Monthly Archives: October 2025

Connect with employers in Kootenai County at hiring event, Nov. 5

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Correction: The hiring event is taking place in Coeur d’Alene. See correction below.

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Coeur d’Alene Library. The address is 702 E. Front Ave.

Job seekers are invited to show up between noon and 3 p.m.

Employers that will be recruiting include Access Care at Home, Ace Industrial Supply, Aerotek, Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Hyatt Place, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation, North Idaho College and more.

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Governor recognizes Preston volunteer for contributions

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Photo of Stevie Emerson receiving award

Left to right: Becky Martin, Stevie Emerson, Gov. Little

A volunteer from Preston received recognition for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, honored Stevie Emerson with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Emerson was nominated by the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce for her passion and commitment to promoting local businesses, developing strong community relationships and sharing her marketing and design expertise.

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Over 20 employers attending hiring event in Boise to fill open positions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Thursday, Nov. 6, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise. The address is 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of Building 6.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Ada County Highway District, Ada County Human Resources Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Bogus Basin, Boise State University, Guerdon, Idaho Housing and Finance, Idaho Power, U.S. Postal Service, West Ada School District, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and more.

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Around Idaho: Economic activity, October 2025

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of October and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • Home sales and prices increased year over year in the Inland Northwest, including in Kootenai County. Year to date single family sales in Kootenai County were 1,892 at the end of September (a 4% increase over 2024) while median prices climbed to $547,250 for a 3% year over year increase. Source: Journal of Business

Kootenai County

  • A new affordable housing development is opening in Post Falls. ’The Arc’ features 38 single family homes priced at $375,000, with resale limitations designed to ensure long-term affordability. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

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Oct. 30 webinar will educate Idaho employers on the unemployment insurance process

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 23, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about the unemployment insurance (UI) process from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom webinar, Thursday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MT.

Adjudication Supervisor Eric Erickson will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

Register for the event here.

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International trade drives Idaho’s wages and employment

Idaho’s economy depends heavily on international markets for the goods and services it produces. The impact of international trade is visible in the state’s growing network of foreign trade partners, rising export volumes and the associated gains in jobs and wages. Tracking these trends helps illustrate how global trade markets influence Idaho’s economy.

Idaho’s international trade partners

As of 2024, Idaho exports to 205 nations. However, the majority of Idaho’s goods and services are sold only to a select few nations, as shown in Figure 1. Canada has been the state’s largest importer at $13.4 billion in sales revenue since 2014, averaging $1.2 billion annually. Continue reading →

The rising cost of living in Idaho limits labor force availability

Idaho’s economy has grown rapidly over the past decade, yet the benefits of growth have not been evenly distributed. While Idaho’s poverty rate is the 15th lowest in the nation at 10.6% ¹ and unemployment remains low, many Idahoans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.

Median home prices in Idaho have more than doubled since 2016, and rents have risen at one of the fastest rates in the nation.² Combined with higher costs for essentials such as food, child care and transportation, even full-time workers often find themselves increasingly burdened by the rising cost of living.

Poverty and rising costs of living have significant impacts on the labor force, from high mortgage rates constraining labor mobility to the rising cost of raising a family depressing the birthrate.

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Employers in northern Idaho hiring at event, Oct. 15

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 8, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event in Post Falls, Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event takes place at the department’s Post Falls office located at 600 N. Thornton St.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Hilton Grand Vacations, Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Kootenai Company, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, North Idaho Dental Personnel, Paul Mitchell the School, All Ways Caring HomeCare and others.

Bring a resume and dress for success to interview for positions like shop mechanics, cashiers, agents, registered nurses, security dispatch supervisors and more.

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Federal government shutdown: Idaho unemployment insurance benefits

Unemployment insurance (UI) information pertaining to federal workers affected by the federal government shutdown:

Q: I am a federal worker who has been furloughed. Am I eligible for unemployment?

Yes. You are considered laid off due to lack of work and you need to meet personal and monetary eligibility. However, as a federal employee, you also need to be aware of a potential unintended consequence of applying for unemployment insurance benefits.

If the federal government compensates you or back pays you for the work you missed during the furlough (as it has historically), you will be required to disclose your payment information to the department and repay any UI benefits you collect during that time.

Before you apply, note that you will not receive your first UI payment for approximately three weeks after you file for benefits.

If you have questions about the claim process, please call the claim center at 208-332-8942 or talk to a navigator at your nearest local office.

Q: What if I am one of the federal workers who are required to continue to work full time without pay?

You would not be eligible for benefits if you are working full time, regardless of pay. Full time is normally defined as 40 hours per week.

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