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

Region

• Labor demand in northern Idaho declined slightly in October, but remained robust overall. In total, there were 1,734 job postings in northern Idaho in October, 2023, according to data from the Conference Board. In total there were 1,415 jobs posted in Kootenai County. The most in-demand occupation was retail salespersons, followed by registered nurses.

Top 10 occupations by job postings in northern Idaho, October 2023

 

Kootenai County

• Construction has begun on the new Thomas George building in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The 18-story building will include 60 condominiums on the upper floors, with amenities including garages, a gym and a pool on the lower floors. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
• Kootenai Health’s Adult Behavioral Health unit is transitioning to a full telehealth model due to increasing demand for services and a shortage of providers. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
• Work was completed on a series of new roundabouts and improvements on the arterial Prairie Avenue in Post Falls, allowing the heavily trafficked road to reopen. Traffic on Prairie Avenue has substantially increased in recent years due to extensive commercial and residential development on the prairie in northern Post Falls. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings

• Golden Rule Brake (Post Falls)
• Wrangler (Coeur d’Alene)
• White House Recovery (Post Falls)
• North Idaho Kids Academy (Coeur d’Alene)
• Ariat International (Coeur d’Alene)

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

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

North-Central Idaho

• The Northwest Pipeline operated by Williams Pipeline and contracted by Avista to serve natural gas customers in eastern Washington and north central Idaho was ruptured in early-mid November 2023 and resulted in a natural gas outage for 36,000 customer accounts (approximately 10% of Avista’s natural gas customer base) from Pullman/Moscow to Lewiston/Clarkston. Avista dedicated approximately 3,000 work hours to having all gas meters manually shut off. After repairing and re-pressurizing the pipeline, all locations had to be manually relit from inside the location by a professional technician. Approximately 800 Avista employees and sub-contractors came from all over the western region to expedite the process. Utility companies throughout the five counties of north central Idaho typically employ 100-200 people. Many regional businesses, including large industrial employers such as Clearwater Paper and CCI/Speer, had to temporarily suspend some operations while the University of Idaho and most local schools had to cancel classes for multiple days due to no heat or hot water. Source: Avista Utilities, Lewiston Tribune, Williams

• The Idaho Broadband Advisory Council awarded Idaho County an $11.5 million grant to construct a 144-strand fiber line from Grangeville to Orofino. Combined with a $2.9 million match from four north central counties and the cities of Grangeville and Nezperce, the $14.5 million project funding will go toward developing regional fiber infrastructure. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• The Idaho Food Bank Fund awarded $14,000 in grants throughout north central Idaho to help operate programs, purchase food, expand capacity and provide nutrition education:
  • Clearwater County Senior Citizens in Orofino – $4,000
  • Craigmont Pantry of Hope – $1,500
  • Deary Community Foodbank – $1,575
  • J-K Good Samaritan Food Bank in Juliaetta – $4,000
  • LC Valley Youth Resource Center in Lewiston – $3,000

Nez Perce County

• The U.S. EPA awarded $589,154 to the Nez Perce tribe for improving its solid waste management program and infrastructure. The funding will be focused on supporting postconsumer materials management, adding a new recycling stream and adding additional staff to increase capacity. Source: EPA
• Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) signed a transfer articulation agreement with Northwest Indian College (NWIC) to ease the transfer of NWIC students into bachelor’s degree programs at LCSC. NWIC students who are members of an Idaho Native American Tribe may qualify through tribal residency for in-state tuition at LCSC. Source: Big Country News
• Bell Lumber and Pole, which manufactures utility poles throughout the U.S. and Canada, is considering expanding operations to the Port of Lewiston due to its close proximity to rail and water transportation. The move could create two to three new warehousing jobs in Phase 1 and grow to adding 8-12 jobs if pole peeling operations are added. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

• During its annual meeting in November, Idaho County Light and Power reported that through June 2023 the cooperative added 343 new customers, up 7% from the previous year. The gain was from a combination of acquiring Seven Devil’s Propane in Riggins during 2022 and new area residents. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• Due to the Mountain View School District levy failing to pass in November, the school board will be meeting in December to discuss possibly splitting the school district into two entities. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• City of Kooskia has hired M2 Construction to upgrade sewer mains through Spring of 2024. Source: City of Kooskia
• Land has been donated to the Prairie River Library District for the purposes of building a new library in Kooskia. The library district will begin raising funds through grants and private donations to construct the new library building. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

• Gritman Medical Center News and Updates:
  • The C.L. Gritman Office Building is a new multi-care building offering oncology, hematology, neurology, an interventional pain clinic, and infusion services with the goal to allow cancer and pain patients to visit one building to get all the treatments they need. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • Gritman Medical Center’s Hip and Knee Replacement Program received its first ever certification from The Joint Commission. Source: Daily Fly
  • Gritman’s Family Medicine Clinic in Troy has been closed since March 2023 due to leak issues. Renovations began in August 2023 and should be completed in Spring 2024. Renovations include a new roof and updated electrical and HVAC systems. Patients will continue to be seen at the Kendrick Family Medicine clinic until that project is complete. Source: Gritman Medical Center
  • Gritman Medical Center purchased the 16,000 square foot Thrivent Building, the former site of the Moscow Pullman Daily News/EMSI, in downtown Moscow to serve as a new location for Gritman Therapy Solutions (opening in 2024). The current therapy solutions office will be converted into clinic space. Source: Gritman Medical Center
  • The Gritman Health System had 135,000 outpatient visits in 2019 and is estimating 173,000 in 2023 and 181,000 in 2024. Gritman is a private, nonprofit hospital and one of the top 10 employers in Latah County. Source: Gritman Medical Center
• The University of Idaho College of Engineering was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for the ability to strengthen workforce development along with regional capacity to manufacture, commercialize and deploy technology. The University of Idaho’s nuclear technology management master’s program is one of two S. universities (along with Texas A&M) endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Source: The University of Idaho
• Schweitzer Engineering Labs’ new printed circuit board factory in Moscow was named the 2023 Top Project of the Year by Idaho Business Review. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• Deary High School was awarded up to $47,000 by the Idaho Career Ready Students Council to upgrade equipment for career technical education programs. Source: The Idaho Department of Education

Clearwater County

• Idaho Career Ready Students Council awarded Orofino School District up to $528,100 to fund a new CTE program focused on the natural resources and forestry pathway at Orofino Jr./Sr. High School and Timberline Schools. Source: The Idaho Department of Education
• The Clearwater County Commissioners will be holding public hearings in late November/early December to discuss proposals for a telecommunications tower operated by WEIS towers and a new Dollar General store. Source: The Clearwater Tribune

Lewis County

• Upriver Youth Leadership Council received a $375,000 grant for each of the next five years from the Partnerships for Success to establish an adult Recovery Community Center in Kamiah. The grant will provide funding for a physical location along with a school resource officer stationed at Kamiah High School. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• After opening in March 2022, the Kooskia teen center will close Dec. 1 due to low attendance. Kooskia teens will continue to be welcomed at the Kamiah teen center. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Openings

• Rustic Rabbit in Grangeville. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• Bill’s Heating and A/C, based in Post Falls, has opened a satellite office in Lewiston. The business operates an educational center for staff in Hayden. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• Moscow Diagnostic Ultrasound, formerly named Tiny Hearts 3D Ultrasound Studio, relocated to a new location in downtown Moscow. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• LCV Massage has opened in downtown Lewiston. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• Allen Handyman Services in Riggins. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• Backroads Coffee Company in Cottonwood. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• Slice of the Moon opened a permanent location in Lewiston. Source: Slice of the Moon
• Infuse and Booze is opening a storefront in downtown Lewiston. Source: Infuse and Booze
• Countrymen’s Bier Hall opened beneath Moscow Axe Throwing in Moscow. Source: Countrymen’s Bier Hall
• Joyful Creations and Events is opening a storefront in downtown Lewiston. Source: Joyful Creations
• Golden Honey Tanning Boutique in Lewiston
• Wild at Art in Moscow is rebranding into Craft Artbar and Studio as they are adding a kitchen and wine bar to current offerings of pottery and canvas painting. Source: Wild at Art
• Clearwater Health + Wellness is opening in Lewiston in January. Source: Clearwater Health + Wellness

Closings

• My Minerals natural make-up is closing in Lewiston. Source: My Minerals
• 602 Burgers and Dogs will be closing their Lewiston location to operate Station 3 in Clarkston. Source: 602 Burgers

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

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

Region

Southwestern Idaho – October Multiple Listing Summary by County

Southwestern Idaho – October Job Postings

• Over the year, unique job postings fell by 4,000, a 27% decline with median posting duration also dropping from 15 days to 13 days. The number of employers competing for workers fell by about 750, down 23%. There are certain industries that have seen a drop in traffic after the pandemic such as trade and production, as the supply chain healed, travel resumed and consumers shifted to service-oriented industries to spend their dollars.
• October’s online job postings are downward trending at 11,318 compared to last year with 15,394. Those occupations in greatest demand are similar in makeup with last October, although greater demand is apparent with retail and delivery jobs seasonally impacted.

Southwestern Idaho Job Posting – Highest Demand

Ada County

• Darigold is a brand of milk products for the Northwest Dairy Association, headquartered in Seattle, which announced its intent to open an operations office in Boise. Its members include 300 dairies across Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. There are three Idaho processing plants in Idaho. The Boise plant makes shelf stable milk, cottage cheese and sour cream. The Caldwell plant makes butter. The Jerome plant makes powdered milk products used in infant formula and other value-added products. Source: Idaho Business Review and Idaho Statesman
• The historic Union Block building in downtown Boise was condemned by the city of Boise, forcing restaurants Mai Thai and Moon’s Kitchen to shut down operations. Balsam Brands, an eCommerce retailer of holiday and home décor that markets under the brand Balsam Hill, is the third tenant in the building that closed its doors for structural safety purposes. This five-year long project that entailed adding a basement needs to be wrapped up within 30 days to satisfy the condemnation notice. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Boise State University reported a total of 26,727 students enrolled Fall 2023. This is an uptick from Fall 2022 of 2.3%, with over 600 students. Source: State Board of Education and Idaho Business Review

Canyon County

• The Workforce Development Council awarded $4.2 million to the College of Western Idaho to double its student capacity by 2026, enrolling 240 students annually, specifically in the mechatronics program. This follows on Micron’s $15 billion expansion in Boise and its need for this caliber of trained workforce. In addition to the program, Micron also sponsors a Registered Apprenticeship program for those that want to start work immediately. Source: Idaho Press
• School district patrons in Middleton and Nampa passed two-year supplemental levies. The Middleton School District asked for $1.5 million and was approved by 58% of the voters. The Nampa School District requested $14.7 million to fund school programs, laptops and staffing, garnering the approval of 55% of voters. Source: Boise State Public Radio

Openings

• The Outdoor Fieldhouse opened in Boise offering facilities for those physically challenged along with post-9/11 veterans and military spouses. The 55,000-square-foot facility provides equipment and space to work out, run, swim and climb. It is located on seven acres and has an outdoor track. The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation has pledged to fund the facility in perpetuity. The investment into the Fieldhouse and its operations is estimated at over $50 million. Source: Idaho Press
• El-Ada Community Action Partnership held a ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of Celebration Acres in Boise. The housing project offers 25 affordable housing units, two units designed for those moving from homelessness through the non-profit Charitable Assistance to Community’s Homeless, commonly referred to as CATCH. There will be three units that will be rented at market rates. The project has taken 13 years to come to fruition. Source: Idaho News 6

Closures

• Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filing has resulted in the closure of three stores across the Treasure Valley — one in Boise and the other two in Meridian. The remaining six stores are not off the chopping block yet, as the company is still in negotiations. All stores are leaseholds, not owned by Rite Aid. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Frondescence, a vegan restaurant in downtown Boise closed after opening last February. The operator believed he needed a larger population base of customers for the niche vegan menu. Source: Idaho Statesman

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

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

Blaine County

• The city of Carey will receive a $24,000 grant from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to prepare a wastewater planning study and environmental review. The review will be used to evaluate current wastewater system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades. Source: Idaho Business Review
• Freidman Memorial Airport in Hailey announced its winter flight schedule. The airport schedule will fly to the same six destinations as last year; Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago. However, this year, there is 15% more seating compared to last year, increasing supply during the holiday season. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• Sun Valley Resort is soon to complete its Warm Springs Enhancement Project, which will cut some new terrain and will replace two of the old four person chairlifts with new lifts that have the capacity to carry six people. The project will be completed in December. Source: KMVT

Minidoka County

• Minico High School started construction on the school’s new Agriculture building. Food, animal and plant sciences as well as horticulture and welding programs will be offered in the new facility. The building is expected to be finished by January 2023. Source: KMVT

Twin Falls County

• Twin Falls’ public rideshare program, Ride TFT is extending its hours on weekends. The new late-night rides will cost $10 compared to a standard $3 fee. Ride TFT is now offering lifts to Magic Valley Regional Airport to accommodate a second flight in the evening landing on most nights. Source: KMVT
• A new urgent care and pharmacy opened in downtown Twin Falls, addressing a lack of service in the area. The urgent care facility is now open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The pharmacy is expected to open in December.  Source: KMVT

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

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

Region

• Labor force estimates for October 2023 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program showed an employment decrease and unemployment increase in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, October’s preliminary estimates show labor force participants decreasing by 415 people that month, with 565 fewer employed workers and 150 more unemployed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.2%, 0.5 percentage points higher than one year prior.

 

 

• There were 1,781 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area in October of 2023, down from 1,931 the prior month and down from 1,818 the previous October. The median posting duration stood at 29 days, up from 22 days in September and down from 34 days in October 2022.
• Healthcare practitioners and technical; sales and related; management; transportation and material moving; as well as office and administrative support continue to be the top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho. Among specific occupations, registered nurses remain at the top of the list and are down 23% compared to the same time last year. Retail salespersons and first-line supervisors of retail sales workers continue to be in the top five occupations by unique online job postings and are up 20% and 26% year-over-year, respectively. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, were down 47% compared to the same time last year.
• Retail trade narrowly overtook health care and social assistance as the top industry by unique online job postings in October 2023 with 242, up from 180 the prior October. A majority of all job postings remained in service-producing industries though manufacturing came in fourth with 181 postings and construction came in tenth with 73 postings.
• Lightcast’s data from the Conference Board indicates that the hardest to fill jobs as measured by median posting duration were in architecture and engineering; educational instruction and library; arts, design, entertainment, sports and media; production; and protective service occupations. The single occupation with the longest median posting duration was electrical engineers at 50 days followed by physicians, all other (48 days); construction managers (47 days); first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers (45 days); and network and computer systems administrators (43 days).
• Southeastern Idaho received its first snowfall of the season the week of October 22-28 though it melted soon afterwards. Reservoirs on the Upper Snake River are at healthier levels than this time last year when much of the Mountain West was experiencing a multi-year drought. Hydrologists are optimistic there will be carry-over through this winter season. Although the arrival of an El Nino system in the Pacific Ocean may bring a drier winter, the seasonal outlook remains drought free. Sources: Idaho State Journal, U.S. Drought Monitor
• Voters in one southeastern Idaho school district approved a large bond measure and failed to achieve the required supermajority to pass another. Voters in Shelley Joint Schol District #60 approved a $67.8 million bond for a new high school as their current high school is near or at capacity and the student population is projected to grow further. Meanwhile, voters in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25 failed to achieve the 60% supermajority to approve a $45 million bond to rebuild Highland High School after it was significantly damaged in a fire this past April. Source: KIFI Local News 8, Idaho State Journal
• Regional healthcare provider Health West has finalized its acquisition of seven clinics in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming and has opened its first pharmacy later this month in Chubbuck. This brings the number of its clinics to 19, in addition to serving patients in 10 schools within the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Idaho National Guard announced they are partnering to create a new accredited military science program within the Fort Hall School District curriculum. The elective program will be taught by Idaho Army National Guard instructors at the junior and senior high schools and provide military occupational specialty and career opportunities. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Idaho State University’s search committee for a new president has closed the application window after receiving 84 applications. The committee will interview candidates in mid-December and hopes to announce a new president by the end of the year. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bannock County

• Venezuelan restaurant Arepas Factory opened at the Pine Ridge Mall in Chubbuck. The Andrade family had immigrated from Venezuela in 2014 and previously operated the Food O’Clock café and restaurant in Pocatello’s Station Square. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Pocatello-based food truck Beixy’s Kitchen opened for business offering varieties of a Venezuelan staple, empanadas and beverages. The truck can already be found at area businesses as well as the local farmers markets beginning next spring. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The City of Inkom voted to disband its police department and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has assumed law enforcement responsibilities for the city. This decision came amidst ongoing hiring difficulties for the city and follows other rural communities in the county as well as around the country. Source: Idaho State Journal
• A groundbreaking was held for Extreme Rush in Chubbuck, a 60,000 square-foot family fun complex on East Lindon Avenue. The completed center will include pickleball courts, go-carts, gel blasters, arcade games and mini golf. The owners expect to have a grand opening in Spring 2024. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Urgent care clinic Portneuf Health Now has joined Portneuf Primary Care and Portneuf WorkMed at the Portneuf Medical Plaza in Northgate. The clinic will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and only until 6 p.m. on weekends. Source: KIFI Local News 8, Idaho State Journal
• After multiple construction delays, the rebuilt Arctic Circle fast-food restaurant on Yellowstone Avenue in Pocatello has opened to the public. Source: Idaho State Journal
• The City of Chubbuck opened its new animal shelter after outgrowing its older, smaller facility. The shelter will be working closely with Bannock Animal Medical Center who is serving as the shelter’s lead veterinarian, with pets adopted from the shelter eligible for a free exam and discounts on many veterinary services. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bingham County

• Blackfoot restaurant Melina’s Mexican Food has sold its current location on Main Street to Maverick and moved up the road to a location with a larger capacity. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Open since June 2022, Blackfoot art and crafts store The Craft Shop held a belated grand opening in October. Located on Broadway Street, the business provides a space for artists and crafters in addition to supplies for an assortment of media including quilting, scrapbooking, 3D printing and epoxy resin pours. Source: Idaho State Journal

Caribou County

• After 93 years of syndication, the Caribou County Sun ceased publication. The owners cite national trends in the disappearance of smaller newspapers and the impact of that loss on local communities. Source: Caribou County Sun

Franklin County

• Fast food eatery Polar Bear opened its new location in Preston after its previous restaurant was closed two decades ago. The owners broke ground on the site located on 800 South this past April and held its grand opening after several construction delays. Source: The Preston Citizen
• After months of remodeling, Ireland Bank reopened its Preston branch in October. The bank was founded in Malad in 1892 and now has 12 branches operating across southeastern Idaho. Source: The Preston Citizen
• The Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust partnered with landowners in Franklin County to create a new 1,204-acre conservation easement to protect and conserve the land for open space, ranching and wildlife habitat reasons. The land trust has 28 conservation easements and protects 7,000 acres of land. Source: Idaho State Journal

Power County

• Fabled Art Café on Fort Hall Avenue in American Falls opened at the end of October, providing art supplies and classes for all ages. Source: Idaho State Journal
• After continued difficulties finding and retaining a prosecuting attorney, Power County has contracted the position to law firm May, Rammell & Wells who currently have offices in Pocatello and Burley. They are now considering opening a new office in American Falls. This comes after the county had already contracted out civil issues to Pocatello law firm Merrill and Merrill. Source: Power County Press

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

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

Region News

• Labor force estimates for October 2023 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics program showed the number of employed persons decreased, while the amount of unemployed persons increased in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, October’s preliminary estimates show labor force participants increased by 78 from September, with 117 additional unemployed and 39 less that are employed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.7%, 0.3 percentage points higher than it was one year prior.
• There were an estimated 2,380 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for October 2023, according to the Conference Board’s Help Wanted Online (note this is regional job postings data, not necessarily job openings data). Decreased postings are showing a drop from 2,445 (-3%) the prior month and a decrease from 3,021 (-21%) year-over-year. Retail salespersons continue leading the top occupations by unique (de-duplicated) job postings in the region since last month. The top five occupations by unique job postings remained the same. Production workers and fast-food workers replaced civil engineers and light truck drivers on the top-10 list since last month. Employer job demand, from a job postings perspective, increased in October for driver/sales workers (23%), registered nurses (11%), wholesale/manufacturing sales reps (7%) and customer service reps (4%). Conversely, there was a decrease in postings for retail sales supervisors (-22%), retail salespersons (-20%), freight/stock/material laborers (-15%) and heavy tractor trailer drivers (-10%).
• Construction moved up one spot ahead of accommodation/food services as did public administration, moving ahead of education services, in eastern Idaho rankings of top industries by unique job postings for October. There was an increase in construction, accommodation/food services and public administration industry categories of job postings. Job postings in retail trade, professional/scientific/technical services, healthcare/social assistance, manufacturing and educational services industry categories declined.
• October data from the Conference Board denotes the hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, in terms of time to fill and multiple job postings and include fast food workers, food service managers, construction laborers and retail salespersons. Top job demand challenges in October by occupational family were food prep/serving, construction/extraction, business/financial operations and sales. Every occupation was new to the October list of hardest-to-fill occupations.

Region Developments

• The Idaho Falls Regional Airport will begin an 18,000-square-foot expansion in early 2024 and finish by 2026. Clayco owns the construction management contract for the IDA terminal renovation and expansion. Idaho Falls-based Construction Solutions Company will be Clayco’s associate team member on the project. The $45 million project will be paid for through federal airport funding. Source: City of Idaho Falls news release
• Yellowstone National Park in October 2023 hosted 421,608 total visits, an 18% increase from October 2022. To date in 2023, Yellowstone has hosted 5,651,495 total visits, up 26% from 2022. Grand Teton National Park hosted 361,436 total visitors in October 2023, which was up 14% over October 2022 figures. Total year-to-date park visitation at Grand Teton is also up 14% year-over-year at 4,655,546 visitors. Source: National Park Service
• The practical nursing program at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) has been named the top training program in the state. For five years running, 100% of CEI’s licensed practical nurse (LPN) students have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses on their first try to gain the licensure. Since 2018, CEI has placed over 95% of all LPN graduates in the workforce. Source: Post Register
• The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated the Intermountain West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) in advanced nuclear energy as a tech hub. Along with the EDA’s designation comes a $500,000 grant, which will help the agency apply for a second phase of funding worth anywhere from $40 million to $75 million. The designation is part of an economic development initiative called the Tech Hubs program, which brings funding to regions in the U.S. identified for the “potential to become epicenters for globally competitive innovation,” including the Idaho National Laboratory, College of Eastern Idaho and City of Idaho Falls. The EDA Tech Hub Strategy Development Grant will enable the INEC to facilitate necessary studies, preliminary work and collaboration across the Intermountain West to prepare for the Phase 2 EDA Tech Hub Application process. The mission of the INEC Tech Hub is to jump start the nation’s global competitiveness in advanced reactor deployment into the next decade. Source: Idaho Business Review
• A project to build a first-of-a-kind small modular nuclear reactor power plant in Idaho has been terminated. Most prospective subscribers were unwilling to take on the costs and risks associated with developing and piloting the nuclear project. Oregon-based NuScale Power has the only small modular nuclear reactor design certified for use in the United States. For its first project the company was working with a group of Utah utilities to demonstrate a six-reactor plant at the Idaho National Laboratory, generating enough electricity to power more than 300,000 homes. The project was to come online starting in 2029 and was supposed to replace electricity from coal plants and intended to help municipalities and public power utilities in several western states. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Battelle Energy Alliance, which manages and operates Idaho National Laboratory, announced the opening of its grant annual funding opportunities for nonprofits across the region to supporting non-profit organizations that provide services to disadvantaged, rural and marginalized community members. Source: Idaho Business Review
• The U.S. Department of Energy wants to partner with the private sector in developing commercial clean energy projects. It issued a request for information from industry partners in hopes of leasing land in the Arco desert for that purpose. The department owns 890-square-miles of land, which is used by the Idaho National Laboratory. Source: East Idaho News

Bonneville County

• Timeless Trends & Décor, a secondhand antique, home decor, furniture, clothing and accessories shop, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
• Snake River Strings Co. opened a business in Ammon providing private music lessons for students in multiple states. Source: East Idaho News
• One Stop Record Shop, a record, antique and memorabilia store, opened in Idaho Falls on Oct. 30. Source: East Idaho News
• White Pine Charter School in Ammon is expanding with a new $9 million facility by Fall 2024. The 36,000 square-foot project will add 13 classrooms, a library, tech space, science lab, new gymnasium, common area, administrative offices, lockers and includes updates to the elementary school. Currently, White Pine serves 615 students; the new facility will raise total capacity to 775 students. Source: Post Register
• The City of Idaho Falls is trying to bring more businesses back to the northwest corner of Lincoln Road and Yellowstone Highway as the proposed Yellowstone Square-Urban Renewal District. The Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency will work with a developer on next steps to begin through tax increment financing. Source: KIFI Local News 8
• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies at BK Collision, Action Motor Sports Klim Store and Redd’s Grill. These establishments met one of the following criteria: 1. Opened their doors within the past six months; 2. Moved to a new location due to expansion; or 3. Remodeled/expanded their current location. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
• Denny’s restaurant in Idaho Falls has permanently closed. Source: The Idaho Department of Labor
• For October, the Bonneville County median home listing prices marginally decreased both from last month to $429,725 (-2%) and from this time last year (-5%). The county increased in active home listings month-over-month (8%) and decreased year-over-year (-18%). Median days on the market decreased by six days to 46 days. New listings were down both from the month prior (-1%) and over the year (-17%). There were 188 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October (24%). Source: Realtor.com

Butte County

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced improvements to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Butte Soil & Water Conservation District Burnett Irrigation Ditch will receive $3.65 million out of a total of $9.2 million, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Farm Bill. Source: Idaho Business Review
• For October, the Butte County median home listing prices reported a negligible decrease to $270,500 and an increase from this time last year (8%). The county increased in active home listings both month-over-month (22%) and year-over-year (47%). Median days on the market increased by 19 days to 84. New listings did not change from the month prior nor over the year. There were no homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October. Source: Realtor.com

Clark County

• For October, Clark County median home listing prices decreased both from last month to $216,188 (-4%) and from October 2022 prices (-8%). The county didn’t change either in active home listings month-over-month or year-over-year. Median days on the market increased by 31 days to 57. There was no data reported for new listings nor homes that reduced their listing prices. Source: Realtor.com

Custer County

• Challis City Council members expressed concern with the increased, but untracked, use of city water and sewer services by RV dwellers living permanently in RVs throughout the city. The city requires RVs to be parked in RV parks. City officials allowed people to live in RVs, but have not adopted an ordinance that would allow tiny houses in the city limits. There is a set minimum width requirement for houses to prevent any more single-wide trailers from being set up inside the city, which prohibits tiny houses, too. Source: Challis Messenger
• For October, Custer County median home listing prices increased to $625,000 (25%) from last month, but decreased from October 2022 prices (-7%). The county increased in both month-over-month active home listings (8%) and year-over-year (29%). Median days on the market increased by a day to 106 days. New listings were unchanged over the month and increased over the year (100%). There were no homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October. Source: Realtor.com

Fremont County

• The Ashton City Council approved the Maple Street water line engineering contract, the railroad avenue project contract and the wastewater reuse permit contract. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
• For October, the Fremont County median home listing prices marginally decreased to $697,000 over the month and decreased from October 2022 prices (-3%). The county decreased in month-over-month active home listings (-5%), but increased year-over-year (21%). Median days on the market increased by 16 days to 82. New listings are down from the month prior (-6%). There were 34 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October (-6%). Source: Realtor.com

Jefferson County

• The Idaho Food Bank Fund announced The Giving Cupboard in Rigby will receive a $7,000 grant to support nutrition awareness, promote healthy eating and relieve hunger. Source: Idaho Food Bank news release
• For October the Jefferson County median home listing prices decreased to $534,375 month-over-month (-5%) and increased from October 2022 (10%). The county decreased in active home listings month-over-month (-3%), but increased year-over-year (20%). Median days on the market increased by 17 days to 77. New listings decreased from the month prior (-59%). There were 54 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October (4%). Source: Realtor.com

Lemhi County

• The Idaho Food Bank announced Salmon Senior Citizens Nutrition Site Association, Inc. will receive a $5,000 grant to support nutrition awareness, promote healthy eating and relieve hunger. Source: Idaho Food Bank news release
• For October, the Lemhi County median home listing prices decreased month-over-month to $657,000, (-8%), but increased from October 2022 (1%). The county decreased in active home listings month-over-month (-9%), but increased year-over-year (26%). Median days on the market decreased by eight days to 89. New listings decreased from the month prior (-33%). There were 18 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October (50%). Source: Realtor.com

Madison County

• A new theater program in Rexburg, The Romance Theater Acting Company, began operations. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
• A new restaurant, Teton Sourdough Co., opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
• The City of Rexburg Cultural Arts department is planning a major overhaul of the 112-year-old Rexburg Tabernacle with a capital campaign, which has identified some potential large donors and grants. It’s estimated that it will cost around $5 million. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
• Brigham Young University-Idaho’s Fall 2023 enrollment estimates approximately 20,000 students are living in Rexburg during Fall 2023 semester with a total enrollment of 23,318 campus-based students. This includes 18,714 campus-based students who are enrolled in face-to-face courses and 4,604 campus-based students who are enrolled in online courses and/or internships. In addition, BYU-Idaho has 19,678 online students in partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide for a total of 42,996 total enrolled students. Source: BYU-Idaho press release
• The Idaho Food Bank Fund announced the Family Crisis Center in Rexburg will receive a $4,500 grant to support nutrition awareness, promote healthy eating and relieve hunger. Source: Idaho Food Bank news release
• For October, Madison County median home listing prices decreased to $394,700 (-1%) both over the month and from October 2022 prices (-8%). The county increased in active home listings both month-over-month (3%) and a negligible amount year-over-year. Median days on the market decreased by 20 days to 47. New listings decreased over the month (-20%). There were 32 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October (14%). Source: Realtor.com

Teton County

• Two years after land was acquired, an Oct. 11 groundbreaking was held for a new 86-unit apartment complex in Victor. The developer is Plaza Equity Partners from Florida. Headwaters Construction Company will begin building it this year and anticipates the project will finish in 21 months. Source: Teton Valley News 
• The Idaho Food Bank announced Seniors West of the Tetons and Teton Valley Food Pantry, both in Driggs, will each receive $6,000 grants to support nutrition awareness, promote healthy eating and relieve hunger. Source: Idaho Food Bank news release
• Teton County will receive a $120,000 Safe Streets and Roads Grant for All grant to create a safety action plan. Source: Teton Valley News
• Teton County median home listing prices increased to $939,000 (7%) month-over-month in October, but decreased year-over-year (-6%). The county saw a drop in active home listings both month-over-month (-20%) and year-over-year (-11%). Median days on the market increased by 13 days to 85. New listings increased from the month prior (10%). There were again 28 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in October. Source: Realtor.com

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

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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.