Around Idaho: Economic activity, October 2026

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

  • Unemployment insurance (UI) weekly claims: The northern region reported an average of 69 weekly initial UI claims and 347 weekly continuing claims in September 2026. Initial claim volume increased 38.1% from the previous month and 6.2% from September 2025. However, continuing claim volume decreased 15.3% from September 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims increased 1.8% from August 2026 and decreased 10.7% from September 2025. Statewide weekly continuing claims decreased 13.5% from the previous month and 15.1% from September 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • The Sandpoint City Council approved agreements advancing the planned reconstruction of the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The project includes an estimated $60 million first phase, with total costs potentially reaching $130 million. The city selected Stantec Consulting Services Inc. as the owner’s representative and will begin project planning, engineering coordination, budgeting and procurement activities. Source: Sandpoint Reader
  • A new Post Falls community celebrated the completion of an affordable housing project. The approximately $6.5 million starter‑home development was funded through a public‑private partnership that resulted in the construction of 28 shared‑equity homes on a 4.7‑acre site in Post Falls. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining is expanding its operational reach through the acquisition of approximately 14,100 additional acres in eastern Shoshone County. According to company officials, the combination of expanded land holdings and ongoing redevelopment of the Sunshine Mine positions the company to pursue short‑term production and sustain long‑term exploration activities. Sunshine Silver has identified late 2028 as its target for returning to production. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Construction is underway on a new $9 million, 30,500-square-foot multicourt gymnasium at Christian Center School in Hayden. The facility will feature a double-court configuration, fitness and training areas, locker rooms and a multipurpose commons area. Once completed, the facility will accommodate up to 800 attendees for games, tournaments and community events. Source: Spokane Journal of Business

Read more developments from the northern region

Lorren.Morgan@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
208-696-2295

NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO

Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties

Regional news

  • The north central region reported 13 average weekly initial unemployment insurance (UI) claims and 86 average weekly continuing claims during September 2026. Initial claim volume  decreased 13% from the previous month and 19% from the 16 average weekly initial claims filed in September 2025. Continuing weekly claim volume in north central during September  decreased 10% from August 2026 and 40% from the 143 average weekly claims in September 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims increased 2% from August 2026 and decreased 11% from September 2025. Statewide continuing claims decreased 14% compared to last month and 15% from September 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • Fall 2026 enrollment at Lewis-Clark State College decreased 3.4% from record 2025 levels. In-state enrollment decreased by 6%, offset by out-of-state enrollment increasing by 5% and institutional transfers increasing by 8%. The institution is currently serving 22 graduate students. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
  • Gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Limited acquired a minority ownership of mineral exploration company Scout Discoveries Corp. for $14.8 million. In return for agreeing to fund up to $60 million in exploration projects over the next eight years, Agnico Eagle may earn up to a 70% interest in Scout’s Elk City Project. Source: Scout Discoveries Corp.
  • Dailyfly Media sold two of its six radio stations – 1430 AM and 107.3 FM – to Boise-based Salt & Light Radio. Source: Dailyfly Media
  • The Nimiipuu Community Development Fund was awarded $803,000 by USDA Rural Development to assist with a home purchase for 13 Native American households on rural tribal lands. Source: USDA Rural Development

Read more developments from the north central region

Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
208-696-2256

SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO

Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties

Regional news

  • The Idaho Department of Correction requested $453 million in state funding to expand capacity across three correctional facilities to address prison overcrowding. The proposed capital request includes funding for a new 1,500-bed medium-security facility in Kuna, alongside expanded housing and program spaces at existing state institutions. Department officials reported that state prison populations increased beyond maximum operational capacity, requiring the agency to seek infrastructure expansion to meet long-term public safety requirements. Source: KTVB7
  • Boise State University secured an $8 million federal grant to launch Project TRAIL (Teacher Residency, Academy for Induction and Leadership), a collaborative initiative with nine local school districts aimed at recruiting, training and retaining educators in rural southwestern Idaho. The funding will support teacher residencies, provide stipends for mentor educators and offer professional development pathways for career-changing professionals entering the teaching field. Program administrators plan to use the federal resources to strengthen local educator retention rates and expand instructional staffing capacity across rural classrooms. Source: Idaho News 6
  • According to data from Apartment List, the median overall rent in Boise increased to $1,425 in August, positioning the city 2.5% above the national median and $54 below its peak rate recorded in August 2021. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment increased to $1,231, representing a 1.5% monthly increase and a 9% annual increase. Concurrently, apartment vacancy rates decreased to 4.27%, marking the lowest available housing inventory level recorded in the city since early 2022. Source: BoiseDev
  • ABM Industries announced the grand opening of its new ABM Technical Training Center in Boise to support the growing regional semiconductor manufacturing sector. The new facility will provide specialized instruction, virtual reality simulations and hands-on labs to train up to 500 participants annually for entry-level technician roles in semiconductor operations. Program graduates will earn industry-recognized certifications to help meet expanding workforce demands across the regional technology supply chain. Source: ABM Industries
  • Valley County officials presented an infrastructure report identifying an $83.7 million maintenance and repair backlog across 103 miles of paved county roads in poor or failing condition. Engineering estimates indicate the county requires approximately $6.8 million in additional annual revenue to address the long-term transportation deficit. County commissioners are evaluating funding strategies, including potential property tax levies and developer impact fees, alongside operational changes to maintain its 726-mile road network. Source: Valley Lookout

Read more developments from the southwestern region

Knox.Freedman@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
208-696-2547

SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO

Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls counties

Regional news

  • St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Twin Falls has acquired a new linear accelerator. The accelerator is an advanced treatment machine that is designed to send targeted radiation to tumors while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. Source: KMVT
  • As the sugar beet harvest begins, many growers are experiencing many obstacles, from erratic weather to water limitations. Final yields are estimated to drop by four to five tons per acre this season. Source: KMVT

Read more developments from the south central region

Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
208-696-2364

SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO

Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties

Regional news

  • Amy’s Kitchen in Pocatello laid off 49 workers at the Pocatello plant. This came as Amy’s Kitchen reduced its workforce nationally including an out-of-state plant closure. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Idaho State University (ISU) received a $300,000 grant from an Accelerate Idaho AI Innovation Award. This grant will expand the university’s locally hosted BengalBot. BengalBot is used as a tool in ISU’s Applied AI Certificate and bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The Pocatello City Council approved a division, Northgate Ridge, for 110 residential lots on a 20-acre plat. The first phase will focus on townhomes followed by single family homes. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Idaho State University will construct a new basketball arena. The arena, projected to cost $80 million, will be funded through private philanthropy and include a large donation from Idaho Central Credit Union. The new arena will have a 4,500 people capacity. Source: KIFI News
  • Premier Technology Inc. opened a new facility. Financed in part by the National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department of Energy, the facility will have the capacity to work on nuclear related manufacturing. The expansion is expected to create 40 to 50 new jobs. Source: Idaho State Journal

Read more developments from the southeastern region

Brandon.Duong@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
208-236-6715

EASTERN IDAHO

Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties

Regional news

  • Swire Coca-Cola, USA is building a 93,000-square-foot distribution center south of Idaho Falls, consolidating operations from aging facilities in Pocatello and Idaho Falls. The plant, expected to be completed in 2027, will feature a warehouse, fleet shop and technician service space. Swire Coca-Cola employs over 800 people in Idaho and reportedly contributes $349 million to the state’s economy. Source: East Idaho News
  • Deployable Energy, based in Houston, TX was selected by the Department of Energy’s National Reactor Innovation Center to test its Nuclear Unity Battery — a transportable microreactor — at the DOME testbed at Idaho National Laboratory in 2027. This full-power test aims to evaluate the system’s performance, safety and operational procedures, advancing nuclear technology toward commercialization. DOME opened in April 2026 and is the world’s first microreactor test bed for fueled experiments. Deployable Energy is the second company to use DOME. Source: LocalNews8
  • The Department of Energy (DOE) MARVEL microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory has reached key milestones, including delivery of its primary coolant system and final DOE safety approval for initial dry criticality tests. The reactor is on track for startup testing this winter, aiming for full criticality by December. These steps advance the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology for energy security and innovation. Source: Idaho National Laboratory
  • There is a new radio station in the region based in Idaho Falls. The GOAT 105, a sports station, features syndicated programs like The Jim Rome Show and live coverage of the Utah Jazz, Denver Broncos, Utah Mammoth, Super Bowl and March Madness. Local high school match-ups will also be covered, with plans for live play-by-play in the future. Source: East Idaho News
  • Yellowstone National Park saw over 868,000 recreation visits in September, a 3% increase since September 2025 and higher than August. September 2021 remains the busiest on record. Year-to-date park visits decreased 1% from 2025 and 3% below 2021’s record-breaking pace. Most park roads close to vehicles Nov. 1, with only the north to northeast entrance road remaining open all year. Source: Buckrail

Read more developments from the eastern region

Ryan.Whitesides@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
208-696-2347

This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY27 as part of a Workforce Information grant (55%) and state/nonfederal funds (45%) totaling $649,127.

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