Today marks the first day people are able to file paperwork to run for the Meridian City Council in November’s election. In Meridian, we elect City Council members by seats for four years. A few weeks ago, we held a Town Hall about how to run for City Council. You can find relevant information from that event, as well as the requirements and process to become a candidate on our website, HERE.  Additionally, you can find information at the Ada County Information for Candidates webpage HERE.

You may ask, what is the role of City Council? Generally, Meridian City Council is responsible to set the policies and budgets for the City based on the representative needs of the community, and to hear and decide on land use applications. The role of City Council is an important job, and one in which decisions can have long-lasting impacts and help shape the vision and future direction of the community.

If interested in serving the community on City Council, I encourage you to reach out and do your research to learn more about the Council role, the time commitment and any other questions you may have. I think you will find plenty of resources throughout the community to help you learn more. 

Additionally, you may have heard that the 2020 census established Meridian’s population at 117,635. This means that under Idaho law, we will begin electing our City Council members by District in the 2023 election. You may want to learn more about this future impact if you are considering running for City Council.

As I mentioned, one of the City Council’s primary responsibilities is the budget. Last week, they approved a $185 million budget for the next fiscal year. The approved budget includes significant capital investments with a new police precinct building, a fire station planned for northwest Meridian, another fire station in southeast Meridian, the next phase of Discovery Park, and several Public Works water and sewer projects – to name a few of the items. These facilities are important for the community in order to help maintain the service we provide to the community and I want to say thank to the City Council for their support of budget. 

Ultimately, as we head into this fall and the November election, I encourage each and every one of you to take the time to learn about those who file. If you are new to Meridian, make sure you are registered to vote, you know where your polling place is, and exercise your right to vote. The more knowledgeable, vested and engaged our residents are in who they elect, the more likely it is that Meridian stays the west premier city to live, work and raise a family.