Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the country. A famous quote credited to Lou Holtz says, “In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying.” But too much growth can also have the same effect. Growth, while essential for a vibrant and prosperous community, can also have devastating impacts on our environment and the way of life we enjoy here in the Wood River Valley.
In collaboration with the Wood River Land Trust as part of its “Thinking Globally, Acting Locally Speaker Series,” The Community Library welcomes Shawn Hill, Executive Director of the Valley Advocates for Responsible Development in Idaho’s Teton Valley. Shawn will discuss regional planning and how to forge a vibrant future.
Shawn Hill has been working across state, city, and county lines to tackle these challenges of growth head-on. One of the projects that he has overseen is a large master plan for the Teton Valley that was completed in 2014. The Teton View Regional Plan is a strategy and plan for a four-county, seven-city region that straddles two states, and is adjacent to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Its implementation relies upon initiatives of regional governments, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals.
Shawn will discuss the key findings that lead to the development of this plan, its implementation process, and the lessons learned along the way. This is an opportunity to learn from our neighbors in the Teton Valley. We hope you can join the discussion to find local solutions for our Valley in the face of growth before it’s too late. Following the presentations, Shawn Hill and Scott Boettger, Executive Director of the Land Trust, will field questions from the audience and discuss what we can learn from our friends over in the Teton Valley.
