January is a month of new beginnings, a time to reflect and to take the new steps toward shaping a better future. For Idaho, it also marks the first days of the legislative session, when lawmakers come together to craft policies that will influence communities across the state. Today marks the convening of the first regular session of the 68^th legislative session in Idaho, during which I know many topics of interest will be taken up by the legislature.

Collaboration between local and state government is essential for Meridian's continued success. We have been engaged for this purpose over the years by championing transportation priorities and funding, improving safety for public safety personnel, ensuring that growth pays for growth, advocating for strong anti-drug policies and much more.  All of these issues require strong partnerships, and result in enhancing public safety, and maintaining Meridian’s high quality of life.

Here in Meridian, we have legislators from five legislative districts; 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. While 14 and 15 each only touch a small area of our community, the individual Representatives and Senators are working on behalf of you, the citizens. As your Mayor, I remain committed to working with each of these men and women, as well as the other state legislators, to create positive outcomes that address Meridian's needs while advancing shared goals for all of Idaho.

As many of you are aware, every Meridian citizen resides in a legislative district and each district has a Senator and two Representatives serving during the legislative session. The Idaho Legislature's website offers a "Who's My Legislator" tool that allows you to determine who your Senator and Representatives are based on your residential address. Contact information for each lawmaker may be found on the Idaho Legislature website as well. As noted above, Meridian spans several legislative districts so be sure to look up who represents the district you live in and how to contact them should the need arise.

The Idaho Legislature’s work touches every corner of our community, and staying informed about their decisions is crucial for understanding how those decisions affect us all. If you want to stay engaged or just learn more about the process, you can check the Legislature's website for citizen resources, including articles on how a bill becomes a law and what it looks like testifying before a committee hearing. Civic engagement ensures that the voices of Meridian’s residents are heard and that our lawmakers are guided by the needs and priorities of the people they serve.

If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to your lawmakers directly. One of the best opportunities for direct engagement with your legislators is through the Meridian Chamber of Commerce’s “Coffee with Legislators” series. Starting in January, these biweekly gatherings provide a forum where residents can hear updates from lawmakers, ask questions, and share their insights. Held at various locations around Meridian, these events are an excellent way to connect with policymakers, gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process, and contribute to meaningful discussions about the future of our community. The first event will be held on January 17th at Hyatt Place in Meridian at 1175 S Silverstone Way, Meridian, ID 83642. For more information, and to register and RSVP, visit the Meridian Chamber website.

As the legislative session begins, I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve together. By fostering partnerships, staying informed, and connecting with our lawmakers when we have questions or concerns, we can ensure that Meridian’s voice is heard and that our community continues to thrive. Let’s work together to make 2025 a year of successful collaboration and prosperity for our City.

Happy New Year, Meridian!