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. Jun 24

    2026_6_11 Mary Lynn Hartwell - John D. Hansen Award

    Building Community Through Philanthropy with Mary Lynn Hartwell At the City Club of Idaho Falls Annual Meeting, Mary Lynn Hartwell, recipient of the 2026 John D. Hansen Award, reflected on a lifetime of service, leadership, and philanthropy in Eastern Idaho. Drawing on her experiences with United Way, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Idaho Falls Arts Council, and countless community initiatives, Mary Lynn shared how lasting change happens when neighbors come together to solve shared problems. She emphasized that philanthropy is more than charitable giving—it's about building relationships, creating opportunities, and investing in future generations. Throughout the evening, Mary Lynn inspired us by highlighting the power of ordinary people working together, reminding attendees that community is built "neighbor by neighbor, gift by gift, yes by yes."

    2026_6_11 Mary Lynn Hartwell - John D. Hansen Award

  2. May 16

    2026_5_14 Secretary of State Phil McGrane

    Idaho’s Primary Election Process & ParticipationFeaturing Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane What drives voter participation in Idaho? How secure are our elections? And how is outside money shaping Idaho’s political landscape? At City Club of Idaho Falls, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane delivered a data-driven look at Idaho’s primary election system, voter turnout trends, election security, campaign finance, and the growing influence of political spending in state races. McGrane emphasized the importance of voter participation, transparency, and public trust in Idaho’s election process — reminding attendees that even a handful of votes can shape Idaho’s future. Please use voteidaho.gov to find

    2026_5_14 Secretary of State Phil McGrane

  3. Apr 21

    2026_4_16 2026 Legislative Recap

    In this City Club of Idaho Falls forum, veteran statehouse reporters Kevin Richert (Idaho Education News) and Clark Corbin (Idaho Capital Sun) break down the 2026 Idaho legislative session—one defined by deep budget cuts, intense policy debates, and a shifting political climate. Corbin opens with a clear takeaway: this was a “budget-driven session,” shaped by years of tax cuts and new fiscal pressures that forced lawmakers into difficult decisions. He describes across-the-board reductions to state agencies and concerns about transparency, with one legislator likening the approach to “taking a chainsaw to the state budget.” Richert echoes the intensity, calling the session “unrelenting,” as lawmakers revisited and reshaped policy proposals again and again. From education funding changes to the future of programs like the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, he highlights how many decisions are only beginning to take shape—and how their real impact will be felt in the months ahead. Together, the two offer not just a recap, but a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions were made, the challenges lawmakers faced, and what Idahoans should be watching next as new laws and budget cuts are put into action.

    2026_4_16 2026 Legislative Recap

  4. Apr 1

    2026_3_19 When Cuts Cost More with Sheriff Sam Hulse and DeVere Hunt

    The City Club of Idaho Falls forum, “When Cuts Cost More,” highlighted the growing strain on Idaho’s mental health and crisis response systems following Medicaid and program cuts. Sheriff Sam Hulse and DeVere Hunt emphasized how reduced services—especially peer support and regional behavioral health coordination—are increasing pressure on law enforcement, jails, and emergency departments. They underscored the importance of community-based crisis centers, collaboration, and continued advocacy to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling into cycles of crisis and incarceration.

    2026_3_19 When Cuts Cost More with Sheriff Sam Hulse and DeVere Hunt

  5. Mar 9

    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/

    02_19_2026 Dave Lent - Rethinking Education for a Changing Economy

  6. 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.

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

  7. 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.”

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

  8. 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.

    2025_12_4 Todd Achilles: Consensus, Conservatism and the Constitution
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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
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © City Club of Idaho Falls
  • Show Website
    The City Club of Idaho Falls