Opportunity for Everyone
Opportunity for Everyone is the City of Boise’s approach to investing in an economy that uplifts everybody in our community with family wage jobs and access to economic opportunities. It’s our commitment to supporting homegrown innovation and efforts to attract employers that reflect Boise’s vision to create a city for everyone.
The City of Boise has developed a comprehensive economic development strategic plan to streamline work around an economy that uplifts everyone in our community, with family wage jobs and access to opportunities.
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on our community and economy over the course of several months and will likely have long-term implications for residents and businesses alike. As Boiseans, we are fortunate to be a part of a close-knit, supportive community and to have a strong economy built upon enduring partnerships. Economic recovery from the effects brought by COVID-19 will require a strategic, community-based effort to craft an actionable recovery plan. The strategies and implementation actions will be shaped by leaders of our diverse economic community and guided by the Mayor’s commitment to ensuring that Boise is a city that offers Opportunity for All.
For questions please contact the Economic Development team at econdev@cityofboise.org or by phone at 208-972-8520.
Local Economic Investments
Create and execute a strong economic strategy that benefits everyone, including our small and homegrown businesses. Cultivate a business environment that focuses on sustainable economic opportunities and resilience for the long-term; one that preserves and enhances our vibrant city.
- Airport Commerce District
- Urban Renewal Districts
- American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA)
- Boise on the Block
Partners + Resources
We firmly believe in collaborating with partners across the Treasure Valley to best serve our business community.
Boise Public Library Business and Non-profit Resources - Today's library is a destination for job seekers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. In addition to offering access to computers and the internet, librarians provide assistance with resumes and identify resources for professional development. Small businesses and nonprofits seek out funding information and market research, and our digital resources provide access to educational opportunities such as LinkedIn Learning.
- Chamber of Commerce
- Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP)
- Downtown Boise Association (DBA)
- Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC)
- Trailhead Co-Working and Entrepreneur Space
- Small Business Development Center
- Utility Partners: Idaho Power, Intermountain Gas, Veolia, and City of Boise Geothermal
- Education Partners: Boise State University, University of Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Boise School District, West Ada School District
Incentives
Local
- Project Management Program
The City of Boise Planning and Development Services Department offers limited project management services for a variety of business projects. Those who participate in the program will be assigned a multi-disciplinary team, have early assistance meetings and work with a dedicated project manager.
State
- Idaho Commerce Incentives - The State of Idaho offers a a variety of incentives to help make Idaho an attractive place to do business. Incentives include:
- Tax Reimbursement - A performance-based incentive, which features a tax credit of up to 30% for up to 15 years on new state tax revenues generated by companies seeking to expand in or relocate to the state of Idaho by adding new, qualifying jobs.
- Idaho Business Advantage - If your business invests at least $500,000 in new facilities and creates at least 10 new jobs averaging $40,000 a year with benefits, you may qualify for a wide package of incentives, including tax credits, sales tax rebates, and property tax exemptions.
- Property Tax Exemption - If your business invests $3 million in new manufacturing facilities, you may qualify for a full or partial property tax exemption for up to five years.
- Idaho Semiconductors for America Act - Provides qualifying Idaho semiconductor companies with a sales and use tax exemption on the purchase of qualifying construction and building materials.
- 3% Investment Tax Credit - On all new depreciable, tangible, personal property (machinery and equipment) used in Idaho.
- Workforce Development - To support workforce development, Idaho Commerce offers services and support to employers which includes up to $3,000 in cash reimbursements for the training of full-time, new employees or for helping to retain employees facing permanent layoff.
- Idaho College Savings Program Employer Tax Credit - Employers are eligible to receive a 20% tax credit for contributions made to an employee's IDeal college savings account.
Workforce
- Boise Airport serves more than 4 million people a year and is less than five miles from downtown.
- A recent EMSI study ranked Boise the 7th best metro for college graduate retention. Over 58 percent of graduates stay here to begin their careers.
- Median age: 36 years old
Diversity
- Home to the second largest Basque population in North America.
- Currently home to more than 13,000 refugees from 53 countries.
- Over 90 languages spoken.
- The Boise Metro is home to one of the oldest synagogues in the western United States.
Arts + Culture
- Over 200 public events annually, including Treefort Music Festival, the Twilight Criterium and Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
- The Department of Arts & History serves an advisory role to a $50 million local arts and history industry that employs 1,600 Boise residents full time.
- The Department of Arts & History curates and maintains an art collection valued at $6.5 million and growing.
Recreation
- Over 210 miles of foothill trails within minutes of Boise, offering nationally acclaimed hiking and mountain biking trails including 5 accessible trails and 5 adaptive bike trails.
- Bogus Basin Mountain Resort is just 16 miles north of the Boise and offers almost every winter activity imaginable – along with summer adrenaline adventures and some of the most breathtaking views of the valley.
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