Business View Civil & Municipal Apr-2023

164 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 closely with local businesses to help them succeed and create a prosperous community for all.” The City of Eagle has always been deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community, a sentiment that Mayor Jason Pierce believes sets the city apart. “We strive to maintain that small-town feel and provide our residents with a wealth of opportunities and resources right here in Eagle,” he explains. “Our location at the heart of the Treasure Valley, with easy access to the mountains, foothills, and river, offers a unique blend of experiences you won’t find in other nearby communities.” Eagle’s economic development strategy has focused on preserving the city’s historic charm while embracing new growth and modern amenities. Halcomb shares how the city has struck a balance between the old and the new: “We have a vibrant downtown area and numerous subdivisions that incorporate commercial aspects, ensuring a harmonious blend of our city’s past and future.” Attracting and supporting local, independent businesses is an important priority for the city, particularly in light of the challenges faced during the pandemic. Halcomb reveals that Eagle is keen on bringing in mom-and-pop businesses to maintain the small-town atmosphere. The city has offered significant support for these businesses, with Mayor Pierce detailing how the city provided $450,000 worth of grants to small businesses through ARPA funding during the pandemic. The City of Eagle took a different approach to handle the pandemic, choosing not to close down businesses and instead allowing them to make their own decisions on operating safely. This approach helped local businesses thrive, with Mayor Pierce noting, “We put up a sign saying Eagle is open for business, and this allowed businesses to either close if they needed to due to health concerns or continue operating safely. The $1 million in ARPA funding allowed us to give back half of that amount to support our local businesses.” In Eagle, the city’s reputation as a desirable location where residents can live, work, and play has made marketing efforts almost unnecessary. Biberston explains, “We have the green belt, the foothills, a great community, and a strong library with family-focused programs. People want to be here, and we don’t need to advertise much to attract them.” One of the unique cultural aspects of Eagle is its museum, which found a new home two years ago in a 1938 Catholic chapel that the city bought and repurposed. Dunn shares, “The city decided it would make a great museum and moved it to the Civic campus, where it now stands alongside City Hall and the library. It has allowed us to display Eagle’s history in a beautiful and historic space, from Eagle Island to more recent times.” The museum has attracted significantly more visitors since its relocation, enhancing the city’s cultural appeal. Dunn also highlights the museum’s role in local education initiatives. “Since COVID, we have had many more homeschool groups reaching