Idaho grows its waste management workforce

Employment needs within Idaho’s waste management industry remain reliably consistent over time, reflecting the essential nature of the services it provides. Trash doesn’t take a day off and continues to be generated even during the coldest months of winter, the worst economic recessions and amid unpredictable 100-year pandemics. While trash volume will be dictated in part by consumer behavior, it is more closely associated with population growth.

Between 2014-2024, Idaho added 370,000 new residents and led the nation with a population growth rate of 23%. This was more than three times the U.S. growth rate of 7%.¹ During the same period, as shown in Figure 1, privatized waste management employment in Idaho added more than 2,000 jobs and increased by 98% (compared with 23% growth for the U.S. waste management sector). Like population, Idaho’s private waste management employment experienced the highest growth rate of any U.S. state.²

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Report sheds light on past 20 years of economic growth in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Rural Idaho plays a crucial role in the state’s economy and its future. Natural resources, manufacturing and renewable energy production continue to remain central to rural livelihoods, according to a report released this week from the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Profile of Rural Idaho provides an updated look at the state’s rural identity in 2025 and its evolution over the past 20 years since the previous profile was released in 2005. The report is divided into three parts analyzing demographic trends, the economic backbone of rural Idaho and the critical trends shaping the state’s future. Continue reading →

Boise man sentenced for unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Bryan Hayhurst, 39, of Boise, pleaded guilty to one felony count of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Benefits, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Hayhurst was sentenced by Ada County Judge Peter Barton on Nov. 19 to five years in prison, with two years fixed and three years indeterminate. Hayhurst was also ordered to pay restitution of $16,083.08 to the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Labor Department requires unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to report accurately when filing each week of their claim. In this case, between April 2020 through July 2020, Hayhurst claimed he had not worked when he had worked and earned wages.

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Webinar spotlights two decades of economic change in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a webinar focusing on the past 20 years of growth in rural Idaho, Tuesday, Nov. 18.

“Idaho’s population has grown three times as fast as the U.S. This webinar will bring together rural voices and community leaders to speak in detail about their experiences as rural residents,” Labor Market Research Manager Craig Shaul said.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT.

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Hiring event brings job opportunities in Idaho Falls

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event in Idaho Falls, Wednesday, Nov. 12. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Job seekers in the state’s eastern region are invited to arrive at the department’s office for the event. The address is 1515 E. Lincoln Road.

Employers planning to attend range from Bonneville County, Citizens Community Bank, Melaleuca, the Idaho Transportation Department, Lamb Weston, Idaho National Laboratory, Teton Stage Lines, TRIO – Idaho State University and many more.

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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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