Sitting down with the city’s leadership—including Mayor Jerry Merrill; Scott Johnson, Director of Economic Development and Public Relations; Keith Davidson, Public Works Director; and Aaron Denney, Economic Development Assistant—provide a comprehensive picture of Rexburg’s current state and future aspirations. A CITY OF YOUTH AND FAMILY Rexburg’s youthful demographic sets it apart from many other cities. Mayor Merrill, who has seen the city’s growth firsthand, describes the city’s charm: “Our tagline, ‘America’s Family Community,’ reflects our commitment to creating an environment where families can thrive. With the youngest average age in the country—around 22 to 23 years—we’re a vibrant, youthful city surrounded by stunning natural features. The mountains, Yellowstone Park, and Jackson Hole provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that Rexburg is a great place for families.” The city’s proximity to natural attractions and its focus on family-oriented development create a unique living experience. The focus is evident in the city’s housing strategies and commitment to providing a balanced mix of single-family and multifamily housing options. HOUSING MARKET AND DEVELOPMENT Rexburg is experiencing a significant shift in its housing market. According to Johnson, the city is making strides to balance the demand for single- and multi-family housing. “We have a sufficient supply of multi-family units, but we are still working to address the need for more single-family homes. We’ve struggled to keep up with demand, but we’re trying to streamline regulations and facilitate new developments.” Davidson highlights: “We have several new projects in the pipeline, including affordable housing units and market-rate developments. Notable projects include the Summer Field and Alpine subdivisions and the Madison Park complex, adding around 300 units.Additionally, we are working on a new student housing complex to accommodate the university’s planned expansion.” 287 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 REXBURG, ID
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