A successful year for ignite cda

COEUR d’ALENE — The annual report for ignite cda cites several successes in 2023 and its director believes this year’s outlook is just as promising.

“Ignite cda is optimistic that the national, regional and local economies will experience decreased volatility which will help to encourage continued economic development throughout the CDA community,” wrote Tony Berns, ignite cda's executive director.

The 17-page report of the city’s urban renewal agency lists several Lake District initiatives that were completed last year, including the sale of Atlas Project Area 13 to Boise-based developer deChase-Miksis; completion of public site improvements for the new location of the Museum of North Idaho at McEuen Park at the base of Tubbs Hill; and completion of public improvements at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce building.

In 2021, ignite cda agreed to partner with the city to fund agency-approved project initiatives in the Lake District. Those completed in 2023 included a playground gazebo and sidewalk repairs at McEuen Park totaling $200,000, Seltice Way conduit to run fiber to Atlas Park for $35,000 and stair improvements at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library for $50,000.

The continued development of the Atlas mill site, with homes, apartments and condominiums, is moving along well, Berns said. 

 As part of the reclamation effort, the mountain of  bark, sawdust and other debris from decades of industrial mill use known as “Mt. Hink” was moved from the Atlas property to the Idaho Transportation Department Ramsey Road site.

It was a roughly $5 million project.

Also in 2023, 26-year ignite cda board member Brad Jordan resigned.

“The agency heavily relied on Mr. Jordan’s insights for many strategic decisions over the years, helping to leverage public funds with private equity to create immense value for the community,” the report said.  “Coeur d’Alene is a better place because of his public service.”

Mic Armon, who previously served on the agency board for nine years, returned in May. 

Looking ahead, ignite cda looks to continue to partner with stakeholders to encourage connectivity of existing and new public space; continue efforts to secure long-term public access to the Spokane River waterfront and continue to leverage public funds to create new public space, according to the report.

“The agency’s presence, practices and functionality continues to be recognized by community leaders as both a key economic development catalyst for the Coeur d’Alene area, as well as an organization that creates great overall public value for the citizens in the community,” the report said.

    Jordan