Hailey Lewis Sworn in as Mayor of Moscow, Promises Community Focus

Moscow has a new mayor following the swearing-in of Hailey Lewis, who officially began her four-year term on Monday. Lewis takes over from Art Bettge, the outgoing mayor who chose not to seek re-election in 2025. During his final address at the City Council meeting, Bettge expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, reflecting on the city’s progress over the past four years.

In his speech, Bettge highlighted significant achievements, including the construction of a bridge and roundabout at Sixth Street and Mountain View Drive, the addition of three full-time paramedics, and the development of a climate action plan. He also noted that the city had helped fund a new terminal at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. Bettge acknowledged challenges, such as state revenue sharing decreases and the impact of the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, which he termed a “terrible crime that put us into international news in an unfavorable light.”

Bettge praised the city staff for their dedication and ability to deliver projects with limited resources. “These are the people who really accomplish things on behalf of all of us,” he stated, expressing confidence in Lewis and the newly elected council members to tackle future challenges.

New Council Members Join Lewis

Lewis, who has served on the Moscow City Council since 2021, emphasized her deep connection to the community, as her family has lived in Moscow for three generations. She attended local schools, including Lena Whitmore Elementary School and Moscow High School, and currently works at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. In her inaugural remarks, Lewis assured residents that she and her fellow councilors are dedicated to serving the city.

“I am incredibly grateful and I will never once take for granted the trust that has been placed in me,” Lewis said. She was joined by three new city council members: Evan Holmes, Sage McCetich, and Scott Sumner, all of whom were elected during the November 2023 general election.

Holmes expressed the council’s commitment to the well-being of Moscow’s residents, urging the public to hold them accountable. “Please call us to task if we’re forgetting that,” he said. McCetich, who is also a lifelong resident, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and pledged to serve diligently over the next four years. Sumner highlighted the importance of fostering productive debate within the council, stating, “I think healthy disagreement makes us better and leads to better decisions.”

Community Engagement and Future Goals

Outgoing city councilor Julia Parker took a moment to appreciate her colleagues and the city staff. “I hope the community recognizes how lucky they really are,” she remarked, emphasizing the remarkable work done by those serving the city.

As Lewis embarks on her term, her focus will likely remain on community engagement and addressing the issues that matter most to residents in Moscow. The new leadership team faces the challenge of continuing the momentum established under Bettge while navigating the complexities of local governance. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, Lewis and the council members aim to cultivate a thriving environment for all residents of Moscow.