Tom Shafer, Hayden City Councilman

07/31/2026

(Stock photo below).
I want to express how important public comment is the political and deliberative process here in Hayden.
This past Tuesday, your City Council considered amendments to Hayden's city codes, which included changes to penalties that could be levied on a homeowner for not removing a "public nuisance." The in-person comments we received were thoughtful, not laden with emotion, and specific. I was particularly impressed by one gentleman who obviously did his research, and cited, compared and contrasted the proposed code with Idaho statute. Even our legal counsel agreed with him.
The end result was a unanimous decision by Council to not approve the changes to Title 4, and to ask city staff to do a rewrite, in order to take out the putative aspects.
I know it's a big ask because you all have busy lives. Your in-person participation either as a watchdog, or to give public testimony is so-appreciated. Council meetings start at 5pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month. Council meeting agendas are always posted on the City's website at least three days before.

07/27/2026

Important things being discussed in tomorrow's (28 July) Hayden City Council meeting. I hope many people can attend.
☑️Publication of Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendments and Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
☑️Update on the Law Enforcement Study
☑️Presentation of the Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study by the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization
☑️Code Amendments - Public Hearing
Some big numbers are included in the revised 2026 budget, and in the proposed 2027 budget because the City is moving forward on a lot of much-needed road projects.
The Rathdrum Prairie Transportation Study is important because of potential big impacts to the Huetter corridor.

07/08/2026

Hey Hayden!
Sorry for the late notice.
There is a very important public meeting this Thursday, Kootenai County Fairgrounds—Building 3, 4:30-7pm, regarding future County-wide road development which will significantly impact Hayden.
Some of you may know it as the "Huetter Bypass". This is one of only four alternatives being considered by the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, as part of the "Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study".
This has the potential to change western Hayden, and your input is very much needed.
Go to this website to see Overview, Process and Timeline.
https://itd.idaho.gov/project/rathdrum-prairie-pel-study/

06/20/2026

The City of Hayden wants to know your opinion on the future of Law Enforcement in our community.
Please take the time to fill out this survey.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

06/20/2026

On the morning of July 15th, the Idaho Transportation Department Board will tour active state construction projects followed by Board Open House from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn located at 1500 W Riverstone Dr. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. There will not be any formal presentations but will showcase project display boards and attendees can engage with the Board, and ITD Executive and District 1 staff.

06/20/2026

Ok Hayden, it's happening this Monday.
This closure will be in place until the end of August.
To help out with the resulting increase in traffic on Hayden Avenue, the City will be putting a temporary traffic light in at the Hayden-Ramsey intersection.

06/10/2026

Hey Hayden! This is starting this month (June).
The Ramsey Road - Honeysuckle Ave intersection will be closed for roughly 3 months.

Ramsey and Honeysuckle Roundabout project is moving forward!
Utility relocation is underway with construction beginning Summer 2026.

Expect delays and detours will be in place throughout the project. The completion of this roundabout will improve traffic flow and reduce conflict points at this intersection.

For Project Updates >> https://www.haydenid.gov/departments/public_works/projects.php -776-21b0

Rules of the Roundabout Video: https://youtu.be/peUf2NRdWxs?si=GG5k3TYox_NzY58b

06/03/2026

𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐝𝐞𝐧 - 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
The city has partnered with the Matrix Consulting Group to conduct an independent, objective evaluation of current and future options for law enforcement service delivery. The evaluation will assess current service levels, organizational and staffing needs, operational requirements, community expectations, and short- and long-term costs. Through operational analysis, stakeholder engagement, and financial modeling, the study will provide the City with a comprehensive understanding of the service, organizational, and fiscal impacts of law enforcement service delivery.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟏 & 𝟏𝟑
The first community engagement opportunity is to learn more about the study and hear from the community their thoughts on the level of services needed for our community. A community survey will be conducted to gather residents' experiences, concerns, priorities, and expectations regarding law enforcement services.

05/25/2026

My father served in the Army Air Corps during World war II.
I was in the US Air Force from 1979 through 1983.
I have many friends and family who also served: Army, Navy, Marines (Ooh-Rah!), Air Force, and US Coast Guard.
Thank you everyone for the sacrifice you made.