09/04/2025
Hayden City Council Candidate Press Release
Ed DePriest, a retired teacher, coach, and 30-year Kootenai County resident, has announced his re-election campaign for Hayden City Council, Seat #2. A 20-year Hayden resident, DePriest is running on his record of keeping promises and standing up for local families and taxpayers.
“Four years ago, I promised to better manage growth and density and make sure taxpayers—not politicians—decided on major tax increases,” DePriest said. “I kept those promises, and I’ll keep fighting for Hayden families, homeowners, and small businesses.” His campaign slogan is “Promises Made – Promises Kept”.
During his first term, DePriest heard Hayden residents loud and clear: growth, density, and traffic were the top concerns. He responded by putting forth four major zone code text changes and the Standard of Approval regarding the Context of the Neighborhood, all of which were adopted, which addressed new development. The results speak for themselves — over the past four years, there have been ZERO high-density developments in Hayden and no developments of more than four dwellings per acre. Ed believes that the zone code changes have brought growth and density to the point of managing as best as is legally allowed. DePriest continues to work on finalizing amendments to the city Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map.
DePriest has also worked to protect taxpayers. When the sheriff’s contract costs rose, he put forth to put the question on the ballot, giving voters the final say. This year he proposed (which was approved) rejecting the city’s automatic 3% property tax hike and to also trim $68,000 from the budget to give families and small businesses relief and offset the 3% tax increase.
The primary issues moving into the future are going to be funding law enforcement and infrastructure needs in Hayden and continued growth and density management.
Looking ahead, DePriest said Hayden must prepare for rising law enforcement costs and more than $55 million in needed road and sewer projects. “Outside developers and agencies don’t get to dictate Hayden’s future. We do. I will keep standing up for our residents, protecting small businesses, and making sure Hayden remains a place where families can thrive,” said DePriest.
In his first term, Ed DePriest has represented the city on the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) board; the Panhandle Area Council, and is currently involved in representing the city on the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board. Ed DePriest has participated on the Regional Housing and Growth Partnership. Ed attends numerous community events and activities. Ed is available to all citizens through phone and email. Ed DePriest meets regularly with citizens individually and has held community meetings.
“Hayden deserves leaders who keep their word. That’s my record, and that’s my commitment,” DePriest said.
