignite cda, corporate sponsors and others. But over the years, donors became fewer and donations smaller.

McCracken said they depleted their reserves trying to maintain operations.

“When you’re on such a small budget, you don’t have a lot of cushion,” McCracken said. 

Since fiscal year 2014-15, the city contributed $391,250.

Hilary Patterson, city of Coeur d’Alene community planning director, said Connect Kootenai has played an instrumental role in the city’s planning for the past decade, particularly with its comprehensive plan.

Most recently, it boosted community participation with East Sherman Avenue revitalization efforts, Atlas waterfront development and workforce housing.

“It will be a great loss, for sure, to not have that organization to help us with the community engagement,” Patterson said.

The city of Coeur d’Alene's urban renewal agency, ignite cda, contributed $227,500 to CDA 2030/Connect Kootenai since 2013.

Tony Berns, ignite cda executive director, said it supported the nonprofit because its vision for Coeur d’Alene aligned with ignite’s. 

“Connect Kootenai’s vision and strategic planning included focusing on community, education, the environment, growth and development, health and safety, community collaboration and the overall economy; all critical elements for the long-term success of a community,” Berns said.

Over the last decade, Connect Kootenai worked on the Envision Plan with the city of Coeur d’Alene, Project Neighborly and Opening Books Opening Doors, all driven by community engagement.

“This strategic roadmap brought the community's shared vision to life through collaborative efforts with community partners and we hope those efforts continue in our absence,” the press release said.

Kiki Miller, Coeur d’Alene city councilwoman, said Connect Kootenai took the lead last year on housing from the Regional Housing and Growth Issues Partnership.  

Connect Kootenai made some progress, such as a plan to clear red tape for easier construction of additional dwelling units to create more housing options. Gissel also gave numerous presentations on rising housing costs and its impact on the community.

‘I think that was a really dedicated group that did a huge amount of outreach for the city of Coeur d’Alene,” Miller said.

Dan Gookin, Coeur d’Alene city councilman, questioned the role of Connect Kootenai.

“In recent years, it appeared to me as if Connect Kootenai was a solution looking for a problem,” he said. “I felt they’d be a better fit as a city committee, and I hope that the city considers this option for the future.”

Patterson also hopes that, perhaps, a task force of volunteers could be formed to fill the void of Connect Kootenai.

James Casper, current board chair, thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts over the years. 

“We all joined this organization with the intention of making positive impacts across the community, and we appreciate everyone who has been part of that collective effort,” he said.