Livability in small towns #11: McCall, Idaho

September 10, 2010
By Sean Barry

This collection of 12 case studies helps put to rest the idea that livability is an exclusively “urban” idea. Small cities, towns and rural regions across the country are transforming themselves into more livable communities. While some of these communities face formidable threats – from job losses and shrinking populations to disappearing farmland and strained resources – their leaders have forged collaborations and created plans that are growing economies, benefiting people and protecting the land and lifestyles treasured by residents and non-residents alike.

Check back each day for a new post and read the full series of livability case studies as they’re posted. The intro can be found here.

McCall, Idaho

“Working with [the Environmental Protection Agency] gave citizens a vocabulary that they didn’t have. People know what they want, but they don’t know how to express it. What the team was able to do was put the tools in the citizens’ hands to say, ‘This is what we want – it looks like this.’”

Roger Millar, Former Deputy City Manager, McCall, Idaho.

McCall officials worked with the EPA on effective planning along the town’s major corridor, resulting in new businesses and preserved open space.

McCall officials worked with the EPA on effective planning along the town’s major corridor, resulting in new businesses and preserved open space.

McCall, Idaho has a population of less than 3,000, which fluctuates wildly by season. The city is located near the middle of the state on the Southern end of Payette Lake.
People in McCall were concerned that the demands of new residents and visitors would interfere with the town’s history and charm. In response, city officials applied for and were granted EPA assistance in planning for new development along the East-West Loop Road, the roadway that runs through the town’s core.

The EPA worked closely with local officials and community members on a plan that brought in new business while meeting the needs of neighborhoods. McCall leaders were confident enough in the EPA’s work that they adopted the comprehensive plan.
McCall’s former chief planner, Roger Millar, said the EPA let residents take charge, while giving them the confidence and the tools they needed.

“Working with [the EPA] gave citizens a vocabulary that they didn’t have,” Millar told the Associated Press. “People know what they want, but they don’t know how to express it. What the team was able to do was put the tools in the citizens’ hands to say, ‘This is what we want – it looks like this.’”

Source: Allen, Anne Wallace. “EPA Planners Help McCall Prepare for Change.” Associated Press. December 26, 2005