Information provided in these news updates is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho

 

NORTHERN IDAHO – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai & Shoshone counties

Bonner County

• BNSF Railways opened its Sandpoint Junction Connector bridge nearly a year ahead of schedule and began running traffic across the bridge. The new bridge adds a second line across Lake Pend Oreille, addressing a critical transit bottleneck where multiple lines converge before crossing the lake. Source: CDA Press

Kootenai County

• A new preschool is under construction in Coeur d’Alene. Phase one construction of the Kinder Prep Learning Center is underway with a spring opening planned. The preschool will care for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. Kootenai County currently has substantial shortages of childcare availability. Source: CDA Press
• A 20,000-square-foot professional building is under construction in Coeur d’Alene. The Prairie Professional building will offer suite sizes ranging from 2,200 to 10,000 square feet. The project is slated for completion in December 2023. Source: CDA Press
• The city of Coeur d’Alene is exploring grant options to help pay for new mooring docks at the city’s popular Third Street docks. The current docks were installed in 2000 and have cost the city nearly $100,000 in repairs due to rotting timbers. The city Parks and Recreation Department is exploring a $500,000 project to replace the current timber docks with composite materials. Source: CDA Press

Openings

• UPS Office Center (Hayden)
• Rivaura CDA Tasting Room (Coeur d’Alene)
• Uncorked with Friends (Hayden)
• HomeTown Family Chiropractic (Coeur d’Alene)
• Northwest Crafters (Coeur d’Alene)
• Cochinito Taqueria (Hayden)
• Burger Dock (Coeur d’Alene)

Sam.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
(208) 457-8789 ext. 4451

NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO – Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties

• Fall 2022 K-12 school enrollment for the 18 school districts in north central Idaho increased 1.1% from one year ago to 12,995 students. Comparatively, total Idaho student enrollment went up 0.4% to 313,641. However, when compared to K-12 enrollments five years ago in 2017, the north central region is down 2.4% from 13,318 while Idaho statewide has grown 3.7%. 12 of the school districts had enrollment increases compared to 2021, but only nine had enrollments higher than 2017. Since 2017, student enrollment has declined by an average of 18 students per school district, while average employment has declined by five jobs per school district. As of October 2021 (October 2022 data not yet available), only five of the 18 school districts had realized employment growth since 2017, and all five counties combined showed overall employment declines of 3%.

• Fiscal year 2023 (Oct 1 – Sep 30) fair market rents, published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), increased nationally by an average of 10% over a 1-year period. In Idaho, annual increases ranged from a high of 17.6% in the Boise metropolitan area to a low of 2.6% in Power County and an average increase of 9.5% by county. North central Idaho saw average year-over-year market rent increases of 7%, with the following rent increase by county (in descending order): Nez Perce 9.1%, Clearwater 7.9%, Lewis 7.5%, Idaho 6.7%, Latah 3.8%. Fair market rents are estimates of gross rent amounts for 40% of standard quality units within a metropolitan area or county. The table below compares fair market rents for 3-bedroom units within each county of north central Idaho and the annual/hourly household income necessary to keep fair market rents at or below 30% of household income. On average, households in the region would need to make $3,500 more in income per year and $1.70 more per hour than they did one year ago to make up the difference. Compared to fair market rents two years ago (FY2021), households would need to make an additional $6,400 per year and $3 more per hour. Source: HUD

• Jerry Chavez was selected as the new president/CEO of Valley Vision, an economic development organization covering the Lewis-Clark Valley. Valley Vision works to recruit, retain and expand businesses in the region that result in economic diversification and increase household earnings. Source: Lewiston Tribune and Valley Vision

Local Real Estate Trends

Data source: Intermountain MLS

• Nez Perce County — Unit sales of existing homes from June-October were 27% below 2021 levels. Despite monthly declines in median prices in September and October, both the average price of $372,000 and median price of $346,000 for existing homes sold from June to October continued to average $20,000 higher than the same months in 2021. Lower sales volume and higher inventory of homes listed on the market have resulted in increases of on-hand housing inventory. This is measured in months. Inventory has risen from low levels of less than one month in October 2021 to more typical levels of four months in October 2022. Year to date, sales of new homes is down 15% at 27 from the 32 new homes sold in 2021. As of Oct. 31, pending home sales of single-family units is down 60% year over year at 31 from the 78 pending in October 2021.
• Latah County — Unit sales of existing homes from June-October were 8% below 2021 levels. Median prices have fallen from $492,000 in June to $420,000 in October, but both the average price of $456,000 and median price of $432,000 for existing homes sold from June to October are at least $55,000 higher than the same period of 2021. Unit sales of 23 new homes year to date is highly consistent with the 24 new homes sold in 2021. Pending home sales of 35 single-family units in October were at the same level as October 2021, while inventory on hand has increased from half a month one year ago to a still low two months.
• Idaho County — Unit sales of existing homes from June-October were 39% below 2021 levels and the lowest since 119 in 2019. Year-to-date existing home median prices of $336,000 are $41,000 higher than 2021, and average prices of $372,000 are trending $13,000 higher than the same period of 2021. However, pricing remains volatile on a monthly basis due to the low number of unit sales ranging from 9-22 units in each of the past five months. New home sales of three units year to date is lower than both the 11 sold in 2021 and the seven sold in 2020. Pending home sales of single-family units in October were down 47% at 18 from the 34 pending units in October 2021 and down 59% from the 44 units pending in October 2020. Inventory on hand has increased to 6.7 months, compared to 2.5 months in October 2021 and 1.7 months in October 2020.

Nez Perce

• As of October 2022, Lewis-Clark State College’s former KLCZ station airwave frequency at 88.9 FM is now transmitting Boise State Public Radio. Content will cover state issues and will reduce maintenance, personnel, equipment and royalty expenses. KLCZ can currently be listened to at KLCZ.com but will eventually transition to LCWarriorRadio.com for online broadcasts. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Latah County

• The Latah County Commissioners signed a letter of support to establish a youth crisis center in Moscow where clients can stay for up to 24 hours. North central Idaho has a rural crisis center network in Moscow, Lewiston and Orofino but they do not provide services to people under the age of 18. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Openings:

• Divots Golf, with seven virtual simulator bays, is opening its first Idaho location in Lewiston in November. Divots Golf currently operates four other locations: three in Washington (Richland, Moses Lake, Walla Walla) and one in Anchorage, Alaska. They are currently accepting resumes on their website at divotsindoorgolf.com. Source: Daily Fly, Divots Golf
• Moscow Axe Throwing opened in Moscow with seven rentable lanes for throwing axes, knives and ninja stars. Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News
• Roadside Bar and Grill will open in Kamiah in the building formerly operated by Roscoe’s Grill/The Hub Bar and Grill. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• Rev Studios is now offering spin classes in Moscow. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• Board and Brush franchise has opened in Lewiston offering DIY wood sign classes at the Lewiston Center Mall. Source: Board and Brush
• Carlos Leon Concrete, a concrete contractor, opened in Lewiston.

Closings:

• Thorn Creek Native Seed Farm of Moscow is now operated by Rose Creek Seed in Pullman, WA.
• Mela Bangladeshi restaurant has moved from Moscow, ID and reopened in Pullman, WA after closing at the end of 2021. Mela traditionally provided 5-15 jobs in downtown Moscow following its opening in 2018. Source: Pullman Radio

Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 799-5000 ext. 3849

SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO – Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley & Washington Counties

Ada County

• Allegiant Supported Living of Nampa was found to have violated provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, affecting 90 workers. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour division recovered $100,168 in back pay, damages and penalties. Violated provisions included the company’s failure to pay overtime to workers who worked more than 40 hours in one week and its failure to keep records of total time worked. Source: Idaho Press
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a $268,000 grant to Jannus, Inc., a non-profit that helps refugees across the Treasure Valley, in partnership with the Idaho Department of Corrections and the Idaho Foodbank. Funds will reinvigorate the Department of Corrections’ 15-acre Pleasant Valley Farm, which has sat fallow for several years. The parcel needs soil prep, water infrastructure, storage and washing facilities. The grant starts in January 2023 with the goal of producing fresh and healthful foods for the community and Foodbank. Source: Capital Press
• Rents in Boise are up almost 37% since the start of the pandemic, but Apartment List reported that Boise’s rents fell by 3.5% in September, the largest month-over-month decline among the nation’s 100th largest cities. Median rents in Boise are currently estimated at $1,118 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,321 for a two-bedroom apartment. Source: CBS2 News
• Trilogy Valor announced plans to build a 1,000-home retirement resort in Kuna. Home sizes range from about 1,350 to 2,300 square feet and start at a little over $400,000. The market is defined as 55 and above. The gated community will offer high end fitness amenities, programmed activities and golf at the existing Falcon Crest Golf Course. There are a handful of model homes available for viewing with sales underway. Source: Idaho Statesman
• St. Luke’s has created its own insurance plan now offered on the Your Health Idaho website, the state’s health insurance marketplace. The company believes the plan will be more efficient and eliminate stress for the insured using St. Luke’s facilities and services. Source: Boise State Public Radio
• Saltzer Health, owned by Intermountain Health Services, announced plans to launch its health transport service in November, starting with one transport ambulance. Crews will consist of an emergency medical transporter, a critical care nurse with pediatric credentials, and a critical care paramedic available 24/7 but not for 911 or emergency care. Eventually, the service will have a brick-and-mortar presence in Meridian at the Saltzer Campus, with plans to start construction in the spring of 2023 and hire between 12-15 staff. A second ambulance is on order for 2023. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Bogus Basin announced its $5 million investment is complete well in advance of the ski season start date. The changes include new runs, expanded beginner terrain, increased night lighting, radio frequency identification and improved snowmaking machines. The recreation area is planning its 80th anniversary celebration in 2023. Source: KTVB News
• Voters in the Kuna Rural Fire District approved issuing a $6 million bond to build a fire station and increase the authorization beyond $750,000 for hiring additional firefighters. Both parts of the ballot won approval by 72%. Source: CBS2 News

Adams County

• The Meadows Valley Ambulance District’s special tax levy passed with 74% of the voters approving the levy.  The funds will be used to operate EMT services and end the need for a subsidy from the Meadows Valley Rural Fire Protection District.  Source: Idaho Secretary of State and McCall Star-News
• Adams County sold the Heartland Recycle Center in New Meadows to the city with plans to remodel it into a youth center. The building was sold for $60,000. The new recycling center will be housed at the New Meadows Transfer Site. Source: McCall Star-News

Canyon County

• Endeavor Elementary in Nampa started a staff daycare/preschool. The program costs teachers half the price of a traditional daycare and is intended to increase staff retention for the school through the benefits of on-site childcare. The principal utilized existing staff members working part-time, plus AmeriCorps volunteers. Childcare is a costly barrier to work for many parents with many employers weighing the pros and cons of providing services. Source: Idaho News 6

Gem County

• Covia Emmett, operator of an extraction company, announced it has operated for 27 years with no lost-time accidents. The Emmett site has been extracting sand used to make cement, fiberglass, glass, stucco, and other building materials for four decades. Source: Idaho Business Review

Owyhee County

• The Homedale Library District will establish a public library service in Owyhee County. This service received overwhelming support at the ballot box with 75% approval. Source: Secretary of State

Valley County

• McCall Star-News was acquired in October by Cherry Road Media, based out of New Jersey. The company owns 79 newspapers across 14 states. The new owners have an interest in developing strong communities through local journalism and hope to beef up the technology side of the Star-News. Source: McCall Star-News
• The McCall School District qualifies for funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Bus Program. The school district will receive $3.95 million dollars to purchase 10 electric buses. Those school districts that did not apply or did not win the award this time are encouraged to apply for the next round of funding. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
• McCall City Council has formed a housing authority with responsibility over the 14 homes and apartments already under the city’s control. This follows a recommendation listed in the McCall Area Local Housing Action Plan adopted last summer by the city council. Board members still must be appointed while the staffing may have to wait until 2024.Source: McCall Star-News

Openings

• Papa Kelsey’s opened its first franchise restaurant in Meridian. The new restaurant will be the first to offer beer and wine. There are 11 locations across Idaho, with one in Arizona and one in Colorado with expansion plans for the new franchise concept. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Taqueria Las Brazas opened in Garden City after realizing success with its Boise restaurant, Taqueria La Flama. Source: Idaho Statesman

Closures:

• Pizza Pie Café announced its closure due to a workforce shortage. The restaurant was open for over seven years in Boise. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Regal Edwards Nampa Gateway theatre closed its 12-screen cinema. That leaves two Regal Edwards theatres in the Treasure Valley. One is located at the Nampa Spectrum and the other is in Boise. Cineworld is the owning entity based out of London and recently requested Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Sun Ray Café announced its closure as the long-time owner chose an early retirement with plans to lease the site. The restaurant has been part of Boise’s Hyde Park since 2007 and before that housed Lucky 13. Source: Idaho Statesman
• The Gathering Place in Eagle closed its doors due to its sale. The new owner is local and plans on reopening another drinking establishment before the end of the year. Source: Idaho Statesman

Under Construction

• CA Ventures started construction on its second apartment complex in the Lusk District. The complex, Uncommon Boise, will have five stories and 180 apartments. The dorm design allows for higher density per apartment with the potential to house 500 people. CA Ventures has three more apartment projects planned which, if approved, would create another 122 rental units. Source: Idaho Statesman

Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 735-2500 ext. 3639

SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO – Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka & Twin Falls counties

Blaine County

• The city of Sun Valley has decided to contribute funds to the “Lease to Locals’ housing program, which will increase the money available to short-term rental owners who want to convert their property to long-term or seasonal housing. The city of Ketchum has set aside more than $400,000 of funding, with $2,000 per tenant for seasonal leases, $4,500 per tenant for long-term leases and a maximum grant amount of $18,000. To be licensed, the property cannot have been rented long-term in the past 12 months. To qualify as a renter, the individual must make under 120% of the area median income in Blaine County ($77,552) and work at least 20 hours a week in an employment site within Blaine County.  Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Gooding County

• The Walker Center will open a sober-living facility on California St. The center will also offer staff and volunteers from the community to better help the occupants with job and life skills on their path to recovery. The house will eventually be able to house 14 people and is planned to open early next year Source: KVMT

Twin Falls County

• The Magic Valley Regional Airport is now offering two flights a day. The contract will run from Nov. 1 until the end of the year but could be renewed next year if demand keeps up. Source: KVMT
• A new large-scale mixed-use building, Main Avenue Lofts opened on Nov. 10. This 53,068-square-foot, six-story building is aimed to revitalize the heart of downtown Twin Falls. The upper floors will contain 44 one- and two-bedroom studio apartments, with 20% being rent-restricted units. Source: KMVT
• Harrison Elementary and Magic Valley High School both received $5,000 to bolster their libraries through the purchase of fiction and non-fiction books to increase reading among students. Source: KVMT
• The College of Central Idaho’s Harvest Festival had 230 vendors this year. Organizers have said that this is one of the best turnouts in recent memory. The festival is a fundraiser for the school’s management and culinary programs. It brings around $50,000 of funding every year. Source: KVMT

New Openings

• Main Avenue Lofts, Twin Falls
• Rice & Bites, Twin Falls

Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 735-2500 ext. 3062

SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO – Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida & Power counties

Region News

• Labor force estimates for October 2022 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics program saw employment decrease and unemployment increase in the seven-county southeast region. Seasonally adjusted, October’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants decreasing by 68 that month, with 93 more unemployed persons and 161 fewer employed persons. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.1% from September to 3.0%, identical to the rate in October 2021.

• There were an estimated 821 job postings in the southeastern region in October 2022 according to data from the Conference Board, down from 839 the previous month and down from 1,283 one year prior. The top 10 most common occupations by job posting included health care practitioners and support, sales-related, and personal care and service.

• Health care and social assistance remained at the top of industries by largest share of job postings. Services continue to be the overall driver of job postings with health care, social assistance, retail trade, other services (except public administration) and educational services representing most open positions in the region. Manufacturing, though, came in at fourth and construction at eighth.

• Lightcast’s data from the Conference Board indicates that the hardest to fill jobs remain in education, training, library occupations, community and social services as well as protective services.

• Most of southeastern Idaho remains in some form of drought according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Drought conditions vary from moderate (D1) to extreme (D3), with most of Bear Lake County being classified as extreme drought. Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
• Idaho State University (ISU) reported an increase of 2% in undergraduate student enrollment and a 3% increase in the fall-to-fall retention rate for first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students. However, the number of graduate students enrolled at ISU fell slightly compared to last fall. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Idaho State University’s College of Technology was awarded a $1.6 million grant to expand classroom technology for students in programs such as Practical Nursing, Nuclear Operations, Aircraft Maintenance and Industrial Cybersecurity. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Through a partnership with industry leader NuScale Power, Idaho State University’s College of Technology opened a new reactor control room and simulation lab to provide students opportunities to learn how to work in a control room for nuclear plants and become qualified to work in places such as the Idaho National Laboratory. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Idaho State University College of Business was awarded a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Federal and State Technology Partnership Program, helping to fund the establishment of the Idaho State College of Business Commercialization Center. Upon completion, the center will help high-tech entrepreneurs pursue Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant opportunities through grant writing, market research and technology value proposition development. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• Two Idaho State University geologists and their students were awarded an $800,000 National Science Foundation grant to study the 2-billion-year gap in Earth’s history, known as the Great Unconformity. The grant will fund trips to gather samples from sites in Utah, the Idaho side of the Teton Range and southwestern Montana, which will be examined under geochemical analysis. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bannock County

• Local business Shaver Pharmacy in Pocatello transitioned from filling retail prescriptions to handling more specialized compounding medications. The custom formulations of a medication are made to fit a unique need of a patient that cannot be met with commercially available products. Source: Idaho State Journal
• A local developer has begun work on a 500-unit housing project on the east side of Pocatello. The High Terrace project will comprise multiple subdivisions consisting of single-story homes and townhouses. If successful, the developer plans on starting another 500-unit development soon after. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The City of Pocatello together with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency responded to a significant mineral oil spill into Pocatello Creek and the Portneuf River that originated from the Titan Center. Source: Idaho State Journal
• ON Semiconductor (rebranded as onsemi) in Pocatello was purchased by Seattle-based LA Semiconductor. The new owners will run the onsemi as a pure-play, contract manufacturing foundry with a long term wafer supply agreement from LA Semiconductor. Source: Idaho State Journal
• New roastery Glean Coffee opened in Historic Downtown Pocatello between the Yellowstone Restaurant and Off the Rails Brewery, serving a number of unique coffee roasts and beverages together with pastries made in-house. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Owners of the local food truck The Grill and the Jelly Wagon opened a new deli named Grandma’s Pantry inside the Station Square building in Historic Downtown Pocatello. They offer homemade sandwiches and provide vegan and gluten-free menu options. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The First Congregational United Church of Christ opened its winter warming shelter for the second season in a row. The shelter is open every night from 7 p.m. until morning and will remain open through March. The church opened it in response to a growing need among local unhoused residents. However, the warming shelter does not provide showers or laundry facilities. People who come to the shelter are usually placed at the local homeless shelter or Aid for Friends. The church is also looking for potential partnerships to keep the shelter open. Source: Idaho State Journal

Franklin County

• Facing growing demand for the city’s water, the Preston City Council approved a change to the water fee and rate schedule with fees increasing by 2.5% from $70.25 per month to $72 per month. Source: The Preston Citizen

Matthew.Paskash@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 236-6710 ext. 4249

EASTERN IDAHO – Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison & Teton counties

Region News

• There were an estimated 1,221 job postings in eastern Idaho for October 2022. According to the Lightcast Conference Board, both decreases were from 1,314 (-7.1%) the prior month and 1,621 (-24.7%) the prior year. Healthcare practitioners top the list of all posted industries in eastern Idaho. Other top in-demand occupations include three occupational groups: sales and related, personal care and service, as well as transportation and material moving. Childcare workers and nonfarm animal caretakers made up the top half of the in-demand list this month, whereas construction laborers and merchandise displayers are no longer in the top ten. Other in-demand occupational groups varied among management, office and administrative, and installation/maintenance/repair.

• Health care and social assistance were overtaken by public administration at the top spot of eastern Idaho industries with active job postings. Retail trade and manufacturing remain in the top half of active industry job postings this month. Educational services broke through as a new in-demand industry on the list this month, as did other services (except public administration). Administrative and support, waste management, and remediation services are no longer on the list this month. Industry demand for professional, scientific, and technical services, in terms of job postings, has increased by 44% since October. Both transportation and warehousing as well as construction demand dropped by two-thirds. This happened month over month. Construction demand decreased again by the same percentage of job postings since October, which is attributed to continued seasonality. Finance and insurance, manufacturing, accommodation, and food service industry job demand remains virtually the same in the region since October.

• Conference Board data from Lightcast indicates that the hardest to fill jobs for eastern Idaho — in terms when jobs are listed and filled — vary across occupational families. The following jobs that emerged in October and were not previously on the list in September include exercise physiologists, rehabilitation counselors, aviation technicians, industrial health engineers, spa managers, hairdressers and computer scientists. The notable jobs which were both hardest to fill and had multiple job postings included industrial health engineers, computer and information research scientists, and architects. Tire repairers, database administrators and architects were hard-to-fill jobs in both September and October. The top job demand challenges reportedly in October were filling installation/maintenance/repair, architecture/engineering, computer, and personal care/service industry vacancies.

Eastern region

• The Idaho Falls commercial real estate market, which has not slowed down into 2022’s final quarter, has a low vacancy rate at 4.5%. Even so, it is still attracting new businesses to the area. Businesses include stand-alone shops and shopping centers. Summit Orthopedics recently moved in to a new 19,000-square-foot office in Idaho Falls. Other tenants such as Modern Home, Elevation Labs and Intermountain Auto Recycling are also expanding and opening new locations. Riviera Park near Costco has multiple retail and restaurant tenants committed to opening in 2024. Source: Post Register
• The federal government announced $150 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory to enhance nuclear energy research and development. The funding will support nearly a dozen projects at INL’s Advanced Test Reactor and Materials Fuels Complex. This will speed up the replacement of aging plant infrastructure systems at the Advanced Test Reactor and Materials Fuels Complex to ensure both remain operational in supporting several initiatives related to nuclear energy research and development. Source: Post Register
• A small-scale furniture manufacturing company in Idaho Falls is going out of business in October, which affected 12 employees being laid off. Source: Idaho Dept of Labor
• Riverbend Meats, a firm under the Riverbend conglomerate of businesses, is slated to open by the end of the year in Idaho Falls with 75 employees. Plans are to expand to approximately 150 employees. Unique enticements for recruiting and benefits to employees include free housing in dormitories, two meals per day and competitive pay. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
• An intermediate-sized home building company laid off a number of office staff in their building division. Source: Idaho Dept of Labor
• Educators working in rural or underserved schools have the chance to apply for up to $12,000 that could be put toward student loans or other educational expenses. The initiative is an effort to recruit and retain teachers, especially in rural and high-need locations where staff shortages are often more severe. Source: Idaho Education News
• Regional fall enrollments in higher education have increased since last fall. College of Eastern Idaho is up 164 students (+7.1 %), Brigham Young University – Idaho is up 3,754 students (+15.6%) and the University of Idaho and Idaho State University Idaho Falls extensions are up 1.5%. Sources: CEI Dept of Institutional Effectiveness; ISU Office of Institutional Research; UI Dept of Institutional Research; BYU-I online Enrollment Statistics and Demographics

Bonneville County

• Voting took place on District 93’s $11.6 million two-year supplemental levy to add updates to the district’s schools. The levy passed with 58.14% of the voters in favor. Source: Local News 8
• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced five ribbon cutting ceremonies to firms who either opened their doors within the past six months, moved to a new location due to expansion, or remodeled/expanded their current location. These firms include Mountain America Center, Pure Infusion, CYA Safety and Prevention Resource Center, and Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
• Bonneville County reported a 4.8% reduction in active home listings from October.  Median days on the market is 56 days, a 12% increase from October. New listings since October have dipped 13%. Median listing prices again saw no change from last month but increased by 2.3% from this time last year. 12.4% of homes in inventory have reduced their listing prices since October. Source: Realtor.com
• The Ammon City Council voted unanimously Oct. 20 to place a 180-day moratorium on residential annexations greater than 10 acres. A proposed amendment would impact residential subdivisions. Based on this information, the city council directed staff to prepare an interim moratorium ordinance in accordance with Idaho code. Source: Post Register
• The city of Idaho Falls Community Development Block Grant program published its five year consolidated action plan to coordinate stakeholders for the needs of the community in maximizing resources, avoiding duplication of services and completing projects. Invitations to apply were extended to the city council/city leadership, shelter agencies, housing agencies and past applicants. Participating agencies in the past have included CLUB, Inc.; LIFE, Inc.; CEI; EICAP; Family Care Center; F.A.I.T.H.; Trinity Methodist Church Shelter; Veterans Health Administration; YMCA; Habitat for Humanity; State Health Department and IHFA. Source: idahofallsidaho.gov

Custer County

• A $2 million grant was awarded to Big Lost River Irrigation District from Idaho Water Resource Board for repairs to Mackay Dam. Source: Challis Messenger
• Konnex and Phoenix Copper mining companies in Mackay are looking to fill approximately 75 positions for full operations by spring 2023. Source: Butte County Economic Development

Teton County

• Regional government agencies, nonprofits and businesses received a $20 million BUILD grant for transportation projects across the Tetons. The grant included funding to the Idaho Transportation Department for a passing lane southeast of Victor and turn lanes at seven intersections from Baseline in Victor to LeGrand Pierre Avenue in Driggs. However, when the cost estimate nearly tripled this year, ITD eliminated all but the Baseline intersection improvements and the Victor passing lane. This news came just as the community was seeing an increase in serious and fatal accidentson Highway 33. The issue has recently been controversial because Highway 33 is a local road that accesses many residences and businesses and a main street for three municipalities, but it’s also a heavily used two-lane artery to get from one popular tourist destination to another. Source: Teton Valley News

Madison County

• The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the East-Central Idaho Planning and Development Association, Inc., an economic development agency in eastern Idaho, received $4 million to support construction of the Teton River Business Center and spark job­-creating economic activity in the area. Source: Idaho Business Review

Fremont County

• Grant funds from a $1.7 million Leading Idaho initiative helped repair and replace sections of the damaged runway at the Saint Anthony community airport. The funds were used in concert with Idaho Airport Aid Program funding to complete the runway reconstruction and reduce a safety hazard. An additional hangar and a new partial parallel were constructed to provide access to the runway and improve safety at the airport. The new runway is intended to better serve the agricultural spraying needs and general aviation operations. Source: Idaho Business Review

Jefferson County

• Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation southwest of Roberts for a 15,000-head feeding lot for SRS Cattle, LLC. Source: Jefferson-Star

Ryan.Whitesides@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 557-2500 ext. 3628

This Idaho Department of Labor project is 100% funded by USDOL as part of $695,785 in Workforce Information Grant funds from the Employment and Training Administration.