Frequently Asked Questions

Jerome 20/20 Economic Development Organization is the regional partner focused on attracting and expanding industry, investment, and jobs in Jerome County and the City of Jerome within southern Idaho’s Magic Valley. We align with city, county, utility, and state partners to deliver site-ready opportunities, clear permitting guidance, and strong infrastructure readiness.

Jerome is located in Jerome County in the Magic Valley region of southern Idaho, along Interstate 84 and just northwest of Twin Falls. Its location provides direct access to one of the region’s primary transportation corridors and connections throughout southern Idaho and the Intermountain West.

Jerome 20/20 focuses on industries that build on the region’s agricultural strengths, infrastructure, and strategic location in southern Idaho’s Magic Valley.

Priority sectors include:

• Food processing and value-added food manufacturing
• Dairy production, milk processing, and cheese and ingredient manufacturing
• Agribusiness, advanced agricultural technology, and agricultural supply chain industries
• General manufacturing and industrial production across a range of sectors
• Warehousing, distribution, and logistics operations

Jerome 20/20 focuses on companies that align with the region’s strengths in agriculture, food production, manufacturing, and logistics—particularly those seeking efficient operations, reliable infrastructure, and strong access to Interstate 84 and Western U.S. markets.

Typical target employers include:

• Dairy processors and cooperatives
• Food ingredient and value-added food manufacturers
• Packaging and plastics suppliers supporting food systems
• Regional distributors and third-party logistics providers
• Manufacturers of all sizes, from growing small businesses to large-scale operations

We also welcome conversations with companies in complementary or emerging industries that see opportunity in Jerome.

Jerome offers a combination of location, industry strength, infrastructure, and business climate that supports efficient operations and long-term growth for a wide range of industries.

Key advantages include:

• Strategic location along Interstate 84 with immediate access to regional and Western U.S. markets
• Proximity to Twin Falls and a strong regional workforce across the Magic Valley
• Established strengths in dairy, food processing, and agribusiness, supporting supply chain efficiency
• Available industrial land and a proactive approach to site readiness and infrastructure planning
• Reliable utilities and ongoing investments in power, water, and wastewater capacity
• Redevelopment opportunities in downtown Jerome and designated opportunity zones
• A small-community environment with less congestion and a high quality of life for employees
• A collaborative environment with strong local and regional partnerships

Jerome offers a range of site options to support industrial, manufacturing, and commercial development, from large greenfield sites and shovel-ready parcels in established industrial parks to redevelopment opportunities in key corridors and downtown areas throughout the community.

Opportunities are available within the City of Jerome as well as throughout Jerome County, including the communities of Hazelton and Eden, providing flexibility for companies and developers at different stages and scales. Many sites are aligned with the needs of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution users, with infrastructure and transportation access already in place, while smaller sites and commercial spaces are available for growing businesses and entrepreneurs.

Ongoing downtown revitalization efforts are creating new opportunities for thoughtful mixed-use, commercial, and community-focused development. Jerome 20/20 works closely with local government and regional partners to streamline permitting and coordinate regulatory processes, making it easier for projects to move forward efficiently.

Employees regularly commute between communities across the Magic Valley, creating a connected regional workforce that supports employers throughout the area. As a result, Jerome draws from a regional labor shed of approximately 112,000 people.

Jerome is also part of the Twin Falls Micropolitan Statistical Area, which reflects the broader economic ties between Jerome, Twin Falls, and surrounding communities.

The region offers proven labor pipelines in dairy and agribusiness, along with a workforce experienced in food processing, manufacturing, logistics, and related industries. Employers benefit from strong partnerships with local schools, the College of Southern Idaho, and workforce training programs that support skills in manufacturing, quality control, packaging, and logistics.

Additional workforce support is available through state and regional partners, including the Idaho Department of Labor and the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which provide recruitment tools, training resources, and workforce development programs aligned with industry needs.

Jerome 20/20 works closely with employers and regional partners to support recruitment, training, and long-term workforce development.

We help companies find and develop talent by:

• Coordinating with the Idaho Department of Labor on recruitment efforts and job postings
• Connecting employers with local training providers, education partners, and internship opportunities
• Tailoring recruitment messaging to align with specific roles, including production operators, quality technicians, maintenance, and logistics positions
• Coordinating with state and regional workforce initiatives to align hiring and training with industry needs
• Supporting onboarding and expansion efforts through local and state relationships

Our role is to simplify the process—making it easier for employers to recruit, train, and retain the workforce they need to grow.

Jerome offers a range of local and state incentives designed to support business growth, capital investment, and job creation. Programs are aligned with project scope, workforce impact, and long-term community benefit.

Available incentives may include:

• Local incentives tied to job creation, workforce training, and capital investment
• Access to state programs supporting manufacturing, machinery and equipment investment, and infrastructure improvements
• Workforce training support and coordination with education and training partners
• Financing and development opportunities connected to downtown revitalization, redevelopment areas, and designated opportunity zones

Jerome 20/20 works with each company to identify applicable programs and coordinate with local and state partners to support a smooth, competitive project process.

Jerome 20/20 works with a wide range of local, regional, and state partners to support business investment, streamline project development, and deliver successful outcomes for companies.

Our partners include:

• City of Jerome and Jerome County governments
• Regional utilities and energy providers
• State partners such as Idaho Commerce
• Regional economic development organizations across the Magic Valley and southern Idaho
• Education and workforce partners, including the College of Southern Idaho
• Local chambers of commerce and business associations
• Private developers, investors, and commercial real estate professionals
• Transportation and infrastructure partners supporting regional connectivity

We work collaboratively across these groups to help companies navigate the process, access resources, and move projects forward efficiently.

Jerome 20/20 provides hands-on support to help companies evaluate opportunities, navigate the site selection process, and successfully locate and grow in Jerome.

Our services include:

• Location guidance and market intelligence to support informed decision-making
• Site search and evaluation, including utility availability, infrastructure considerations, and permitting timelines
• Connections to financing, incentives, and redevelopment opportunities
• Introductions to local businesses, operators, and supply chain partners
• Ongoing support and aftercare to assist with expansion, workforce needs, and long-term success

Jerome offers a range of redevelopment opportunities that support both economic growth and community development, from downtown revitalization to commercial and mixed-use projects across the region.

Opportunities include:

• Downtown Jerome revitalization aligned with long-term community growth and placemaking efforts
• Commercial and mixed-use development opportunities in key areas of town as the community continues to grow
• Redevelopment and infill projects that support small businesses, local entrepreneurship, and neighborhood-serving retail and services
• Opportunity zone–aligned projects designed to catalyze private investment
• Underutilized or transitional properties that can be repositioned for industrial, commercial, or mixed-use use
• Greenfield and redevelopment opportunities along the Highway 93 corridor with strong visibility and access
• Opportunities in surrounding communities such as Hazelton and Eden, where rural development and small-scale projects can meet local and regional needs
• Projects that balance industrial growth with quality-of-life improvements

Jerome 20/20 works with developers, investors, and partners to identify opportunities, align projects with community goals, and support successful redevelopment outcomes.

Quality of life is a key part of Jerome’s long-term growth strategy, supporting both workforce attraction and retention. The community offers a practical, livable environment where employees and their families can build long-term roots.

Key factors include:

• Access to outdoor recreation throughout the Magic Valley, offering year-round opportunities for an active lifestyle
• A welcoming, small-community environment where people know their neighbors, commutes are short, and daily life is centered around schools, youth activities, and community connection
• Access to schools, healthcare, and a range of housing options to support growing families and workforce needs
• Proximity to Twin Falls and the broader Magic Valley for expanded amenities, dining, and cultural opportunities
• A balanced approach to growth that supports both industrial development and long-term community sustainability

The next step is to connect with Jerome 20/20. We work directly with investors, site selectors, and companies to understand project needs and provide tailored information to support decision-making.

From there, we can assist with:

• Reviewing site options, including utility readiness, infrastructure, and permitting considerations
• Coordinating site visits to evaluate parcel sizes, access, and proximity to markets
• Providing a tailored value proposition, including development timelines, incentives, and logistics advantages
• Connecting you with local, regional, and state partners to support a coordinated investment approach
• Delivering data on workforce, infrastructure, and market conditions to support your evaluation

Our goal is to make the process straightforward and efficient—helping you move from initial interest to a confident, well-informed decision.

The Magic Valley is one of the most productive dairy and food processing regions in the United States, supported by a consistent raw product supply and a strong existing industry base. Southern Idaho is home to a high concentration of dairies producing billions of pounds of milk annually, alongside a diverse agricultural sector that includes leading potato production and strong yields in crops such as sugar beets, corn, and hay.

This combination supports an efficient, vertically integrated supply chain for food manufacturers. With established processing operations, access to Interstate 84, strong utility infrastructure, available industrial land, and a workforce experienced in food production and logistics, the region offers a scalable and competitive environment for growth.

Timelines vary by parcel, but our team works closely with local partners to coordinate permitting and infrastructure planning and keep projects moving efficiently. Jerome is known for being a responsive, business-friendly environment where companies can move forward without unnecessary delays.

Jerome and Jerome County are experiencing steady, meaningful growth, driven by a combination of affordability, quality of life, and expanding economic opportunity. Since 2020, Jerome has grown by approximately 9.4%, outpacing many comparable communities in the region. That growth is part of a broader trend across southern Idaho, with nearby markets like Boise seeing even faster expansion.

Much of Jerome’s growth is being fueled by young families and working households seeking a more affordable, accessible alternative to larger metro areas. With lower housing costs, shorter commutes, and a strong sense of community, Jerome offers a practical path to quality of life without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Looking ahead, continued investment in housing, infrastructure, and industry is expected to support sustained growth, positioning Jerome as an increasingly attractive place to live, work, and do business.

Jerome 20/20 serves as your first point of contact for site visits, data, and introductions to regional partners.