Steve Bender
I bring decades of experience to the City of Eagle. Since 2019, I have been active in fighting for our Eagle community. I have attended countless public hearings where I consistently advocated for Eagle’s development standards. I have worked for Idaho Senators and President Reagan.
Survey and Interview Responses
Why are you running for this office?
Both incumbents are stepping down. Eagle needs good conservatives on the Council. I was asked to run by all four current council members.
What are your qualifications?
I have been involved in Eagle City issues since 2019. I was on the Comprehensive Plan Citizen Committee in 2022 and ensuring a great comprehensive plan is issued in 2026-27 is critical. I have appeared before Council dozens of times to speak at public hearings and during citizen comment time. I am familiar with the Eagle Development process.
If elected, what are your goals?
- I want to see the Comprehensive Plan amendment through to completion and ensure that it is a well written plan that focuses on the vision that Eagle’s citizens have for our future.
- I am concerned about budget growth ($22 to $68 million in the last six years) and will be a voice for conservative principles in the city budgeting process.
- I want to help build stronger relationships with other agencies and taxing districts to ensure that Eagle’s interests are represented in their planning and budgeting process.
What experience do you have serving on boards, commissions, non-profits, etc. where you have been of service to others?
In addition to serving on the Eagle Sewer Board the last two years, I have served as Treasurer or President for four separate Homeowner Associations, one Condo Association, two non-profits, and was the chief financial officer for a 501(c)(3) in Washington DC. Also, I was the Ada County Republican Treasurer from 2020-2022 and since 2022 have been the Idaho Republican Party treasurer. In 2024 I was a member of the Idaho Delegation to the National Republican Convention.
Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?
I believe in limited government–meaning government that meets the goals laid out in the Preamble to the US Constitution. I do not believe that the government should be acting as a safety net for everyone. America should provide equal opportunity to everyone, not equal outcomes. The entitlement programs that have been put in place since 1933 are bankrupting the federal treasury as well as many state treasuries.
Do you consider yourself socially conservative?
I am pro-life, pro-school choice, and believe that there are two genders–not assigned at birth, but determined at the moment of conception.
In your view, what is the purpose of the government?
For Federal, it’s laid out in the Preamble to the Constitution. Cities exist to provide a higher level of service than what we get from the County. The City sets comprehensive plan guidelines and needs to make sure the builders build within the guidelines. We need to bring in more commercial development.
Do you have any ideas on how Eagle City Council could save money?
A lot of people talk about increasing revenue. It’s more important to reduce spending. We could be more efficient in a few things. We can look at alternative solutions. The pedestrian bridge is a good example as it brought in grants and cost the city very little
What do you see as the biggest challenges/priorities for Eagle City Council?
We need to manage growth responsibly while preserving Eagle’s unique charm and character.
The small businesses in downtown Eagle have been struggling since COVID and all the construction. What will you do to help these businesses?
Move the market/events back downtown. Maybe compromise and do both locations. Keep building our relationships with the businesses. Be cognizant of changes that may affect them.
The City of Eagle has multiple income streams. List as many as you know. (property tax, sales tax, liquor tax, building permits, impact fees. Are the current revenue streams sufficient? What would you do to increase/decrease revenue?
Streams include property tax, sales tax, liquor tax, state distribution, impact fees, development fees, filing fees, and grants. Current revenue is sufficient. We need to come up with ways to build our capital improvements like the sports park. One idea is to look for sponsorships to help offset capital improvement costs such as PetIQ dog park.
Idaho is a budget driven state when it comes to property taxes. What are the limiting factors for raising the budget of a taxing district in the State of Idaho?
Idaho has a 3% limit. We can also claw back foregone taxes that weren’t taken in prior years. Anything more would require a bond and a vote of the people.
Where do you get your information about the City Council and what is going on in the city?
From the city website and reviewing the agendas. I attend City Council meetings or watch online.
What is your plan to manage both residential and commercial growth in Eagle?
I want to ensure development coming in is compliant with the comp plan. We need to reinvigorate our economic development department to promote Eagle.