Garden City Mayor Bill Jacobs opened his first State of the City address Tuesday night with a series of concrete proposals aimed at bolstering public safety, expanding recreation and improving essential infrastructure for the growing community.
Public‑safety levy and Greenbelt upgrades
Jacobs said he will place a public‑safety levy on the May 2027 ballot. The levy would fund two major initiatives: converting the entire Garden City Greenbelt to a concrete surface and hiring three additional police officers. The new officers would provide dedicated bike patrols along the Greenbelt during its busiest months and, for the rest of the year, focus on community policing, overtime reduction and better scheduling for existing staff.
The mayor highlighted a recent evaluation that found roughly 65 % of the city’s Greenbelt is in poor or very poor condition, creating a service gap as the trail’s popularity rises. He promised a robust public‑discussion period before the May vote, ensuring residents have clear information to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Kissler Park – a legacy project
In addition to the levy, Jacobs announced plans for Kissler Park, which will become Garden City’s largest park once completed. The Kissler family donated about 1.2 acres near North Glenwood Street and Riverside Drive for the project. The park is envisioned as a community gathering place that will serve generations of residents. Construction is slated to begin in 2028, with a fundraising campaign to support the effort.
Infrastructure and flood‑plain improvements
Jacobs also detailed ongoing infrastructure work. The city is pursuing FEMA adoption of an updated flood‑plain map, a change that could remove significant portions of Garden City from the flood‑plain designation, lowering costs for affected property owners and making future development more affordable.
Garden City recently received a $2 million grant to build a new municipal well. The grant will reduce the amount ratepayers must contribute while helping the city accommodate future growth. Other highlighted projects include water and sewer upgrades, a new pedestrian crossing at 43rd Street and Chinden Boulevard, expanded glass recycling, and updated rules for e‑bikes, e‑motorbikes and e‑scooters on the Greenbelt.
Economic development and Opportunity Zone
The mayor pointed to a nearly 20‑acre former Ada County Highway District property near Adams and 37th streets as a prime redevelopment opportunity. Garden City’s new federal Opportunity Zone, effective Jan. 1 2027 through Dec. 2036, covers roughly 55 % of the city, including this site. Jacobs said the designation is intended to attract additional housing, restaurants, retail and neighborhood services, further strengthening the local economy.
Local business leaders echoed the optimism. Garden City Chamber of Commerce Director Leslie Yoest described the past year as a “year of growth,” noting that about 35 businesses joined the Chamber last year—the largest influx since its founding. Yoest emphasized the desire to turn Garden City into a destination where visitors to attractions like Athletic Club Boise and the Park at Expo Idaho also support local merchants.
Next steps
Mayor Jacobs pledged continued community education about the Greenbelt and the upcoming levy, promising transparency and open dialogue. A full video of the address will be posted to the City of Garden City YouTube channel later this week.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
