by Tammy deWeerd
January is the start of a new year, when we set new goals and resolutions. As we usher in this new year, I’m focused on preparing my State of the City address. We are a thriving community with much to celebrate!
2016 was a banner year for Meridian – a year that began with big news as Governor Butch Otter announced the state’s first medical school would be built in Meridian. I’m excited to bring you more details about the proposed Idaho College of Medicine’s plans for 2017.
This past year we welcomed many new businesses to Downtown Meridian including Frankie’s Java, Gallery Coffee, and Blue Sky Bagels. The Meridian Boys and Girls Club ribbon cutting for a new gymnasium and teen center in our downtown was an unforgettable moment for our community—furthering our commitment to youth in Meridian.
We added more recreation amenities! We recently celebrated the grand re-opening of the Homecourt facility off Franklin road which gives residents more options for indoor recreation. Tully Park received a new addition that has residents excited and it was instantly a success—an outdoor gym! It was a unique project lead by the next generation—the Meridian Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Looking ahead to 2017, the Meridian Parks and Recreation department will be busy, with three new parks planned to open. I’ll have more information about these parks in my State of the City address.
We also saw businesses expand in 2016. AmeriBen held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new company headquarters at Ten Mile, and there’s more to come! I’m excited to tell you more about the plan in that area, regarding mixed use developments and what we can expect to see in 2017.
Finally, this year we celebrated a unique partnership called “The Hill” in South Meridian—that includes a combination of education, health, and recreation with the Treasure Valley Family YMCA, the West Ada School District, the City, and St. Luke’s.
So what’s next? We have many projects to build upon in 2017. Please join me for this year’s State of the City address to learn more about what’s in store for our community. We also have the Taste of Meridian following my address. It’s a chance to sample some of the great restaurants that call Meridian home. I look forward to seeing you in February!
Mayor Tammy’s State of the City Address presented by Syringa Networks is Wed, Feb. 8 at 3:59 p.m. at Meridian Middle School. The State of the City address is free and open to the public. The Taste of Meridian Reception to follow is $10 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: meridiancity.org/sotc
