UPDATE: Hailey Lewis has officially taken over as the new mayor of Moscow, marking a significant leadership change for the city. During a ceremony held earlier today, Lewis was sworn in as she embarks on her first four-year term, following the departure of outgoing mayor Art Bettge, who chose not to seek re-election in 2025.
This transition comes at a critical time for Moscow, as the city grapples with various challenges and opportunities. Bettge presided over his final City Council meeting on Monday and expressed his gratitude for the privilege of serving the community. “The city is doing well and it’s growing and it’s prospering,” he stated, highlighting recent achievements including the construction of a new bridge and roundabout at Sixth Street and Mountain View Drive, the addition of three full-time paramedics, and a climate action plan.
However, Bettge did not shy away from addressing the difficulties faced during his tenure. He referred to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students as a “terrible crime that put us into international news in an unfavorable light.” He also pointed out the challenges posed by decreasing state revenue sharing.
Lewis, who has been a member of the Moscow City Council since 2021, brings deep roots to her new role, as her family has lived in the city for three generations. “I am incredibly grateful and I will never once take for granted the trust that has been placed in me,” she said. Her pledge to serve her community echoes the sentiments shared by her fellow council members who were also sworn in today: Evan Holmes, Sage McCetich, and Scott Sumner.
Sumner emphasized the importance of productive debate within the council, stating, “I think healthy disagreement makes us better and leads to better decisions.” McCetich expressed his gratitude for community support, saying he hopes to serve the city justly over the next four years.
Holmes called on the public to hold the council accountable to their mission of ensuring the well-being of Moscow’s residents, saying, “Please call us to task if we’re forgetting that.”
As Moscow looks ahead, the new leadership team is poised to tackle pressing issues while continuing the progress made under Bettge’s administration. The community’s engagement and support will be crucial in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
Stay tuned for further updates as Hailey Lewis and the newly elected council members begin their work in shaping the future of Moscow.
