Emmett/Gem County Community Review Report Summary

Brian Dale, of the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development encouraged officials to
”…take a fresh look at ideas, new and old. Look at ideas put aside previously. Now is a great
opportunity.”
The river corridor could be its own focus, said Erik Kingston of the Idaho Housing and
Finance Assoc. He added that affordable housing can fit into the community’s economic
development plans.
Civic life finished up the categories. There is lots of evidence of civic involvement in
Emmett, said Deb Krum of Mountain States Group. But people don't serve if they¹re not
asked; they don’t give if they¹re not asked.
“Criticism diminishes community pride. Stop the criticism Stop the turf issues. Save
resources. Keep the momentum you have from this (process),” she said.
Touring Emmett High School brought several comments from Cammie Nelson, Idaho
Values Youth. “I’ve talked to teachers and students. They’re not happy with the structure.”
The lack of windows makes the rooms feel claustrophobic, the walls are gray and white.
Realizing it’s not economically feasible to build a new school, she suggested letting students
from each grade have an area they could paint with their own designs.
Other youth-related issues were addressed by Linda Lakey. The Project Promise Coalition
has done an excellent job; there is a wonderful Rec Center (Gem County Recreation
District); the mentoring through Big Brothers and Big Sisters is a great program where high
school children mentor to at risk grade schoolers. “The island is your crown jewel. Maybe
organize your youth to do murals at the skateboard park.”
The Emmett Public Library is another great asset, particularly the youth center, said Conchi
Morales, Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. The diversity of materials is good. She
offered to help find funding to improve this as well as bilingual programs.
Senior citizens were addressed by Dick Juengling, of the Idaho Office on Aging. This
community has a good facility that offers a lot of good services. They face an image
problem, as many places do. Many people don't think they're old enough to go there or they
don’t need or qualify for the help offered through the programs.
The facility could be used for other purposes, such as adult education programs; a mentor
program that would bring seniors and children together such as a foster grandparent
program. It should be a talent bank for the community, “there’s great information in their
minds.”
Delta Smith of the Idaho Commission on the Arts said she “…was struck by the desire to
preserve the nostalgia, history of this community. But, I don't see that your history is
publicly celebrated. You have a number of white, blank walls on buildings. There’s no
artwork. Nothing to articulate your unique history, art, culture. These can become a catalyst.
You need to focus on the unique history, articulate it, celebrate it, promote it.”
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