Growth pressure
40%
population growth since 2010
Rapid growth increases pressure on planning, zoning, and services—making it critical that local voices stay in control.
Source: U.S. Census / county estimates
The Steve Em Priorities
Priorities
Clean Government. Strong Leadership.
Protect Local Control
Keep decision-making close to the people of Kootenai County — transparent, accountable, and driven by residents, not outside agendas.
Foster Responsible Growth
Support growth that protects infrastructure, public services, and quality of life — with clear priorities and disciplined planning.
Safe & Strong Communities
Back practical public safety priorities that keep families safe and strengthen neighborhoods — with consistent leadership and follow-through.
Leadership Rooted in North Idaho Values
Kootenai County is growing rapidly, and that growth brings both opportunity and responsibility. Protecting what makes this community special requires leadership that understands the values of the people who live and work here.
Steve Em believes local government should be practical, transparent, and focused on the long-term health of the county. That means protecting local decision-making, planning responsibly for growth, and ensuring our communities remain safe and strong.
These priorities aren’t political talking points — they are the principles guiding every decision about the future of Kootenai County.
Why this matters in Kootenai County
Local decisions matter more when the county is changing fast.
New residents
3,100+
added in the last year
When thousands move in each year, county decisions must stay accountable to the people who live and work here.
Source: USAFacts (Census-based)
Accountability
Open
process, local input
Transparency keeps decisions rooted in North Idaho values—not distant agendas.
Local focus: meetings, records, responsiveness
Why this matters in Kootenai County
Growth should strengthen the community—not overwhelm it.
Housing costs
$518,700
median home value (2020–2024)
Responsible growth means expanding housing options while protecting the character of North Idaho neighborhoods.
Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
New construction
1,587
building permits (2024)
Growth requires planning roads, utilities, and public services ahead of demand—not after problems appear.
Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
Commute & roads
22.8
minutes average commute (2020–2024)
Managing traffic and infrastructure is part of protecting quality of life as the county grows.
Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
Why this matters in Kootenai County
Safe communities require staffing, accountability, and prevention.
Reported offenses
7,079
total offenses (2024)
County leadership should support law enforcement and prevention efforts that keep residents safe as the community grows.
Source: Idaho State Police (Crime in Idaho, NIBRS)
Cases cleared
63.24%
of offenses cleared (2024)
Accountability means supporting systems that help solve cases, reduce repeat crime, and maintain trust in public safety.
Source: Idaho State Police (Crime in Idaho, NIBRS)
911 staffing
15 / 24
ECOs currently staffed
Reliable emergency response depends on a fully staffed 911 center and the resources needed to maintain safe service levels.
Source: Kootenai County 911 Staffing
Protecting What Makes North Idaho Strong
Kootenai County’s future will be shaped by the decisions we make today. Growth, infrastructure, and public safety require leadership that understands both the challenges ahead and the values that define this community.
Steve Em’s priorities reflect decades of experience in public safety, investigation, and community service — combined with a commitment to keeping local government accountable to the people it serves.
Together, we can ensure Kootenai County remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow responsibly, and communities remain safe and strong.
— Steve Em
Candidate for Kootenai County Commissioner
