Idaho Experts Discuss State's Economic Development Outlook

Panelists highlight workforce challenges, industry growth, and the need for collaboration across the state

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Experts from various regions of Idaho gathered to discuss the state's economic development and workforce challenges. Key topics included the influx of new residents, industry growth in sectors like food processing and technology, the need for affordable housing and workforce training programs, and the importance of collaboration between economic development organizations across the state.

Why it matters

Idaho's rapid population growth and economic development have created both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the diverse regional perspectives and coordinating statewide efforts are crucial to ensuring businesses, both new and existing, can continue to thrive and attract a skilled workforce.

The details

The panel featured experts from different parts of Idaho, including Clark Krause of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, Jan Rogers of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization, Mel Jackson of Sun Valley Economic Development, and Dodd Snodgrass of the Clearwater Economic Development Association. They discussed topics such as Boise's diverse industry appeal, the workforce housing shortage in Blaine County, the importance of career technical education programs, and the need for economic development organizations to work together across the state.

  • The panel discussion took place on February 12, 2026 as part of the Idaho Business Review's annual Breakfast Series.
  • According to a recent study, Idaho saw a 15.6% higher influx of new residents than those leaving the state in 2025.

The players

Clark Krause

Executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, with over 27 years of experience in economic development across several states.

Jan Rogers

Executive director of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Mel Jackson

Executive director of Sun Valley Economic Development, focused on addressing the workforce housing shortage and high cost of living in the Blaine County region.

Dodd Snodgrass

Executive director of the Clearwater Economic Development Association, with over four decades of experience in economics, including roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and Idaho Power.

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What they’re saying

“'Of most of our competitors, Salt Lake City, Reno, Phoenix, we're [Boise] the tiny one, so, if we are not working well together in this so-called state with a mid-sized city, then something has gone terribly wrong.'”

— Clark Krause, Executive Director, Boise Valley Economic Partnership (Idaho Business Review)

“'We can't do what we have been able to accomplish, not just in southern Idaho, but across the whole state if you are just trying to be just about you. Everybody understands the client, the company, picks the best spot for themselves. So we've been able to work very well together.'”

— Jan Rogers, Executive Director, Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (Idaho Business Review)

“'The problem for us is that Ketchum is the economic engine of the north valley with about 34% of all jobs in the county despite having only 14% of the population. Most shockingly, only 9% of the area workforce lives in Ketchum.'”

— Mel Jackson, Executive Director, Sun Valley Economic Development (Idaho Business Review)

What’s next

The panel discussion highlighted the need for continued collaboration and coordination between economic development organizations across Idaho to address workforce challenges and support business growth. Policymakers will also need to ensure funding for programs like Idaho LAUNCH that provide career technical education and training.

The takeaway

Idaho's rapid population growth and economic diversification have created both opportunities and challenges for the state. Addressing workforce housing shortages, investing in education and training programs, and fostering collaboration between regional economic development groups will be crucial to sustaining Idaho's economic momentum in the years ahead.