Around Idaho: Economic activity, December 2023

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

Region

Labor demand in northern Idaho remains robust, with elevated levels of unfilled jobs. In total, there were 1,341 job postings in northern Idaho in November 2023, according to data from the Conference Board, of which 1,130 were 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, November 2023

Kootenai County

The East Side Fire District is building a new station on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene to accommodate the growing resident population in the area. The new station will nearly triple the district’s facility space and allow it to support an ambulance service. Currently, ambulance services in the district are provided from the City of Coeur d’Alene and can suffer delays reaching patients. Source: Journal of Business
Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho received a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to build homes in Kootenai County. The grant will support the construction of 21 condominiums in Coeur d’Alene which are scheduled for completion in 2025. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
The Post Falls School District is building a new maintenance and operations complex next to Prairie View Elementary School. The new facility will support the district’s food service distribution. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

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

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

North Central Idaho

The Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation awarded 10 large impact grants totaling $532,000 to entities throughout north central Idaho that focus on health, wellness and disease prevention. Recipients included: CHAS Health ($40,000), Family Promise ($25,000), Idaho Foodbank ($75,000), LC Valley Youth Resource Center ($85,000), LCSC Nursing & Health Sciences ($50,000), Sojourners Alliance ($50,000), St Vincent de Paul ($30,000), Suicide Prevention of the Inland Northwest ($80,000) and Syringa Hospital Foundation ($97,000). Source: Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation
North central Idaho was granted seven Strategic Initiatives Program transportation projects totaling $9.5 million. Most of the recommended projects are scheduled to be completed in 2024:
- $3.7 million for Snake River Ave. in Lewiston
- $2 million for Webb Road in Nez Perce County
- $1.9 million for Johnston Rd. in Grangeville
- $780,000 for culvert replacements in the north highway district
- $733,000 for Division Ave. in Craigmont
- $247,000 for Mountain View Rd. in Moscow
- $110,000 for Lamb Street safety signs in Idaho County

As part of an agreement to delay Snake River dam litigation for five to ten years, the Nez Perce and other regional tribes will receive financial assistance to develop up to 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy sources as well as continued support for fish restoration projects. The Bonneville Power Administration will spend $300 million over the next 10 years to help restore salmon/steelhead runs, with $100 million allocated to regional tribes and $200 million spent to update hatcheries in the Columbia River Basin. Source: Lewiston Tribune
The Idaho Heritage Trust selected nine historic theatres throughout Idaho to receive $821,000 in funding, including $100,000 each to the Kenworthy in Moscow, the Liberty Theater in Lewiston, and the Bovill Opera House. Source: Idaho Heritage Trust
The Nez Perce Reservation was awarded an additional $250,000 by the Department of the Interior to continue making updates to the North Idaho Public Water System after previously receiving $3 million toward the ongoing project. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Nez Perce County

Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center will be closed for a substantial museum remodel from December 2023 through April 2024. The outdoor exhibits and picnic area will remain open. Source: Clearwater Tribune
The Nimiipuu Fund in Lapwai received a $50,000 grant from the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation. The Nimiipuu Fund was established in 2013 to foster economic growth for the Nez Perce reservation by providing financial education and financing to temporary and higher risk borrowers. Source: Daily Fly, Nimiipuu Fund
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) signed a memorandum of understanding with Idaho State University (ISU) to establish a group of ISU Physician Assistant graduate students at LCSC. Currently, ISU offers the only physician assistant studies program within Idaho. Source: Lewis-Clark State College

Idaho County

Grangeville City Council approved construction of a new pavilion at Pioneer Park. Construction may begin in Spring 2024 and will likely cost over $100,000. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Grangeville’s Syringa Hospital and Kootenai Health will end a management services agreement established in 2017 that allowed them to share things such as purchasing, education, training and policy support. Kootenai Health acquired St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospitals in 2020. The Idaho Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission recently questioned whether a management agreement between competing hospital entities could be seen as anticompetitive. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

The Pullman-Moscow Airport’s new terminal is expected to be mostly complete by the end of 2023 and operational by May 2024. The new 49,000 square foot terminal construction began in 2022 and will replace the existing 8,500 square foot terminal. The new terminal, along with an expanded runway completed in 2019, are needed due to more flights, more passengers and Alaska Airline’s new full jet fleet. Terminal amenities include a larger parking lot, pedestrian bridges, a heated sidewalk, four gates, a new baggage claim carousel, restaurant and an outdoor courtyard. Construction is being completed by Bean and Hoffman Construction. Source: Lewiston Tribune
The City of Moscow is not currently filling vacant positions as a recent Idaho Supreme Court Case decision did not allow for enterprise utility funds to be transferred to the city’s general fund. The transfer has traditionally occurred to account for the impact that underground utilities and sanitation vehicles have on the city’s roadways. This decision has resulted in a 12% budget shortfall for the City of Moscow. Along with not filling employment vacancies, the City of Moscow is pausing some programs, discontinuing others and proposing an increase in the sanitation franchise fee from 5% to 10%. Source: Lewiston Tribune, City of Moscow
The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board awarded $15 million to Latah County to expand broadband infrastructure by constructing a dark fiber network where there is currently no fiber infrastructure. Excluding the City of Moscow, Latah County has approximately 6,000 locations spread over more than 1,000 square miles. The approach will be hybrid as some locations will connect wireless towers with fiber while others will connect fiber connections directly to anchor community locations. Latah County is planning to apply for $15-20 million in additional funding to complete the multi-phase project with current cost projections of $46 million. Source: Latah County Board of Commissioners
University of Idaho’s Meat Science Research Team was awarded a three-year $479,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to establish workshops for a beginning rancher development program. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Clearwater County

Bald Mountain Ski Hill of Pierce was selected as the number one place to snowboard in 2023/2024 by USA Today. Despite being a very small local ski spot run by a handful of employees and volunteers, Bald Mountain was recognized as a great place to perfect skills and connect with friends. Source: USA Today

Lewis County

The City of Nezperce is currently accepting bids for Phase 1 of the Nezperce Reuse Project to construct two reuseable water storage reservoirs for irrigation. The Department of Environmental Quality awarded the City of Nezperce nearly $8 million for the project in the first half of 2023. Source: City of Nezperce

Openings

Right at Om Yoga Studio in Lewiston
Clearwater Pixels Photography and Design in Ahsahka
Three Rivers Resort in Kooskia is under new ownership. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Lexar Homes will be opening an office in Lewiston in January 2024. Lexar Homes uses local subcontractors for building custom homes and has completed projects in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Arizona. Source: Lexar Homes
Pilot Training Northwest of Sandpoint now offers pilot instruction in Lewiston. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Little Shop of Florals in Moscow is under new ownership. Source: Little Shop of Florals

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

Region

Intermountain Multiple Listing Housing Data – November 2023 data

Source: Intermountain Multiple Listings Service

Southwestern Idaho November Job Posting Summary

November 2023 unique job postings for southwestern Idaho totaled 9,250 compared to the previous November at 13,644, down 32%. The duration of days was 14 compared to 13 the previous year and the number of participating employers dropped by almost 200 to 2,846, a decline of 6%. The previous year’s in-demand occupations included home health and personal care aides, managers, and medical and health services managers. The median advertised salary for November 2022 was $22.83 versus the current period at $24.34 or an uptick of 6.6%.
The volume of online job postings has been declining in southwestern Idaho yet job growth sustains an upward trend. Preliminary regional data from the Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages tied solely to Quarter 2 comparing 2023 to 2022 indicates establishment growth increasing by 11% or 3,500. Average employment is up 3% or 11,000 workers. The average wage increased an average overall 5% with information, management of companies and arts, entertainment and recreation all increasing by large strides. Many bonuses are issued in Quarter 4, limiting the relevance of this data midway through the year.

Southwestern Idaho Unique Job Postings – Highest Demand

Source: Lightcast

Adams County

Brundage Mountain Resort announced it was hosting a preview weekend with lift tickets costing $5 and rentals would be available at a steep 50% discount. Limited runs and terrain would be available due to the level of snowfall. Source: KTVB News

Boise County

Bogus Basin Ski Mountain opened after Thanksgiving this year but only thanks to its enhanced snowmaking capacity. The snow was sufficient to have a variety of runs and terrain parks open for skiers and snowboarders. Source: Idaho News 6

Ada County

The City of Boise is waiving fees associated with registering as a child care worker in coordination with providing third-party training to new workers in first-aid and CPR. This investment in new childcare workers is a response to an increased demand. Child care workers used to pay out of pocket to register and receive the required training, prior to receipt of a first paycheck. Source: Idaho Press
St. Alphonsus lost its national trauma center designation as a Level 2 trauma hospital from the American College of Surgeons. It has four administrative issues that must be addressed before re-verification can be achieved. According to St. Alphonsus officials three of the four problems have been remedied. The hospital is still accepting trauma cases as it has the state certification for one year. Source: Idaho Statesman
Wildlife is using the newly opened overpass built by a collaboration of partners to ensure less car accidents due to elk and mule deer herds crossing State Highway 21. The $6.5 million price was shared between The Idaho Transportation Department, The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the City of Boise and the U.S. Forest Service with some funding by the Federal Lands Access Program. Source: Boise State Public Radio
Zumper’s National Rent Report, which covers 100 cities, released its latest report with information collected from one million active listings. Nationally, rents are down for the second month in a row while Boise ranked as the 48^th most expensive rental market nationally with median rental prices at $1,330 and $1,450 monthly for one- and two-bedroom units, respectively. The cost of a one-bedroom is down 7.6% since last year. Source: CBS2 News
Art of the Earth, a luxury landscaper that started in 2010 was recently bought out by Gem State Holdings and Capital Eleven. The two Treasure Valley investment companies have expertise that help companies with capital and expansion activities. Source: Idaho Business Review

Canyon County

The Nampa School District board of trustees voted to close four schools – Snake River Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Greenhurst Elementary and West Middle School – citing falling enrollment and budgetary concerns regarding remodeling facilities past their functional life. School boundaries will be redrawn with plans for Centennial to be razed after being decommissioned. Greenhurst will be repurposed for the preschool program and NOVA, Nampa’s online program. Snake River will be repurposed to house the Gateway alternative high school, which is in an old facility without sufficient space, and West Middle School will be converted for use by both Union High School and Nampa Academy. Last March, Nampa’s $210 million school bond failed to receive its two-thirds majority to pass. The superintendent previously estimated that 26 staff would be laid off with these school closures. Source: Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) received approval from the State Board of Education to offer a bachelor’s degree in business administration. According to the community college president, the program is geared towards older students that ‘squeeze studies in around work and family commitments.’ CWI estimates within five years, 150 students will enroll in the bachelor’s program. The decision was not unanimous at the board level. Idaho’s public universities are historically responsible for bachelor and graduate degree programs. CWI’s degree is estimated to cost half the price as university programs. Source: Idaho Education News
Starting in early 2024, drivers wishing to park in downtown Caldwell will likely have to plug the meter. Council members were divided on the topic with the mayor delivering the tiebreaking vote. With an increased volume of visitors needing parking for shopping and events at Indian Creek, the pay-to-park option makes sense. Source: Boise State Public Radio
Nampa Public Works and the Nampa Police are partnering to place 100 cameras around the city of Nampa. Most of the roads are the local municipalities’ jurisdiction, making it easier than in other cities throughout the Treasure Valley where Ada County Highway District rules the road. 30 intersections will have cameras installed so replaying for car accidents will be available. The updated technology at the Integrated Command Center will allow for better patterning of light signals and better oversight of potential criminal activity. The center will be in full operation by Summer 2024. Source: Idaho Press

Valley County

Tamarack Resort recently signed a 20-year lease with Idaho Parks and Recreation which manages facilities and access to Lake Cascade for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The lease enables the resort to begin construction on a marina that will provide 200 boat slips along with a rental facility for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, a retail shop, a food truck with to-go beverages and development of a beach with sand sports areas. The full-scale development is waiting on an environmental impact report but believe a scaled back version will be ready to go by Memorial Day 2024. Source: CBS2 News

Openings

Ferguson Enterprises opened its newly constructed distribution hub in Nampa at the Adler Northside Industrial Park. The 165,000-square-foot facility will supply Portland and southwestern Washington, and reduce delivery time to its Idaho market. Source: Idaho Business Review
Spitfire Tacos + Tequila opened in Eagle. The restaurant offers up breakfast burritos and night owl options on the weekends. The operator plans to eventually bring a second restaurant to one of the smaller communities in the Treasure Valley. Source: Idaho Statesman
In-N-Out opened its first restaurant in Meridian with lines starting the night before and staff finishing up their shifts around 3 a.m. Service by walking into the restaurant proved to be faster than navigating the winding orange cones that led to the drive-thru lanes. Staff was brought in from out of state to help with the opening and an estimated 9,100 burgers were served the first day. The restaurant estimated they will hire around 80 full and part-time employees starting at $17.50 an hour. Boise is the location for the second In-N-Out while Nampa is slotted for the third restaurant. Source: Idaho Press
KB’s is open in the Warehouse Food Hall in downtown Boise. The restaurant has locations in Ketchum, Eagle and Twin Falls. Source: Idaho Statesman
Tamarack Resort, with up to 350 employees at its seasonal peak, opened its new employee housing facilities. There are two 12,000-square-foot buildings with two stories of dormitories, housing up to 128 workers. Rent is $375 per month. The resort provides other forms of housing including homes and several cabins for families. More housing will be built as needed. Source: McCall Star-News

Closings

SarahCare, a respite adult care facility, closed its doors. The facility operated for 15 years in Boise and served about 20 adults that needed a spectrum of care. Source: Idaho News 6
IdahoPies of Hailey and Garcon’s of Garden City closed operations at The Warehouse in downtown Boise. Both entities continue to make baked goods with wholesale distribution to grocery retailers and restaurants. Source: Idaho Statesman
Ghaun Yaun, a Chinese restaurant, closed its doors after 15 years in the Edward’s Theatre complex commonly referred to as Boise Spectrum. Its space will soon be filled by a Thai restaurant. Source: Idaho Statesman
Gino’s Italian Ristorante in Meridian will close after nearly 30 years in operation. 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 Blaine County Recycle Center has undergone some upgrades to the building along with a new communications system, front loader and forklift. Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Cassia County

The Burley Theater was awarded $100,000 by the Idaho Heritage Trust’s Historic Theatre Revitalization grant. The grant will allow for major renovations to the over 100-year-old building. Source: KMVT

Jerome County

St Luke’s Jerome hospital completed its new expansion, adding outpatient infusion to their list of services. The new infusion center allows trained staff to provide services such as therapeutic phlebotomy and intravenous infusions in Jerome. These services are available with same-day appointments, providing specialized services conveniently to the Twin Falls Metro Area. Source: KMVT

Lincoln County

The Shoshone Showhouse received $100,000 grant from the Idaho Heritage Trust to renovate and reopen a theater that closed in 2015. Reopening the theater will provide additional amenities and economic opportunity to the local community. Source: KMVT

Twin Falls County

Magic Valley Orthopedics has opened on North College Road. The clinic will focus on full joint replacements, spine surgery, and plastic surgery, creating more specialized care options in Twin Falls. Source: KMVT

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

Labor force estimates for November 2023 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program shows an employment increase and unemployment decrease in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, November’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 1,397 that month, with 1,447 more employed persons and 50 fewer unemployed persons. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.1%, 0.4 percentage points higher than one year prior.
There were 1,451 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area in November of 2023, down from 1,753 the prior month and down from 1,768 the previous November. The median post duration stood at 24 days, down from 30 days in October and down from 31 days in November 2022.
The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho continue to be technical and health care practitioners; professionals; sales and related; management; transportation and material moving; as well as health care support. Among specific occupations, registered nurses remain at the top of the list and are down 43% compared to the same time last year. Retail salespersons, first-line supervisors of retail sales workers, and customer service representatives continue to be in the top five of occupations by unique online job postings and with fairly stable numbers of job postings. Postings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are down 47% year-over-year.
Health care and social assistance jobs are back at the top of industries by unique online postings in November 2023 with 212, down from 38% from the prior November. A majority of all job postings remained in service-producing industries though manufacturing came in third with 191 postings and construction came in seventh with 63 postings.
The single occupation with the longest median job posting duration was network and computer systems administrators at 55 days followed by secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive (48 days); nursing assistants (45 days); licensed practical and vocational nurses (44 days); and construction laborers (40 days).
Snowpack in the Willow-Blackfoot-Portneuf and Bear River basins is at or above expected values for this time of year after multiple snowfalls during the past month. While most southern Idaho basins are off to a good start, much of the rest of the state has snowpacks significantly below their expected seasonal values. Reservoirs on the Upper Snake River are at healthier levels than they were this time last year when much of the Mountain West was experiencing a multiyear drought and hydrologists are optimistic there will be carry-over through this winter season. Although the arrival of the El Nino system in the Pacific Ocean may bring a drier winter this season, the seasonal outlook remains drought free. Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Idaho State University’s (ISU) search committee selected five applicants as the top candidates to replace the departing President Satterlee. Candidates were present on the ISU campus this month to answer questions from faculty, students and staff. A decision is expected before the end of the year. Source: Idaho State Journal
The East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center is back on track after multiple delays including issues finding a chief pathologist and locating it. The center will be built on Bannock County land and will entail a partnership between the county, Idaho State University and Portneuf Medical among others. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bannock County

Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello experienced a cybersecurity incident that disrupted operations and required emergency room patients to be diverted to other nearby hospitals. The ransomware attack is under investigation and software updates have been made to help prevent further incidents. Sources: Idaho State Journal and KIFI Local News 8
A local franchise of the Korean BBQ chain, Cupbop, is soon opening at the former Idaho Central Credit Union branch on Benton Street and Fifth Avenue. Source: Idaho State Journal
Pocatello-Chubbuck School District 25 continues to make progress on the renovations for the new Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus at the former Allstate call center in Chubbuck. At least $6.5 million of the estimated $7 million project is being paid for by a grant from the Idaho Career Ready Students program, and upon completion will house multiple CTE programs including culinary arts, welding, compute programming, fashion design and veterinary tech. Source: Idaho State Journal
Plant and bookstore The Hygge Place opened in Historic Downtown Pocatello and offers customers a variety of genres in addition to assorted flora. Source: Idaho State Journal
The East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center opened a week earlier than expected for the 2023-2024 season. Trails for cross-country skiing are open 24/7 via season pass or daily trail pass purchase. Source: Idaho State Journal
NeighborWorks Pocatello held a ribbon cutting and open house for its new Park Meadows Senior Apartments on Park Meadows Drive in south Pocatello, a 49-unit complex intended for people ages 55 and older with a low- or moderate-income level. Source: Idaho State Journal
The Pebble Creek Ski Area fully opened for the 2023-2024 season (its 75^th) after a soft opening of the Aspen lift a week earlier. This season brings a ADA-accessible restroom and a facelift to the ski patrol building. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bingham County

The City of Aberdeen was awarded a $250,000 grant through the CARES Act for improvements to Wahlen Field with the assistance of the Southeastern Idaho Council of Governments. Improvements will include ADA-compliant restrooms, storage, a concession area and an announcer booth with construction beginning Spring 2024. Source: The Aberdeen Times
The City of Blackfoot hosted a meeting to discuss and showcase multiple plans for downtown revitalization. The city has partnered with the Southeastern Council of Governments and Keller Associates Inc. to fund the design plans for the project. Among the issues they hope to address are improvements to sidewalks including ADA-compliant walkways, improved street lighting, more appealing storefronts and possibly a welcoming archway. Source: Idaho State Journal

Power County

The Greater American Falls Area Chamber of Commerce held its Small Business Saturday over Thanksgiving weekend. The event included a raffle for patrons of local businesses, with a $1,500 travel voucher for a weekend in Las Vegas as the prize. Source: Power County Press
After the announcement that Prosecuting Attorney Jason Mackrill is leaving his position with Power County, county commissioners are struggling to find a replacement. Commissioners initially sought to hire Pocatello firm May, Rammel & Wells but it was soon revealed that the firm also does defense work in the county, making them ineligible. This comes amidst a shortage of public attorneys in many rural counties given the pay disparities both between rural and urban areas as well as between public and private sectors. Source: Power County Press

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

Labor force estimates for November 2023 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics over the month showed the number of employed workers increased, while the number of unemployed decreased in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, November’s preliminary estimates show an increase of 209 labor force participants from October, with 81 less unemployed and 290 more employed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped slightly to 2.6% over the month, but 0.3 percentage points higher than it was one year prior.
There were an estimated 1,979 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for November 2023, according to the Conference Board’s Help Wanted Online application. (Note this is regional job posting data, and not necessarily job opening data.) The 1,979 postings are down 17% from 2,380 the prior month and have dropped 27% from 2,727 this time last year. Retail salespersons again lead the top occupations by unique (deduplicated) job postings in the region for November. The top two occupations by unique job postings also remained the same with tractor-trailer truck drivers overtaking retail supervisors in the third spot. Registered nurses re-emerged in the top five. Production workers and fast-food workers replaced civil engineers and light truck drivers on the top 10 list since last month. All other occupations listed carried over from the top 10 of October, except managers replacing production workers in the tenth spot. Employer job demand, from a job postings perspective, did not increase for any of the ranked occupations over the month. The decrease was in postings for retail sales supervisors (-37%), retail salespersons (-10%), freight/stock/material laborers (-24%), tractor trailer drivers (-5%), customer service reps (-25%), registered nurses (-6%), wholesale/manufacturing sales reps (-6%) and fast-food workers (-16%).
Professional/scientific/tech services overtook retail trade job postings in eastern Idaho rankings of top industries by unique job postings for November. Accommodation/food services moved up one spot ahead of construction as did public administration, moving ahead of education services. There was an increase in the professional, scientific and technical services industry categories in November. Conversely, all other top industries on the list recorded a reduction in job postings.
November data from the Conference Board denotes the hardest-to-fill occupations include personal care aides; heavy truck drivers; sales reps and health techs. Hard-to-fill job challenges in November by occupational family were technical and healthcare practitioners; food prep and serving; sales, maintenance and repair; engineering and healthcare support. Every occupation was new to the November list of hardest-to-fill occupations, except food service supervisors.

Regional Developments

The Idaho State Board of Education approved two new programs at the College of Eastern Idaho: Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Forensics & Analytics and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management. Source: Idaho Business Review
Grand Targhee Resort opened Nov. 17, however, a lack of snowfall is limiting the amount of terrain open for skiing. At this time last year, the resort had accumulated nearly 100 inches at the base. This year, the base has only seen about 10 inches of new snow. Source: KIFI Local News 8
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) applications for K-12 education grants are open until Jan. 8 to local educators and nonprofit organizations. INL awards approximately $320,000 each year through five different grants and scholarships to various schools, classrooms, students, nonprofits and out-of-school organizations. The grants are used to enhance STEM education and encourage students to pursue STEM learning. Source: The Post Register

Bonneville County

Synergy Home Care opened in Idaho Falls, providing temporary or long-term in-home care. Source: East Idaho News
Arena Man Apparel opened in Ucon. Source: East Idaho News
Gateway Parks, a snow tubing establishment, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
Mountain America Center completed its first year of operation. More than 275,000 tickets have been sold at MAC for 170 events. Its busiest month was December 2022 with 22 events. Source: East Idaho News
The Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) provides transportation planning in a collaborative effort for the Cities of Ammon, Idaho Falls, Iona, Ucon and the urbanized portions of Bonneville County in conjunction with the Idaho Transportation Department. The partners shared future congestion projections, traffic levels of service and average daily traffic map information with the public. Regional transportation planning expands beyond roadways, including pedestrian pathways, bike paths, buses, trains and more. Source: KIFI Local News 8
The city of Ammon signed a grant agreement to help build a new bike path for the 49th Street Community Trail Project. The grant is administered by the Idaho Transportation Department with funds from the Transportation Alternatives Program. Estimated cost is $348,000 with $322,456 coming from the grant. The city must pay a required match of $25,544. Source: The Post Register
Reservoirs across eastern Idaho and western Wyoming are at good levels to carry water over into the spring of next year. In August of last year, Palisades and Jackson Lake were around 30% of capacity, continuing to lose water into November of 2022. This year, heading into winter, those reservoirs are around 60% of capacity. The Upper Snake Reservoir system has 1.3-million-acre feet more water than last year. The current El Nino global weather pattern tends to give Idaho less moisture and snow than it usually receives. With current water storages hydrologists are still optimistic for irrigation systems into next year. Source: KIFI Local News 8
For the first time in 50 years, the 69th annual Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association Conference was held in Idaho Falls at the Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center. About 40 vendors attended the exhibitor fair. Source: East Idaho News
A permanent layoff of 100 to 150 employees occurred on Dec. 12 at Intermountain Packing in Idaho Falls. They previously staffed 294 employees. Source: the Idaho Department of Labor
Idaho Environmental Coalition in Idaho Falls is currently offering a voluntary separation program to approximately 100 employees, with their termination dates February 1, 2024. These are reportedly voluntary layoffs for labor restructuring rather than a labor force reduction. Source: the Idaho Department of Labor
The Bureau of Land Management recently acquired more than 4,000 acres of big game winter range crucial to elk, mule deer, moose and other native species through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The acquisitions include the 3,488-acre Blacktail Ranch and 600 acres of private land along the South Fork of the Snake River Heise Front. The Upper Snake Field Office received funding for future management of these acquisitions through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Source: KIFI Local News 8
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality was awarded $331,741 through Gov. Brad Little’s Leading Idaho plan. The city of Iona was awarded $30,000 for a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the system for needed improvements. Source: Idaho Business Review
The Idaho Falls Farmers Market brought together the first Winter Market, with 43 local vendors offering a wide range of products. Source: East Idaho News
The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies at Scalar Wellness Center, Gateway Parks Idaho Falls and Heritage Health Advocates. 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
Extreme Staffing has permanently closed its Idaho Falls office. Source: the Idaho Department of Labor
Sweeto Burrito in Idaho Falls has permanently closed. Source: the Idaho Department of Labor
The November Bonneville County median home listing prices decreased both from last month to $417,450 (-3%) and from this time last year (-7%). The county decreased in active home listings both month-over-month (-5%) and year-over-year (-17%). Median days on the market decreased by one day to 47 days. New listings were down both from the month prior (-31%) and over the year (-3%). There were 158 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November (-16%). Source: Realtor.com

Butte County

The November Butte County median home listing prices decreased to $258,000 (-5%) and increased from this time last year (3%). The county increased in active home listings both month-over-month (2%) and year-over-year (36%). Median days on the market remained the same at 84. New listings increased from the month prior (50%) and didn’t change over the year. There were no homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November. Source: Realtor.com

Clark County

The November Clark County median home listing prices decreased both from last month to $212,500 (-2%) and from November 2022 prices (-55%). The county didn’t change in active home listings month-over-month, but decreased year-over-year (-50%). Median days on the market increased by 18 days to 75. There was no data reported for new listings nor homes that reduced their listing prices. Source: Realtor.com

Custer County

The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board announced a $120 million funding award from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund to 18 projects in the state to assist or improve connectivity for distance learning, telehealth, remote work, economic development and public safety. Custer Telephone Cooperative in Salmon, Highway 93 North Fiber and Highway 28 South Project were awarded $3,399,900 total. Source: Idaho Business Review
The Department of Health and Welfare selected 16 rural healthcare providers to receive grants as part of the Rural Physician Incentive Program, which provides loan repayment for qualifying physicians serving health professional shortage areas. Challis Area Health Center, Inc. received $35,000 for provider medical education loan repayment. Source: Teton Valley News
The Idaho Department of Education awarded a $129,459 Agriculture Equipment Assistance Grant through its Child Nutrition Programs to help 14 schools purchase new equipment for their National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Mackay School district was awarded $5,493 for a reach-in freezer. Source: KIFI Local News 8
Challis city officials are readying expansion of the city’s water system and are seeking bids from contractors to install a new water tank, booster station, well pump and well house and to rehabilitate parts of the existing water system. Source: Challis Messenger
The November Custer County median home listing prices reported no change at $625,000 from last month but increased from November 2022 prices (15%). The county decreased in month-over-month active home listings (-9%), but increased year-over-year (27%). Median days on the market decreased by five days to 101. New listings decreased both over the month (-100%) and over the year (-100%). There were no homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November. Source: Realtor.com

Fremont County

The Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) grant program targets new or expanding career technical programs focused on in-demand careers. The ICRS council announced Fremont County Joint School District will receive up to $253,120 to fund a greenhouse initiative at South Fremont High School. Source: Idaho Education News
The November Fremont County median home listing prices decreased to $687,000 both over the month (-1%) and from November 2022 prices (-4%). The county decreased in month-over-month active home listings (-11%), but increased year-over-year (28%). Median days on the market increased by 10 days to 92. New listings are up from the month prior (83%). There were 18 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November (-47%). Source: Realtor.com

Jefferson County

Rigby Public Works projects were approved by Rigby City Council, including a bid for a wastewater bypass line and an engineering contract for a water tank. Bybee Excavation is contracted for $332,311 to install the bypass water line. The engineering contract with Keller Associates for the water tank project is contracted for $828,195. Source: Jefferson Star
After working with the City of Menan on their Area of Impact Agreement, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement Nov. 20 to help align with Jefferson County ordinances. The city’s greatest concerns were lack of adequate time to review all subdivisions and county projects within their impact area. The city now has the ability to review subdivisions within their impact area and will be able to comment on them with the understanding that subdivisions will require city hookups. Source: Post Register
The Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) grant program targets new or expanding career technical programs focused on in-demand careers. The ICRS Council announced Jefferson School District will receive up to $5.8 million to fund a CTE expansion at Rigby High School. Source: Idaho Education News
The reconstruction project of the Annis Highway from the Rigby city limits to Menan Lorenzo Highway, including a bridge, is moving forward. The Local Highway Assistance Council awarded the bid to Knife River Construction for approximately $2.2 million. Source: Jefferson Star
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will temporarily close the Stinking Springs area near the South Fork of the Snake River December 15, 2023 – May 1, 2024 to all motorized vehicles and human entry. The closures are expected to support wildlife survival rates in the area. Egin-Hamer area closure will also begin January 1 – April 1, 2024 for BLM-managed public lands to protect wintering deer, elk and moose. Source: Teton Valley News
The November Jefferson County median home listing prices decreased to $516,250 month-over-month (-3%), but increased from November 2022 (3%). Active home listings decreased month-over-month (-13%), but increased year-over-year (7%). Median days on the market decreased by nine days to 68. New listings increased from the month prior (56%). There were 26 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November (-52%). Source: Realtor.com

Lemhi County

Jervois completed drilling for the season at its Sunshine project in the Idaho Cobalt Belt. Small Mine Development, Jervois’s mining contractor, are working on underground drifting at the RAM site to access targeted pad drill station locations for next year’s drilling. The cost for the recent work is reimbursable to Jervois through a $15 million grant as part of the U.S. Department of Defense production act agreement. Source: The Post Register
The November Lemhi County median home prices increased month-over-month to $665,500 (1%), but marginally decreased from November 2022. The county decreased in active home listings month-over-month (-6%), but increased year-over-year (30%). Median days on the market increased by 19 days to 108. New listings decreased from the month prior (-75%). There were two homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November (50%). Source: Realtor.com

Madison County

Brookies Cookies, a homemade cookie delivery establishment, opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
A new establishment, Martial Boxing, opened inside the Rexburg Arts Center. Source: East Idaho News
Hermes PC Services, a computer repair establishment, opened in Rexburg. Source: Idaho Business Journal
Graze Café food truck opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
Teton Bagel opened at Hemming Village in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
Construction on a new Starbucks is currently underway in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
Dutch Bros applied for a building permit in Rexburg. The building plan and application is under review and awaiting approval from the city. Construction is pending. Source: East Idaho News
Applications for the Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) grant program targets new or expanding career technical programs focused on in-demand careers. The ICRS Council announced an award to Sugar Salem School District up to $2,700,000 to support the Sugar-Salem Regional CTE Facility. Source: Idaho Education News
The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board announced a $120 million award from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund for 18 projects in the state to assist or improve connectivity for distance learning, telehealth, remote work, economic development and public safety. Madison County and Fybercom Fiber Initiative were awarded $3,673,938. Source: Idaho Business Review
The November Madison County median home listing prices decreased to $383,450 (-3%) both over the month and from November 2022 prices (-14%). The county increased in active home listings both month-over-month (4%) and year-over-year (7%). Median days on the market decreased by one day to 46. New listings increased over the month (31%). There were 22 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November (-31%). Source: Realtor.com

Teton County

Ollie’s, a dog spa and self-serve grooming establishment, opened in Driggs as the last business accepted for the incubator spaces in Depot Square. Source: Teton Valley News
The City of Driggs announced the launch of three brand new MCI coach buses as an addition to its START fleet, made possible through a federal BUILD grant. The buses enhance the Teton Corridor Mobility Improvement Projects, a series of multimodal transportation projects along the ID-33/WY-22 corridor between Driggs, Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming. Source: Buckrail
The Education Foundation of Teton Valley awarded a $45,000 grant over three years to bolster the Spanish Dual Immersion Program at Teton Middle School. Source: Teton Valley News
Teton County School Board voted to adjust the school schedule to a four-day school week, which will go into effect Fall 2024. Source: Teton Valley News
The October Teton County median home listing prices decreased to $818,500 both month-over-month (-13%) and year-over-year (-9%). The county decreased in active home listings both month-over-month (-6%) and year-over-year (-11%). Median days on the market increased by 9 days to 94. New listings increased from the month prior (73%). There were 6 homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in November (-79%). Source: Realtor.com

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.

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