Congratulations to the 117 Idaho mayors who reached a step goal during the annual Mayor's Walking Challenge in October 2025. It was the most successful in its 11-year history. The record 117 Idaho mayors earning a combined $107,500 for their communities, which was also the largest payout to Idaho cities.

The Walking Challenge is a program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health that promotes the importance of physical activity and rewards mayors for walking everyday in the month of October. Mayors earned $500 for averaging 5,000 steps a day or $1,000 for averaging 10,000 steps a day. The funds can be used for projects or programs that encourage physical activity or promote a healthy lifestyle, including playgrounds, physical education equipment for schools, park amenities, scholarships for youth programs, and more.

Lapwai’s Mayor Smith has participated in the walking challenge for the last seven years and has earned $7,000 for his efforts. All funds have been applied to the City of Lapwai Léeplep Skate Park Project.