Commission hears 20-year capital facilities plan: $131M in projects, funding gaps noted

Commissioners reviewed the draft capital facilities plan, a 20-year overview that informs the city's six-year capital program and budget priorities.

Commissioner Leah Stusi, who participated in capital planning meetings, told the commission the plan accounts for anticipated growth and detailed a range of facility needs. She said the city currently manages roughly 55 miles of roadway and expects population growth that could push the city to about 21,000 residents (about 50% growth from current figures). "The biggest takeaway from this is about 25%, 24%, of all these projects that the city wants and needs to do, we don't know where the funding is gonna come from," Stusi said.

Leah outlined the plan's cost estimates: total capital projects in present-day dollars are listed at over $131,000,000 with an annual average near $6,550,000. She noted the city is evaluating options for financing roads and other major projects through existing taxes and grants, and that some projects (for example Sprague) are scheduled later to reduce long-term costs.

The commission discussed facility reconfigurations tied to budget and service needs, including moving City Hall to the Legacy Church building and repurposing the existing library and police space. Staff described the CFP approval timeline: council review on April 12, revision by May, then transmittal to the Department of Commerce for additional review.

Commissioners were asked to assist with broader public engagement on priorities as the plan enters the budget cycle. No final adoption occurred at the meeting; the plan will go before council for formal consideration.