Oppose Advancing Annexation of the Old Board Ranch Parcel

Annexation should not advance until the City publicly discloses the Letter of Intent and the governing evaluation framework -- the studies that will be required, the standards and criteria that will govern evaluation, and how consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Sensitive Lands designation will be determined -- and formally enters those materials into the public record prior to any decision to proceed with a formal Annexation Application. 

What’s at Stake                                                                                                                                                         

The City of Hailey is considering whether to advance annexation of the Old Board Ranch parcel on April 13, 2026.

It is designated as Sensitive Lands – defined as "lands that cannot or should not be developed” – in Hailey’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map (pp. 18-21). The Old Board Ranch parcel checks every one of those boxes -- 1/ floodways + 2/ floodplains of the Big Wood River + 3/ sensitive wildlife habitat + 4/ overwintering areas.

Why Annexation Matters                                                                                                                                       

Annexation is not a minor procedural step. It transfers land into municipal jurisdiction and enables urban-level zoning, infrastructure extension, and increased development intensity. Once annexed, the policy threshold for increased density and service extension is materially lowered.

Our Request                                                                                                                                                           

We urge the Hailey City Council to decline to endorse or invite a formal Annexation Application unless the studies and standards required for a formal application are publicly disclosed and clearly establish consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Sensitive Lands designation, including evaluation of environmental and floodplain constraints, wildlife corridor impacts, less constrained alternatives, and long-term infrastructure and fiscal impacts.

What You Can Do

This City Council agenda item will be closed to public comment. As a result, attendance at this meeting as well as submission of Comment Letters to the Council to be entered into the public record are highly recommended.

1. Attend City Council meeting in person -- Monday, April 13, 2026 @ 5:30pm // Hailey City Hall, 115 S Main St, Hailey, ID 83333 -- 2nd Floor
2. Submit a Comment Letter -- by Thursday, April 9, 2026 // Email letter to -- City Mayor, Council members, and Clerk -- martha.burke@haileycityhall.org, kaz.thea@haileycityhall.org, dustin.stone@haileycityhall.org, sage.sauerbrey@haileycityhall.org, juan.martinez@haileycityhall.org, mary.cone@haileycityhall.org 
3. Consider signing the petition, and sharing with other Hailey residents -- All voting-age Hailey residents are eligible to sign; signatures not limited to one (1) per household or address.