State of the City Address

This afternoon, it is my honor to recognize a young man whose courage and quick thinking made a life-saving difference.

On May 15, 2026, first responders were dispatched to a water rescue here in Caldwell. During what was undoubtedly one of the most frightening moments of his life, 14-year-old Silas Dulebohn remained calm under extraordinary pressure.

Instead of panicking, Silas immediately called 911, providing emergency responders with the information they needed to respond quickly. It was the very first time he had ever called 911, yet he acted with remarkable composure and maturity. His quick thinking and decisive actions may very well have saved his mother's life that day.

The firefighters and paramedics who responded to the call were deeply impressed by Silas's presence of mind during such a traumatic event. They felt his actions deserved to be recognized, and I couldn't agree more.

Silas is currently a student at Elevate Academy here in Caldwell, and he serves as a wonderful example of courage, responsibility, and the impact one person can have in a moment of crisis.

Silas, on behalf of the City of Caldwell, it is my privilege to present you with this year’s Mayor's Community Youth Service Award. Thank you for your bravery, your calm under pressure, and for reminding all of us that heroes come in all ages.

Mayor Eric Phillips awarded Silas Dulebohn the Mayor's Community Youth Service Award.

One of the greatest strengths of Caldwell is our people—neighbors who see a need, step forward, and make a difference without asking for recognition.

There are some people in our community who are easy to recognize—not because they seek the spotlight, but because their impact is felt everywhere you look.

If you were to ask this individual why she volunteers, she would probably tell you that it's never about one person. She believes that meaningful change happens when people come together, work together, and serve together. In fact, she'd much rather be behind the scenes than being recognized this afternoon.

But sometimes, the people who never ask for recognition are the very ones who deserve it the most.

After retiring from a career in telecommunications, this individual didn't slow down—she simply found new ways to serve. From helping bring lights to the Vallivue High School baseball field through the Light the Night project, to providing leadership during the transformation of downtown Caldwell and the creation of the Downtown Business Improvement District, she has helped shape projects that continue to benefit our community today.

She has also dedicated countless hours to bringing people together through JustServe, connecting volunteers with organizations and neighbors in need. Her leadership with the Light the World Giving Machines has created even more opportunities for our community to give back and support local nonprofits.

Whether she's serving through her church, collaborating with community partners, or quietly working behind the scenes, she leads with kindness, humility, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Her legacy isn't measured by the projects she's completed—it's measured by the people she's inspired to serve alongside her.

Kelli, your generosity, your leadership, and your heart for this community have made Caldwell a better place for all of us.

On behalf of the City of Caldwell, it is my great honor to present you with the Mayor's Community Hero Award.

Mayor Eric Phillips awarded Kelli with the Mayor's Community Hero Award.

The Parks, Forestry, Recreation, and Golf teams achieved remarkable progress this year while continuing to enhance the quality of life for Caldwell residents.

Parks Department

The Parks Department maintains 16 parks, walking paths, downtown spaces, and city entryways. This year, the team completed several major projects, including:

• Replacement of the Rose Garden Bridge
• Irrigation infrastructure upgrades
• Restroom improvements throughout the park system
• Restoration of the Memorial Park flagpole and Statue of Liberty display
• Landscaping enhancements along Indian Creek

The department also improved operational efficiency, generating approximately $25,000 in annual savings by keeping park restrooms open year-round instead of relying on portable facilities.

Forestry Department

The Forestry Department continues to expand and protect Caldwell's urban canopy through partnerships and long-term planning efforts.

Highlights include:

• Partnering with the Idaho Conservation Corps to remove hundreds of invasive trees
• Celebrating Arbor Day with local students through community tree plantings
• Completing a $46,000 Memorial Park tree-pruning project funded by a state grant

Future efforts include developing a citywide tree inventory and Urban Forest Master Plan.

Recreation Department

Following storm damage that destroyed the pool's shade structure, Recreation staff worked collaboratively across departments to install four new wind-resistant shade structures before the summer season.

The department is also exploring:

• Expanded recreation programming
• Tennis court upgrades
• Additional space for youth sports

Golf Department

Purple Sage Golf Course and Fairview Golf Course continue to serve as premier public golf destinations in the Treasure Valley.

Recent and planned improvements include:

• New cart paths at Purple Sage
• Irrigation upgrades
• Renovated tee boxes and bunkers
• Expanded parking facilities

The Caldwell Street Department completed significant infrastructure improvements throughout the city, including:

• Chip sealing and striping roadways across Caldwell
• Downtown milling and overlays on multiple streets
• Sidewalk and ADA ramp improvements along Blaine Street
• School and pedestrian pathway enhancements
• Widening paths at Purple Sage Golf Course

These projects improve safety, accessibility, and the overall transportation experience for residents and visitors.

The Electrical Department addressed a variety of electrical and lighting needs citywide while supporting important public safety initiatives.

One notable accomplishment was assisting with the installation of the new HAWK pedestrian crossing signal near Caldwell High School, helping improve safety for students and pedestrians.

The Caldwell Public Library remains one of the community's most valued resources.

This year the library:

• Welcomed nearly 168,000 visitors
• Hosted more than 700 programs
• Served over 13,000 attendees
• Experienced growth in new library card registrations
• Expanded participation in Summer Reading programs

This fall, the library will further expand services by becoming a Passport Acceptance Facility, offering residents an additional convenient public service.

The Caldwell Executive Airport proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

As Idaho's busiest general aviation runway, the airport remains a vital economic driver for the region.

Major accomplishments include:

• Securing a fully federally funded $2 million FAA grant
• Beginning design work for a new air traffic control tower
• Supporting regional wildfire response efforts as a staging location for aerial firefighting operations

These investments will enhance safety, operational capacity, and future growth.

The Caldwell Fire Department experienced one of the most transformational years in its history.

Notable achievements include:

• Construction of the new Fire Station 1 and Fire Headquarters
• Groundbreaking preparations for Fire Station 4
• Launch of Advanced Life Support services from an engine company for the first time in Caldwell history
• Creation of the department's first in-house Firefighter Training Academy
• Adoption of the department's first Strategic Plan

In addition, firefighters:

• Responded to more than 8,000 calls for service
• Assisted during historic flooding events
• Protected lives and property throughout the community
• Continued active engagement through schools, public events, and safety education

The department remains committed to strengthening emergency services while pursuing a sustainable future through the establishment of an independent Caldwell Fire District.

The Caldwell Police Department continues to make significant strides in crime reduction while responding to increasing service demands.

Year-to-date results include:

• Nearly 20% reduction in overall crime
• Nearly 60% reduction in motor vehicle thefts
• 27% decrease in property crime
• 6% decrease in violent crime

At the same time, officers responded to more than 38,000 calls for service, representing a 22% increase over the previous year.

Traffic safety remains a key priority, with:

• More than 6,000 traffic stops conducted
• Expanded traffic enforcement efforts
• Ongoing education and visibility campaigns to reduce dangerous driving behaviors