It is certain that the main focus of our upcoming local elections is growth and its impact on everyone in the valley. Idaho Falls and Ammon now present as a seamless, unified urban sprawl to an outsider—or even a casual local. In fact, Ammon’s 2025 population stands near 20,800, up from just under 18,000 in 2020, marking an explosion of growth in a short time. Meanwhile, Idaho Falls has surged from roughly 65,900 in 2020 to nearly 69,400 in 2025, a 5.3 % rise. Together, they anchor a metropolitan landscape that includes more than 160,000 residents, reflecting a metro area only rivaled by a few Rocky Mountain communities.
Yet growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about investment. Idaho Falls, as the region’s hub, shoulders much of the cost; its robust investments in parks, trails, water systems, libraries, public safety, and downtown revitalization benefit not just its own citizens but also the swelling population in Ammon. Ammon residents enjoy these amenities, yet Ammon’s infrastructure and services haven’t kept pace with its rapid growth.
This has a financial toll. Idaho Falls taxpayers are effectively subsidizing shared regional services, eroding the city’s margins and stretching its ability to fund long-term enhancements. At the same time, Ammon’s limited municipal tax base means it cannot—yet—invest equally in water upgrades, road expansions, schools, or emergency services. State legislative limits placed on municipalities’ ability to raise funds in recent sessions only exacerbate the issue. Ammon lacks sufficient infrastructure and programs to support its local youth. Without a shift, Idaho Falls risks diminished quality of service, crowded facilities and deferred maintenance.
Across Idaho, the way tax revenue is collected and distributed skews heavily in favor of state-level control. Only 11.5 % of sales tax revenue is returned to local communities; most must rely on property taxes and development fees to fund essential services. That constraint is felt acutely in Ammon, where expanding infrastructure to meet demand is critical and costly—but constrained by limited local revenue streams.
Local elections may fly under the radar, but right now, they are the fulcrum on which our future pivots. Voters in Ammon have a pressing choice: continue along a dependency path, or elect leaders committed to proactive, equitable investment in infrastructure, municipal services and regional partnership. Idaho Falls needs a leader who will go beyond being a figurehead, listen to local citizens and drive change and accountability. This election isn’t just about who sits in office—it’s about whether our city leaders will become collaborative partners or allow a neighbor to rely on borrowed resources.
Idaho Falls has demonstrated leadership in managing growth. Now, the baton must be shared. Ammon leaders must step forward with bold proposals: build the roads, fund the parks, bolster public safety, and upgrade local shared facilities to enhance and grow programs for our youth. If both cities invest in shared solutions—whether through regional funding agreements, shared bonds, or coordinated annexation plans—the benefits multiply: reduced duplication, enhanced capacity, and stable services for all residents.
Growth is inevitable. But how we handle it—together or apart—will define the quality of life for all of us. In this local election, let’s choose equitable collaboration and a long-term vision over strain and imbalance.
Dan Barker, Master of Human Resource Management, is a local consultant and the chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.