The City Club of Idaho Falls

City Club of Idaho Falls
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The City Club of Idaho Falls is an independent, nonpartisan forum for discussion of public affairs. Forums are recorded and rebroadcast on KISU-FM 91.3

  1. 02_19_2026 Dave Lent - Rethinking Education for a Changing Economy

    6D AGO

    02_19_2026 Dave Lent - Rethinking Education for a Changing Economy

    Rethinking Education for a Changing Economy Description: At a recent City Club of Idaho Falls forum, Senator Dave Lent explored how Idaho’s education system must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Drawing on history, economic trends, and his own experience growing up in eastern Idaho and working at the Idaho National Laboratory, Senator Lent discussed how today’s public education system was largely designed more than a century ago to serve an industrial economy. In contrast, today’s students are entering a world shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and a knowledge-based economy. During the presentation, Lent asked participants to reflect on three key questions:• What is the purpose of public education today?• How can trust in public education be rebuilt?• How can business and industry play a stronger role in preparing students for the workforce? The discussion highlighted how Idaho’s schools are performing well relative to national averages despite receiving significantly less funding than many other states. Lent emphasized the need to move beyond rigid systems built around seat time and standardized testing toward more flexible approaches that focus on skills, outcomes, and workforce readiness. He also explored emerging ideas such as competency-based learning, stronger collaboration with industry, and community school models that connect education with healthcare, social services, and local needs. The conversation ultimately focused on a central question facing educators, policymakers, and communities alike: What should Idaho’s education system look like 20 years from now—and how do we begin building it today? Click here for Slides from the presentation: https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

    47 min
  2. 2026_1_27 Heath Druzin: How Christian Nationalism is Changing Politics from Idaho to D.C.

    FEB 9

    2026_1_27 Heath Druzin: How Christian Nationalism is Changing Politics from Idaho to D.C.

    In this City Club of Idaho Falls forum, journalist and podcast host Heath Druzin explores how Christian nationalism is shaping politics in Idaho and across the United States. Drawing from his reporting for the podcast Extremely American, Druzin defines Christian nationalism as a political movement seeking an explicitly Christian form of government, distinct from personal faith or patriotism. He discusses the growing influence of Moscow, Idaho pastor Doug Wilson and Christ Church, including their national footprint through classical Christian schools and political organizing. Druzin also highlights key ideological themes within the movement, including patriarchy, distrust of democracy, and opposition to pluralism. The conversation examines how extremism affects civil discourse and why open, informed dialogue is essential during polarized times.

    54 min
  3. 2026_1_22 Healthcare Crisis in Idaho: Access, Workforce and Trust

    JAN 27

    2026_1_22 Healthcare Crisis in Idaho: Access, Workforce and Trust

    What happens when doctors must consult lawyers before treating patients?In this compelling City Club forum, Bingham Memorial Hospital CEO Jake Erickson and OB-GYN Dr. Heather Pugmire explain how Idaho’s healthcare system is being reshaped by physician shortages, hospital closures, and growing uncertainty in medical decision-making. Their conversation offers a rare, firsthand look at how policy, access to care, and trust intersect—and what it means for Idaho families and communities. We hope everyone will listen and share it with others. Some quotesDr. Heather Pugmire “Pregnancy is a dangerous medical condition by itself, and every case is different. You cannot practice medicine with a one-size-fits-all rule.” “I came to Idaho because doctors here didn’t do elective abortions. I never imagined the law would make it harder to care for women whose pregnancies were not survivable.” “Patients are now afraid to talk to their doctors, so they turn to the internet instead—and that should concern all of us.” Jake Erickson “Physicians are the atom of the healthcare industry. Without physicians, we don’t have hospitals, emergency rooms, or care in our communities.” “When we say we’re in Idaho, many recruiters simply say ‘no thanks’ and move on.”

    1h 2m
  4. 2025_12_4 Todd Achilles: Consensus, Conservatism and the Constitution

    12/11/2025

    2025_12_4 Todd Achilles: Consensus, Conservatism and the Constitution

    December’s City Club of Idaho Falls Forum featured Todd Achilles, former Idaho legislator, U.S. Army veteran, and Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. In this wide-ranging conversation, Achilles discussed his call for greater political cooperation, his concerns about economic concentration, and his belief that independence in Congress can help restore trust in American institutions. He also shared personal stories from his military service, experiences in the tech sector, and insights from traveling to all 44 Idaho counties. “If we can elect a few independents, we can deny a majority to either party — and nothing happens in the Senate unless the independents approve it.” Moderated by Dr. David Adler, this program offers voters a closer look at Achilles’ views on governance, bipartisanship, economic fairness, national leadership, and the future of American democracy.

    59 min
  5. 2025_11_13 Migrant Labor and Idaho's Economy

    11/19/2025

    2025_11_13 Migrant Labor and Idaho's Economy

    November 13th's forum on Migrant Labor and Idaho's Economy. We had Zak Miller CEO of Farm Bureau, Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen, and a recorded message from Rep. Mike Simpson. Idaho agriculture depends on a workforce few people ever see — and even fewer understand.In this City Club forum, industry leaders break down the data, the challenges, and the policy realities behind Idaho’s reliance on migrant labor. “These workers are part of the backbone of Idaho’s food economy,” noted panelist Zak Miller. “Without them, production simply doesn’t happen.” A must-listen for anyone who cares about Idaho’s agriculture and economic stability. Here is the slides that go along with the program.https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

    1h 5m
  6. 2025_10_2 President Robert Wagner - “Creating Access and Impact Through Opportunity and Collaboration.”

    10/07/2025

    2025_10_2 President Robert Wagner - “Creating Access and Impact Through Opportunity and Collaboration.”

    Dr. Wagner shared his vision for "Creating Access and Impact Through Opportunity and Collaboration," emphasizing the importance of partnerships, adaptability, and innovation in higher education. ​ He highlighted ISU's commitment to serving diverse student populations, fostering community impact, and addressing workforce needs through strategic initiatives like enrollment growth, academic excellence, and health science leadership. Dr. Wagner also celebrated ISU's recent achievements, including a 5.3% enrollment increase, improved retention rates, and expanded partnerships across the state. ​ Key Highlights: •Vision for Higher Education: Emphasized the importance ofcollaboration, adaptability, and innovation to create access and impact. •ISU's Strategic Focus Areas:  Enrollment growth and student success. Academic and research excellence.Enhancing physical infrastructure. Building external partnerships. Investing in people and leadership development. •Recent Achievements: 5.3% enrollment increase—the largest incoming class since2011. Improved retention rates, reaching a record 74%. Expanded partnerships with institutions like INL, CEI, andICOM. •Health Science Leadership: Reinforced ISU's role as Idaho'sleader in health sciences with 50+ programs and statewide clinics. •Nuclear Workforce Development: Highlighted ISU's uniquenuclear-related programs, from associate degrees to Ph.D.'s, preparing Idaho for future workforce needs. •Commitment to Nontraditional Students: Advocated forflexible pathways like certificates, stackable credentials, and streamlined 90-credit BAS degrees. •Focus on Community Impact: Stressed accountability,transparency, and the importance of demonstrating value to taxpayers and the state. Listen to the full speech on Spotify to hear Dr. Wagner'sinspiring vision for Idaho State University and its role in shaping Idaho's future!

    1h 10m
  7. 2025_9_18 Jamon Anderson - When the Signal Fades: Future of Public Broadcasting

    09/24/2025

    2025_9_18 Jamon Anderson - When the Signal Fades: Future of Public Broadcasting

    The Idaho Falls City Club kicked off its 18th season with a compelling forum titled “When the Funding Fades: Public Broadcasting’s Future,” featuring Jamon Anderson, General Manager and Director of Programming at KISU-FM. The forum, held on September 18, 2025, addressed urgent funding challenges facing local public radio stations after recent federal funding cuts and highlighted essential roles these stations play in communities across Idaho. Jamon Anderson, who has led KISU-FM for six years and brings over two decades of experience in public radio, detailed how the cancellation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s (CPB) congressional funding is affecting programming, operations, and local service. Anderson shared his journey from student volunteer to station manager, emphasizing KISU-FM's commitment to quality news, educational content, and professional development for Idaho State University students. The forum provided an in-depth look at: The impact and scale of federal funding cuts on rural and tribal stations, including KISU-FM, Boise State Public Radio, KIYE in Lapwai, and Idaho Public Television. The role of CPB grants in sustaining local news, emergency alerts, national programming (including NPR and BBC content), and free public service announcements for nonprofits and schools. KISU-FM’s funding structure, including heavy reliance on ASISU student government support, and the pressing need to replace over $130,000 in lost CPB grant revenue. The importance of transparency, diversity, and mission-driven service, with Anderson stressing the station’s dual goal of public enrichment and student professional experience. The future of public media in an era of political division and changing federal policy, and the need for community backing, business partnerships, and sustainable local fundraising. Jamon Anderson invited community members to help sustain local public radio by supporting KISU-FM through donations and underwriting and called for partnerships across Idaho’s public media sector.

    58 min
  8. 2025_6_12 Dr. Rick Aman_John D Hansen Award

    06/17/2025

    2025_6_12 Dr. Rick Aman_John D Hansen Award

    At the City Club of Idaho Falls’ Annual Membership Meeting, Dr. Rick Aman delivered a thoughtful and forward-looking presentation on the concepts of Futuring and Ikigai. Drawing from his decades of leadership in education, Dr. Aman encouraged organizations to look beyond traditional strategic planning and instead envision their preferred future—one shaped by resilience, adaptability, and clarity of purpose. He introduced the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which invites individuals and institutions to reflect on what they love, what they’re good at, what their community needs, and what they can be compensated for. With humor and humility, Dr. Aman reflected on his own journey and emphasized the importance of purpose-driven planning to ensure lasting impact and relevance in a rapidly changing world. We hope you enjoy. Here is the link to his slides. https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

    54 min
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About

The City Club of Idaho Falls is an independent, nonpartisan forum for discussion of public affairs. Forums are recorded and rebroadcast on KISU-FM 91.3

Information

  • Creator
    City Club of Idaho Falls
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © City Club of Idaho Falls
  • Show Website
    The City Club of Idaho Falls