Tag Archives: Southwestern Idaho

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

Continue reading →

Boise hiring event provides opportunity to network with employers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 28, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Thursday, Nov. 5, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise. The address is 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

The event is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of Building 6.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Boise State University, CS Beef Packers, Idaho Bankers Association, Mountain Home Police Department, Office of Information Technology Services, St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, West Ada School District and others.

Open positions available include homecare aides, electricians, tax professionals, certified nursing assistants, detention deputies, food service officers, law enforcement records specialists, associate auditors, project managers, program managers, building facility specialists and more.

For a complete list of employers attending, visit the department’s calendar.

Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic activity, September 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of September 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 50 average weekly initial UI claims and 319 average weekly continuing claims during August 2026. Initial claim volume has increased 12.7% from the previous month and decreased 5.3% from August 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims decreased 13.6% from July 2026 and 29.2% from August 2025. Statewide continuing claims decreased 12.2% from last month and 12.2% from August 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • North Idaho College and Lewis‑Clark State College announced a memorandum of understanding establishing a co‑admission and co‑enrollment agreement. The agreement is designed to provide a seamless pathway for students to earn an associate degree at North Idaho College and complete a bachelor’s degree at Lewis‑Clark State College. Students participating in co‑enrollment will have access to resources at both institutions. Source: North Idaho College
  • ATC Manufacturing began construction to expand the Post Falls facility. The project will increase the facility’s size by 57,365 square feet and is expected to double workforce capacity upon completion. The expansion is projected to be finished in summer 2027. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest completed a series of facility expansions and enhancements. The hospital provides care for individuals recovering from disabilities resulting from injuries, illness or chronic medical conditions. The complete improvements increased the facility’s capacity to 70 private patient rooms. Source: Ernest Health
  • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has continued expanding its operations in Idaho with the purchase of a large industrial building in Post Falls. This expansion will allow the company to bring two facilities online to help meet demand for its electronic devices. The new manufacturing facility is expected to be fully operational in 2027 and to initially create approximately 250 manufacturing careers. Source: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Continue reading →

Fall Canyon County hiring event features around 35 various employers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 24, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Thursday, Oct. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the department’s Caldwell office. The address is 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

Employers attending include Bogus Basin, Caldwell Public Library, D&B Supply, Fred Meyer, HB Specialty Foods, Idaho Department of Correction, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Panda Express, Piedmont Airlines, Rock Hard Granite, Treasure Valley Transit and more.

Open positions available include bus drivers, production managers, construction laborers, manufacturers, correctional officers, certified nursing assistants, store associates and others.

For a complete list of employers attending, visit the department’s calendar.

Continue reading →

Network with various employers at Treasure Valley hiring event

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 10, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise. The address is 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

The event is from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the conference room of Building 6.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Boise Mobile Equipment, Boise State University, City of Boise, Durham School Services, Fred Meyer, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Idaho Power, Mattress Firm, West Ada School District and others.

Open positions available include electrical technicians, automotive painters, project cost estimators, electrical design engineers, building facility technicians, administrative assistants, business operations managers, sales representatives, airport operations specialists, business analysts and many more.

Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic activity, August 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of August 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

  • Averill Hospitality has revised its plans for a resort hotel at the current site of the Best Western Edgewater Resort. The company now intends to renovate the existing structure and construct a new five‑story south wing that will include 27 condominiums. The reopened hotel at 56 Bridge St. will feature a lobby bar, coffee venue, retail space, outdoor dining areas, a pool and spa, lawn and terrace space for events and a new restaurant. Source: Sandpoint Reader
  • Hayden-based Viking Construction Inc. has started installing the infrastructure for a 52-acre development in Rathdrum. The development will consist of 164 single-family homes, 192 apartments in eight three-story buildings and several commercial buildings. Source: Spokane Journal of Business
  • The Post Falls City Council approved the construction of 17 cottage homes. In addition to the homes, the developers plan to build extra parking, a recreational space and an outlet road for the new development area. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Idaho Economic Advisory Council recently recommended Shoshone County (Kellogg, Smelterville and Wardner) for consideration under the federal Opportunity Zone designation. Opportunity Zones are federally designated census tracts created to encourage investment in economically distressed communities. Source: Shoshone News-Press

Continue reading →

Unemployment insurance workshop happening Aug. 27 for employers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 19, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The workshop will take place at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Caldwell office, 4515 Thomas Jefferson St.

UI Supervisor Vicki Raass 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.

Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic activity, July 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of July 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

  • The northern region reported 45 average weekly initial unemployment insurance claims and 382 average weekly continuing claims during June 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 14% from the previous month and 20.2% from the 56 average weekly initial claims filed in June 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims increased 2.5% from May 2026 and decreased 21.7% from June 2025. Statewide continuing claims increased 1.9% from last month and decreased 7.8% from June 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • Big Tree Construction is planning The Wilder – a new three-level mixed-use building in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The Wilder will comprise 3,000 square feet of commercial space on the main floor that will be leased to Ink and Easel Fine Art Gallery and one additional tenant. Source: Inland Northwest Business Watch
  • A open house event was held for the Hagadone Medical Clinic in Coeur d’Alene. Kootenai Health operates the clinic in partnership with the Hagadone Corporation and offers free health services for eligible Hagadone employees and their covered family members. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Lakeside Companies acquired The Highlands Golf Course in Post Falls. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Continue reading →

Department of Labor names new economist for southwestern Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2026
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov

Knox Freedman headshotKnox Freedman is the new Idaho Department of Labor regional labor economist for southwestern Idaho, covering Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties. He replaces the previous economist, Jan Roeser.

Freedman earned two bachelor’s of business administration degrees in economics and finance from Idaho State University in 2022. After being in the workforce, he decided to return to school and earned a master’s degree in economics at Boise State University (BSU) in 2025.

Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic activity, June 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of June 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

  • The northern region reported 52 average weekly initial unemployment insurance claims and 474 average weekly continuing claims during May 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 22% from the previous month and 9% from the 57 average weekly initial claims filed in May 2025. Continuing weekly claim volume in the northern region during May decreased 38% from April 2026 and 14% from the 550 average weekly claims in May 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims decreased 2% from April 2026 and 25% from May 2025. Statewide continuing claims also decreased 19% from last month and 8% from May 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • Encompass Health plans to build a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Post Falls. Construction is planned to be completed in 2028 and will be the second location in Idaho — along with Boise. Source: Encompass Health
  • Jacklin Northwest is developing Jacklin Ranch Retail Center in Post Falls with 12 leasable spaces covering 18,000 square feet. The groundbreaking is planned for fall 2026 with completion in 2027. Source: Spokane Journal of Business
  • Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining grossed over $300 million in proceeds after closing an initial public offering of 23 million shares of common stock. The Sunshine Mine is expected to restart silver and antimony operations in late 2028 with plans for a 24-year mine life. Source: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining

Continue reading →