Boise Metro Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Forum Explores Growth Challenges and Solutions

1/8/2025

Rep. Jordan Redman (District 3), Sen. Ali Rabe (District 16), Rep. Rick Cheatum (District 28) and Sen. Camille Blaylock (District 11) sit on a panel during the Boise Metro Chamber's annual Legislative Forum on January 8, 2025 to discuss Managing Growth in Idaho.

Listen to the Audio here:

The Boise Metro Chamber hosted its 2025 Annual Legislative Forum on January 10 at Boise Centre East, convening state lawmakers, business leaders, and community members to discuss “Managing Growth: A Legislative Perspective.” The event, moderated by Thomas J. Mortell of Hawley Troxell, featured a distinguished panel of state legislators: Sen. Camille Blaylock (District 11), Sen. Ali Rabe (District 16), Rep. Rick Cheatum (District 28), and Rep. Jordan Redman (District 3).

Idaho Governor Brad Little opened the forum, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges created by the state’s rapid growth. “Managing growth is a great subject,” he said. “All the alternatives are worse.” The governor outlined efforts to expand infrastructure, improve education, and invest in workforce housing as key strategies to ensure Idaho remains an affordable and desirable place to live.

The panelists shared district-specific insights, with housing affordability, infrastructure, and workforce development emerging as dominant themes. Sen. Camille Blaylock highlighted the unique challenges of preserving agricultural lands in rapidly growing areas like Canyon County. “We have a responsibility to protect farmland that feeds Idaho and the world, while also respecting the rights of farmers who may want to sell their land,” she explained.

Rep. Rick Cheatum discussed the strain on local governments, particularly in smaller communities struggling to fund essential infrastructure. “We need not just places for new residents to live, but we need affordable places where they can raise a family,” he said. He emphasized the need for state support for cities grappling with water, sewer, and emergency services demands.

Housing Affordability and Workforce Challenges
One of the most pressing issues discussed was housing affordability and its direct impact on Idaho’s workforce. Rep. Jordan Redman noted that skyrocketing home prices have made it difficult for working families to buy homes, particularly in North Idaho. “To solve the problem with housing, you have to just create more inventory. It’s basic supply and demand,” he said. He highlighted community-led solutions like the Miracle on Britain project, a privately funded development in Post Falls that provides affordable homes for middle-class workers.

Sen. Ali Rabe provided a stark perspective on the growing crisis of housing affordability and homelessness. She explained how rising rents and stagnant wages are pushing more Idahoans into financial hardship. “The root of the problem causing homelessness is housing costs. Wages have not kept pace, and more people are living on the line. The cost of renting has increased by 40% in recent years, adding an extra $500 per month for the average renter.” She emphasized the need for policy solutions that increase housing supply, protect tenants, and invest in workforce housing.

A Call for Collaborative Solutions
The discussion also touched on infrastructure investment, education, and transportation as key areas for legislative action. Many panelists agreed that public-private partnerships, deregulation, and forward-thinking policies would be essential in shaping Idaho’s future.

Presented by J.R. Simplot Company and cosponsored by Hawley Troxell, Intermountain Gas Company, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Magellan Health, and Idaho Central Credit Union, the forum provided a valuable platform for policymakers and business leaders to collaborate on sustainable growth solutions.
With housing affordability, infrastructure expansion, and economic development at the forefront, Idaho’s leaders will continue to navigate the complexities of managing growth while maintaining the state’s high quality of life.

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Boise Metro Chamber Announces 2025 Annual Legislative Forum

1/7/2025

The Boise Metro Chamber is excited to announce its 2025 Legislative Forum. This years topic will focus on managing growth: a legislative perspective. Moderator Thomas J. Mortell of Hawley Troxell will sit down with Sen. Camille Blaylock of district 11, Sen. Ali Rabe of district 16, Rep. Rick Cheatum of District 28, and Rep. Jordan Redman of District 3.

Event details:
What: Boise Metro Chamber Annual Legislative Forum
When: January 10, 2024, 11:45 – 1:15 p.m.
Where: Boise Centre East Room 400

About the Panel
Tomas Mortell – Hawley Troxell

Co-Managing Partner at Hawley Troxell, Mortell leads the firm’s Healthcare practice group and is a member of the Construction practice group. He advises healthcare providers on legal matters, including COVID-19, business transactions, physician integration, and compliance, helping hospitals navigate complex healthcare law issues.

Senator Camille Blaylock

A Canyon County native and graduate of Idaho State University, Blaylock is an entrepreneur and healthcare technology professional. She has collaborated with government agencies nationwide and has experience in corporate event management, bringing a unique perspective to her legislative work.

Senator Ali Rabe

Born in Boise and raised in Middleton, Rabe earned her BA in political economics (summa cum laude) from The College of Idaho and her JD (cum laude) from William & Mary Law School. As executive director of Jesse Tree, she works to prevent eviction and homelessness. Rabe has held roles with the Department of Homeland Security, worked internationally on land rights issues, and was a 2012 Boren Fellow.

Representative Rick Cheatum

A long-time Idaho resident, Cheatum has a background in broadcast journalism, automobile sales, and credit unions. Serving on the Pocatello City Council since 2017, he is currently council president and is actively involved in various community organizations, with a strong track record in local nonprofits and public service.

Representative Jordan Redman

A lifelong resident of North Idaho, Redman is a business owner with expertise in insurance, financial services, medical, and real estate industries. He serves on several nonprofit boards, including Reach America, and is dedicated to supporting both local and international charitable initiatives.

This event is presented by J.R. Simplot Company and cosponsored by Hawley Troxell, Intermountain Gas Company and Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Magellan Health and Idaho Central Credit Union

2024 Legislative Forum: Idaho’s Economic Outlook is “Cautiously Optimistic”

1/10/2024

Idaho Legislators gathered with state and local business leaders at the Boise Centre on Wednesday, January 10, during the Boise Metro Chamber's 2024 Legislative Forum.

The event, presented by Select Health, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Penelope Lehosit, Ms. Idaho Elementary America 2024.

Governor Brad Little took the stage thereafter to share points from his State of the State address held earlier in the week. He discussed the consequences of Idaho's growth and his measures to keep pace with infrastructure. He plans to invest $2 billion over the next decade to assist Idaho's school districts with repairing dilapidated buildings - including one school he witnessed that had sewage seeping beneath the cafeteria. The Governor closed his remarks by joking that he needed to figure out what to expect from the Chamber's new President and CEO, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, who previously served as his Deputy Chief of Staff for four years.

Hart Gilchrist (at left) listens intently as Kelly Olson speaks about her optimism for Idaho's economy.

The panel, moderated by Hawley Troxell's Co-Managing Partner, Thomas J. Mortell, featured five experts representing a cross-section of Idaho's Economic Landscape, the forum's theme.

Senator C. Scott Grow - Senate Chairman of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee
Representative Wendy Horman - House Chairman of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee
Hart Gilchrist - VP of Safety, Process Improvement and Operations Systems for MDU Utilities Group, Visit Boise Chair and Boise Valley Economic Partnership Board Member
Kelly Olson - President of Western States Equipment and Boise Metro Chamber Board Member
Cory Jakobson - Commercial Community Bank Market Director for Umpqua Bank and Boise Metro Chamber Board of Advisor

Mortell masterfully facilitated the discussion while injecting humor throughout to ease the seriousness of the topics. He asked the panelists how interest rates have impacted Idaho's economy, what types of projects are slated for 2025, about Idaho's tourism health, and their thoughts on our state's growth.

Jakobson shared an observation that "Those with solid balance sheets and substantial war chest reserves are prevailing during this time with higher interest rates. Interest rates used to carry the day, but a slowdown may be coming in 2024. We're cautiously optimistic that the fed will provide a soft landing."

Olson concurred with Jakobson that she's also identified a trend of businesses dipping into their cash reserves but revealed that it hasn't slowed things down. "I love facts and data. We can see how long equipment is used on an hourly basis, and that trend is going up across the state. There was a dip during COVID, but it's back up. The seasonality factor has not even been an issue in the last few years." She added, "December is always an indicator of how we are doing, and it was a very, very big December. There was a large volume of machines delivered this year, especially locally, due to the big projects like Micron and Meta. I am very optimistic."

Gilchrist reported on the health of tourism, saying, "Tourism is Idaho's third-largest industry, and bookings are already ahead by 23%. Things are good, and we're excited about slow, steady growth. To quote Clark Krause of BVEP, 'The economic forefront is looking at a better year. It's 2023 plus Micron, plus Meta.'"

When prompted to share an opinion regarding how growth is impacting the Treasure Valley's economy and how we can manage it, Gilchrist cautioned, "We must be smart to avoid sprawl and make sure transportation is also growing."

Olson added, "Growth equals opportunity. The two biggest challenges are keeping pace with 1: Transportation and 2: Skilled labor, which is the biggest leading factor driving to the finish line."

Jakobson cautioned, "We need to be prudent about growth. How it can affect our businesses, state, and community must be understood. Growth can be harmful if it happens too quickly. We must manage it thoughtfully."

Representative Horman brought the conversation to a personal level when she disclosed that she wears a widow's mite necklace during the legislative session. "It helps remind me that not all Idahoans have the luxury to choose between wants and needs. We must manage growth to protect our citizens who struggle daily for groceries and gas. We must set policies that make them successful, too."

"The state doesn't tax property; it's managed at the local level, but we came to feel we needed to do something to help," Senator Grow reminded the audience. "Where needs are is where we address issues with the people's money to do what's best for the state and taxpayers," he said in referring to the three bills he helped present in January of 2023 that aimed to reduce Idaho's property taxes.

The discussion concluded when Mortell asked each panelist to predict Idaho's 2025 economy with one word.

Senator Grow said, "Concerned."
Representative Horman stated, "Uncertain."
Gilchrist chose "Resilient."
Olson opted for "Healthy."
Jakobson projected, "Similar."

Chamber members can stay up-to-date regarding the economy and bills moving through the legislature this year by tuning in to our bi-weekly episodes of Legislative Update. The six-part, virtual series features host Tori Thomas, Boise Metro Chamber Community and Government Affairs Manager, speaking with legislators and other experts to discuss, debate, and clarify timely complexities, issues, and challenges faced by the State of Idaho during the 2024 session.