The Fight for Idaho’s Towns and Reproductive Freedom with Kelley Packer | Ever Onward Ep. 81

What happens when small towns can no longer afford to exist—and when personal healthcare freedoms are put at risk in the same state?

In this powerful episode of Ever Onward, Kelley Packer—Executive Director of the Idaho Association of Cities, former state legislator, and co-founder of the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network (ICEN)—joins us for a candid conversation about two urgent and deeply personal battles playing out across Idaho.

First, we dig into the looming crisis facing local governments. With over 80% of Idaho cities home to fewer than 5,000 residents, recent property tax restrictions have left small towns without the means to fund essential services. In fact, three historic Idaho communities have already dissolved completely. Packer describes how cities are being forced to “manage to bad policy,” holding together critical infrastructure with “bailing wire and duct tape” while warnings from local leaders continue to be ignored at the state level.

Then, the conversation takes a surprising turn.

A pro-life Republican and longtime public servant, Kelley shares why she’s become a leading voice for protecting access to contraception in Idaho. After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, she and two fellow Republican women launched ICEN to ensure Idahoans have the education, resources, and freedom to make informed decisions about family planning. She draws a clear line between contraception and abortion and explains how birth control is essential not only for reproductive autonomy, but for economic stability, workforce participation, and the treatment of medical conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cysts.

We also explore:

Why property tax reform has created unintended consequences for local government
How civil discourse can build common ground in divisive times
The personal stories that drive Kelley’s advocacy for contraceptive access
What’s at stake if Idaho doesn’t act on either issue
Kelley Packer’s unique perspective—shaped by years of public service, personal experience, and a deep love for Idaho—offers a rare, unfiltered look at two of the most pressing issues facing the state today.



Resources Mentioned:

🏛 Idaho Association of Cities → idahocities.org

💊 Idaho Contraceptive Education Network → IdahoCEN.com