Featured News
Explore recent business and economic development updates from Jerome and Jerome County in Southern Idaho’s Magic Valley. This page features news about business expansions, new investments, infrastructure improvements, and initiatives that support the region’s key industries, including dairy, food processing, agribusiness, manufacturing, and logistics.
Stay informed about projects, partnerships, and developments shaping the local economy and business environment.
News Articles
New Shoshone Falls overlook opens in Jerome
Sep 17 2026A new 40-by-20-foot overlook is giving visitors safe access to an area of the Snake River Canyon that was out of reach for most people for years.Kathie Womack, visiting from Illinois and staying with family in Gooding, said seeing the park for the first time was one of the highlights...
Jerome nominated for economic opportunity zone that could bring major investments to the city
Sep 15 2026Jerome County has been nominated by Gov. Brad Little for an economic opportunity zone designation — a move that could attract significant private investment to one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities.Jerome County is among nine rural zones nominated for the Economic Opportunity Zone program, which gives investors a tax break when...
Idaho: CLOSING THE INNOVATION GAP
Sep 11 2026When it comes to growing business markets and building an economic development-focused foundation to power industries of the future, the Gem State sparkles. Three bright spots demonstrate how.Boise’s Semiconductor EcosystemIn February 2026, Lam Research opened its new 9,200-sq.-ft. R&D and high-tech manufacturing facility in Boise, the third site run by...
For generations, agriculture has been central to Idaho’s identity.While it remains a driving force in our state, an important area of change involves the technology increasingly embedded within it.Today’s Idaho farm is also a technology operation. Producers rely on precision equipment, sensors, automation, advanced irrigation, data analytics and increasingly sophisticated...
Idaho’s workforce could grow at a rate several times higher than the national rate, according to a biennial projection from the Idaho Department of Labor.Seth Harrington, a regional labor economist with the Idaho Department of Labor (IDOL), presented a report on Tuesday based on the state’s projected growth between 2024...
Volunteers in Jerome County installed thousands of flags at Crossroads Point Wednesday morning to mark the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, continuing a tradition that began more than 20 years ago.A dozen volunteers started early, pounding rebar stakes and unfurling flags across the display, which has been an...
The Safest Small Towns In Idaho
Aug 23 2026Idaho is one of the safest states in America, with the statewide crime rate sitting 36% lower than the national average in 2024. Add safety measure to safety measure by identifying the safest places in the state to raise your family in peace and enjoy the state's natural beauty without...
9 Best Places To Call Home In Idaho In 2026
Aug 21 2026Idaho’s growth is evident across its smaller towns. The state added about 190,600 residents from 2020 to 2025 while its average home value rose above $480,000 (according to Zillow). Weiser turns out for the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest each June. Lewiston meets two rivers while Rexburg cools off at Rexburg...
Eight Magic Valley families are now homeowners after spending months helping build their own homes through South Central Community Action Partnership.The “Self Help Housing” program is a group method build where four to 10 families come together under the guidance of a construction supervisor.Families put in 65% sweat equity, meaning...
The College of Southern Idaho has officially opened the Leroy Craig Jerome Center, a new higher education facility in Jerome.Jonathan Lord, CSI’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment, said the center will house more than 10 career and technical education programs, including food processing, automation and health sciences.The facility...
Jerome's Main Street revitalization and I-84 roundabout project near completion this fall
Aug 13 2026Jerome is in the middle of two significant construction projects — one nearing the finish line after two years of work, and another just getting started in the heart of downtown.The new Double Diamond Roundabout over Interstate 84 in southern Jerome is nearly complete after two years of construction. Courtney...
Best States to Live In
Aug 10 2026Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. From housing costs and job opportunities to education, safety and overall quality of life, there are many factors to weigh. Lifestyle preferences matter, too, whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, cultural attractions or a climate that suits you.With...
The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Foundation is proud to announce a transformative $500,000 gift from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support workforce training and program expansion at the new LeRoy Craig CSI Jerome Center. The investment is part of Wells Fargo’s Rural Initiative Tour and reflects a shared commitment...
Camille Barigar came to economic development late in her career, but she has hit the ground running as Executive Director of Jerome 20/20 in Jerome, ID. Listen to this episode of ShovelTalk to learn how she has gotten up to speed while responding to seven RFIs in her first three...
As the Magic Valley grows, so does its demand for energy — and Jerome County leaders say they want to learn more about whether small modular nuclear reactors could be part of the solution.In early July, communities across Idaho received an invitation from the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium asking which...
Idaho beef month: Jerome rancher highlights 130 years of cattle industry in the Gem State
Jul 17 2026For the 25th consecutive year, the governor has declared July “Idaho Beef Month,” recognizing beef as the state’s top agricultural commodity. A Jerome rancher says the industry’s roots in Idaho run deep — and its future depends on the next generation.A century on the landLaurie Lickley, owner and operator of...
Idaho has more land than people, and summer here stays quieter than the crowds out west. The towns below offer empty trailheads, clear lakes, and space to spread out. Stanley sits under the Sawtooth peaks while McCall hugs a deep mountain lake. Some draw anglers and others draw history buffs...
The Bureau of Land Management joined the Idaho State Historical Society, America 250 in Idaho, Jerome County, and the Snake River Canyons Park Board—along with many community partners—yesterday on the north rim of the Snake River Canyon for Sharing the Spirit of America, a global, simultaneous reading of the Declaration...
Construction is underway on phase 2 of Jerome's downtown improvement plan, bringing new streets, sidewalks, trees, streetlights, and updated water utilities to Main Street.Planning and Zoning Manager Ida Clark said the project reflects what residents have long been asking for."We hear from our citizens, community members in our surveys, our...
Idaho National Guard opens new Jerome County Readiness Center named for late Gov. Kempthorne
Jun 29 2026The Idaho Army National Guard has a new home in the Magic Valley after three years of construction, with the new facility dedicated in honor of the late former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne.The Dirk Kempthorne Idaho National Guard Readiness Center is now officially open in Jerome County, replacing the Guard's...
A partnership between Actus Nutrition and Darigold, Inc. will expand the production of milk proteins and other specialty food ingredients.Under the partnership, Actus will take ownership of a plant in Jerome, Idaho, from Dairgold and continue to manufacture non-fat dry milk. The company also plans to expand manufacturing capabilities at...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDeveloped with Golden Shovel Agency, the new site will strengthen marketing efforts and help the city attract investmentJEROME, ID – Jerome 20/20 Inc., the economic development organization serving Jerome and the surrounding region, has announced the launch of a new website built from the ground up to more...
Minidoka historic site gets $8.1M to restore WWII Japanese American incarceration building
Jun 25 2026A major restoration project is underway at Minidoka National Historic Site in Southern Idaho, aiming to preserve and improve access to buildings tied to one of the nation’s darkest chapters.Minidoka National Historic Site in Jerome received $8.1 million to restore structures where more than 13,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during...
Newer R&D Parks Strengthen Collaboration
Jun 23 2026Research and Development Parks Evolve Into Innovation EcosystemsIt wasn’t so long ago that the concept of a science park did not require a major amount of thought — or even the flicker of a figurative light bulb.They were, generally, a collection of buildings that served the research market, often located...