Two North Idaho officials have been elevated to leadership roles in the Association of Idaho Cities following elections held at the organization’s annual conference in Boise earlier this month. Spirit Lake Mayor Charlene Phipps and Coeur d’Alene Councilor Kenny Gabriel were both elected as District 1 directors during the 79th AIC Annual Conference, held June 10–12 in Boise.
North Idaho Takes a Seat at the Statewide Table
The Association of Idaho Cities, founded in 1947, serves 197 incorporated cities across the state. Its annual conference brings together elected officials and municipal staff to conduct organizational business, including leadership elections. District directors play a key role in representing local governments and ensuring member cities have a voice in statewide policy discussions.
Gabriel, who currently serves on the Coeur d’Alene City Council, joins Phipps in representing the region at the AIC board level. Phipps, the mayor of Spirit Lake, a small but growing community in northern Kootenai County, will bring a smaller-city perspective to the organization’s leadership structure.
Moscow Mayor Hailey Lewis was elected Third President of the AIC for the 2026–2027 term, placing her among the organization’s top officers as it continues its work supporting Idaho municipal governments.
Rathdrum’s Leon Duce Honored With Prestigious Award
Also at the conference, Leon Duce of Rathdrum received the 2026 Ken Harward Award, one of the AIC’s most distinguished honors. The award is named after Ken Harward, who served as Nampa’s city administrator and finance director for 24 years, and recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Idaho and its communities.
Duce’s municipal career stretches back to 1995, and he graduated from Idaho State University in 1997. Over the years, he has devoted 19 years to the Association of Idaho Cities and a decade as Rathdrum’s city administrator. His long record of service to municipal government in Kootenai County made him a fitting recipient of the award, which highlights the kind of steady, behind-the-scenes public service that keeps Idaho communities running.
What This Means for Kootenai County
Having two Kootenai County officials serving as AIC district directors gives the Panhandle region a stronger presence in discussions that shape how Idaho’s cities operate, access resources, and interact with state government. As communities like Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake continue to grow, representation in organizations like the AIC becomes increasingly important for ensuring local voices are heard in Boise.
Duce’s recognition further underscores the depth of municipal experience in Kootenai County. His decade of leadership in Rathdrum and nearly two decades of involvement with the AIC reflect a commitment to sound local governance that benefits residents across North Idaho.
The Association of Idaho Cities will continue its work in the coming year under the new leadership structure elected at the Boise conference. Residents interested in local government and municipal policy in Kootenai County can follow the work of Gabriel and Phipps through their respective city councils and the AIC’s public communications.