A year of celebration is coming to Rexburg, according to local county and business leaders who gathered this morning for the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce State of Cities and County Breakfast. The annual event was held in the John Taylor Building at BYU-Idaho.
With the 100th anniversary of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce, the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam flood and the 250th anniversary of the United States, known as America250, community leaders outlined a year filled with events focused on celebration and commemoration.
BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III opened the meeting by emphasizing the university’s role as both an educational institution and a community gathering place.
“We feel that we have a very symbiotic relationship with the city and the county,” President Meredith said.
The university has seen enrollment growth of more than 2,000 students over the past two years and is focusing on three areas to manage that growth: campus capacity, housing and parking. President Meredith said BYU-Idaho is encouraging students to enroll in morning and late afternoon classes to better utilize campus space. He also addressed housing constraints and said the university is working with partners in Salt Lake City to secure funding for parking solutions.
President Meredith noted that enrollment is projected to decline following the recent change lowering the sister missionary age to 18, which he said will give the university time to address growth challenges.
Rexburg
Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill discussed the city’s rapid growth, with the population now estimated at nearly 46,000 almost double its 2010 population. About 85% of residents are under the age of 30.
Mayor Merrill highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining safety, noting Rexburg remains the safest city in Idaho. The city also manages a water system producing 2.4 billion gallons annually and maintains 83 miles of public roads.
Rexburg has partnered with Silver Star Communications to build Lightbridge, a fiber network providing high-speed internet to every resident at no cost.
“We are transitioning Rexburg from a town you just passed through to an economic hub where you put down roots,” Mayor Merrill said.
The Parks and Trails Committee will oversee construction of a new park near the Teton River this year. Additionally, the Madison County Commissioners and the Urban Renewal Agency have purchased the former Madison School District building on Main Street, which will be demolished as part of a downtown redevelopment project.
The Rexburg Tabernacle will also undergo restoration this year. Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys is scheduled to perform at the BYU-Idaho Center on Feb. 22 to help raise funds for the project.
Sugar City
Sugar City Mayor Steve Adams said his city is experiencing growth pressures similar to those at BYU-Idaho. Careful zoning updates have led to additional development, including large new facilities from Sunpro and Ancient Grains.
The city plans to continue working with housing developers while maintaining parks and improving public accessibility.
Madison County
Madison County Commissioner Dustin Parkinson highlighted county growth and infrastructure improvements. Over the past year, the county issued 186 building permits and created 164 new building lots. The sheriff’s office has expanded from 30 staff members in 2000 to 85 today.
“Communities and individuals do not thrive by accident. They thrive by generations before that were willing to plant seeds for trees they will never sit under the shade of,” Commissioner Parkinson said.
The county’s road and bridge team maintains 280 miles of paved roads, 56 miles of forest roads, and 52 bridges. The East Idaho Solid Waste District processes 33,000 tons of waste from Madison County each year, compared to 21,000 tons combined from the district’s three other counties. The district’s new landfill took its first load to the landfill in December.
Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Diane Bruce said the Chamber has added 111 new members over the past year. She said the focus for the coming year is ensuring members feel the value of their membership.
To support that goal, the Chamber has launched a new Ambassador Program and a business education series, which members can begin registering for today.
Rexburg Cultural Arts
Rexburg Cultural Arts Director Jed Platt shared plans for commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam flood. The Flood 50 initiative will focus on three pillars: remember, connect and serve.
In addition to the annual marathon, this year’s events will include a golf scramble, a 1970s-themed concert, a motorcycle rally, guided river floats and more.
“We invite you, your family, your business and the community you serve to help make Flood 50 a moment of service, preparation and shared purpose for a new generation,” Director Platt said.