AGP Executive Report

Idaho Power Reliability: Idaho Power will cut power for Ketchum, Sun Valley and the Elkhorn area from 10 p.m. Monday, June 15 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 16 as it installs a second Hailey-to-Ketchum transmission line for the Wood River Valley Reliability Project. Local Business & Growth: Idaho Falls’ downtown beautification program says it hit record sponsorships, with flower baskets, ground pots and holiday wreaths planned across nearly every block. Real Estate & Health Care Development: Blaine County commissioners are nearing approval on a 14,000-square-foot River Bend Medical Offices project for St. Luke’s, with a formal vote pushed to June 23. Agriculture & Environment: A new Mountain West study finds severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears and cougars, with bigger impacts higher in the food chain. Consumer Costs: AAA reports U.S. gas prices are down for the third straight week, with the national average at about $4.13. Workforce/Training: SkillsUSA named a Coeur d’Alene student among its college/postsecondary medalists in automotive refinishing. Community Events: The Children’s Museum of the Magic Valley hosts its fourth annual play takeover Saturday in Twin Falls, aiming to build momentum toward a brick-and-mortar location.

Boise Schools: The Boise School District agreed to a $500,000 settlement with a family tied to former employee Gavin Snow, after the family said the district failed to protect students and respond to concerns; Snow died by suicide in January 2025 during a police attempt to arrest him. Advanced Nuclear: Oklo won another regulatory step for its Aurora project at Idaho National Laboratory, with the DOE approving the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis—pushing the company closer to deployment under the Reactor Pilot Program. Animal Health & Agriculture: Idaho issued new animal entry requirements after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, tightening paperwork rules for warm-blooded animals entering the state. Energy & Power: Idaho Power said a June 2 outage in the Ketchum area was caused by an isolated equipment issue, after a pole fire response; the utility said the cause wasn’t immediately apparent. Business & Markets: Gas prices kept easing nationally for a third straight week, with the U.S. average down to about $4.12 per gallon, while Twin Falls pricing stayed elevated due to travel demand. Public Safety & Courts: A North Dakota man was charged with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana through eastern Idaho. State Policy: The state board is set to name a Boise State presidential finalist Tuesday, with a public forum planned next week.

Housing & Consumer Signals: Idaho vacation-home purchases are down 67.6% since 2021, a broader sign that higher mortgage rates and prices are squeezing discretionary second-home demand. Education & Tech Policy: Lawmakers and districts are scrambling to set guardrails as AI use in schools grows, with states pushing for AI literacy and clearer classroom rules. Animal Health & Trade: Idaho’s agriculture department has added new animal entry requirements after new world screwworm detections, tightening movement from affected areas to protect livestock and pets. Energy & Agriculture: Dairy biogas capture is nearing record levels, with 496 U.S. dairies now turning manure into renewable energy—an approach that also cuts odor and supports farm economics. Idaho Business Spotlight: Visit Idaho’s whitewater-focused “The 3100” documentary won an Emmy, underscoring tourism’s growing economic pull. Local Food & Retail: La Fresita Loka is bringing Mexican desserts to Jerome, while Pita Pit has closed its downtown location (HQ in Coeur d’Alene). Markets: Oil prices dipped as markets weighed a second round of airstrikes, while Micron shares moved sharply amid AI-stock swings.

Workforce & Training: Gov. Brad Little signed an executive order creating Idaho’s State Workforce Pell Coordinating Council to implement the new Workforce Pell Grant program, aiming to steer short-term training into high-demand credentials. Immigration & Processing Backlog: Idaho has 938 pending family green card cases as USCIS shifts policy, raising pressure on timelines for family-based immigration. Local Economy & Hiring: Idaho’s labor market shows recent graduates still face elevated unemployment, with the Idaho Department of Labor citing a 5.6% jobless rate for ages 22-27—above the overall workforce. Housing & Migration: A new Idaho labor analysis says out-of-state moves surged in 2020-2024, helping drive higher housing costs and rent growth in multiple counties. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Idaho midgrade prices averaging $4.91 for the week ending May 30, with county-by-county lows and a statewide drop from the prior week. Public Safety & Privacy: Yakima City Council weighs renewing a ~$270,000 Flock Safety contract as residents question privacy impacts of license-plate camera tech. Local Government: Kuna and Nampa fire districts move closer to a merger after commissioners vote to keep exploring consolidation.

Disaster Relief: The SBA has opened low-interest disaster loans for Idaho businesses, nonprofits and residents hit by straight-line winds Dec. 16–18, 2025, with up to $2 million for business damage and up to $500,000 for primary residences. Transportation Governance: Gov. Brad Little appointed Idaho Falls investor Cortney Liddiard to the Idaho Transportation Board for a six-year term through January 2032. Animal Health & Trade: Idaho set new entry requirements after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, requiring veterinary inspection and documentation for animals from affected zones. Local Courts & Business Risk: A local real estate agent in Idaho Falls, Spencer Darren Allred, was indicted on 10 felony grand theft counts tied to alleged cash theft from multiple people and businesses between 2021 and 2023. Tech & Community: Micron’s expansion and local investment were highlighted alongside Boise’s Signature Summer Balloon Classic plans. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported Idaho’s regular gas averaging $4.62 per gallon in the week ending May 30, with Nez Perce County hitting $4.46. Air Service: Frontier will add Las Vegas–Oakland (Aug. 20) and Las Vegas–Boise (Sept. 10), restoring routes left by Spirit’s shutdown. Health & Youth: Boise-based Ataraxis extended its youth mental health partnership with the I Love This Life Foundation, supporting resilience programming reaching 85,000 students nationwide.

Data Center Power Deal: Avista confirmed its “large load customer” is a data center, targeting 125 megawatts by 2029 and up to 500 megawatts by 2032—on a scale that could rival about half the utility’s service area, with the customer covering needed infrastructure costs. Local Tax & Development: Boise scaled back its proposed FY2027 property tax increase from the maximum 4% to 2.7% after updated financials improved the city’s outlook by about $2.9 million. Public-Sector Cybersecurity: A federally supported free training program is in Twin Falls this week, teaching local governments and schools how to defend critical systems. Ag & Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recalls. Business Moves: Micron added Dr. Alexis Black Björlin to its board, bringing AI-infrastructure and semiconductor leadership experience. Community Fundraising: RecorGroup’s second annual charity golf tournament in Eagle raised $20,000 for St. Luke’s Children’s Cancer Institute. Infrastructure Funding: Nearly $21 million in federal money is headed to replace the Dry Creek Bridge and rehabilitate Milner Dam in South-Central Idaho.

Idaho Energy & Tech: Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 test reactor at Idaho National Lab reached “criticality” on June 4, a first step toward commercial power for remote sites and even deep-space missions. Treasure Valley Business: Boise Metro Chamber named finalists for its 2026 Small Business and Excellence Awards, with winners set for a June 23 luncheon. Local Housing & Growth: As the Treasure Valley population keeps climbing, some homebuyers are stretching farther out for value, even if it means longer commutes. Renewables in Idaho: Hawaiian Built Roofing says it’s now Idaho’s only certified installer of CertainTeed Solstice roof-integrated solar shingles, targeting homeowners and commercial property owners planning roof work. Transportation & Travel: Frontier announced a new Boise-to-Las Vegas nonstop starting Sept. 10, with limited-time fares advertised at $49. Agriculture & Water: Research highlights how less snowpack is forcing costly adaptation across the West, with agriculture among the most exposed. Public Safety: A Bonneville County coroner identified Daniel Fuentes of Firth as a man found dead near the Snake River.

Antitrust & Big Tech: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a bipartisan coalition filing an amicus brief against a court ruling favoring Meta in the FTC monopolization case, arguing the decision misreads antitrust standards and could leave consumers with fewer choices. Idaho Business Growth: BoiseDev is inviting Idaho companies to apply for its “fastest-growing” list of 43 firms, with eligibility tied to being privately held, Idaho-based, operating since 2022, and hitting at least $100,000 revenue in 2022; winners will be featured and interviewed at an October event. Local Economy & Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports show Idaho midgrade and diesel prices easing in the week ending May 30, with the lowest midgrade in Ada County at $4.58 and the lowest diesel in Bannock County at $5.35. Community & Local Business: Bluebird Social opened on Boise’s Greenbelt with free live music and events, aiming to be “Boise’s coolest backyard” for all ages. Infrastructure in the Magic Valley: Burley and Minidoka irrigation districts plan to replace a key F-Waste structure over three off-seasons starting this fall, targeting a new functioning structure by the 2029 irrigation season.

Housing Affordability: A new Idaho survey from Sen. Mike Crapo’s office finds renters are getting squeezed by rent, deposits and fees, while homeowners worry about property taxes and insurance—plus state limits on local action are complicating fixes. Local Business & CRE: A Meridian industrial lease expansion and multiple Boise-area renewals show steady demand for space, from retail (Zao Asian Grill) to industrial and office. Energy & Costs: AAA Idaho reports gas prices easing statewide, with Idaho averaging about $4.51 a gallon—still pricey, but down week over week. Nuclear & Workforce: Antares Nuclear hit a key criticality milestone at Idaho National Lab, advancing microreactor timelines tied to U.S. Army and DOE goals; separately, CHIPS-funded semiconductor education nodes expand with Boise State leading one regional hub. Legal/Policy: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language for a constitutional amendment that would block voters from legalizing marijuana via initiative. Markets & Investors: Shareholder-rights law firms flagged potential securities issues tied to companies including Grindr, PicS/PicPay, Amphastar and others, urging investors to contact them.

Nuclear Milestone in Idaho: Antares Nuclear says its Mark-0 microreactor hit criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, the first privately developed advanced reactor to reach that stage in more than 40 years—part of a DOE pilot tied to faster nuclear timelines. Local Business & Community: Sandpoint is moving to paid hourly parking with kiosks starting July 1, a change expected to affect downtown and beach visitors and local foot traffic. Public Funding for Seniors: Cambridge won a $245,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant to renovate its senior center, supporting meals, transportation and home-delivered nutrition. Idaho Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and diesel prices in multiple counties hovering around the mid-$4 to mid-$5 range for the week ending May 30, with volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions. Tech & Markets: Micron’s stock surge—up more than 270% this year—keeps attention on Idaho’s role in memory and data-center demand. Local Recognition: Zen Pet Care Services, a Boise dog trail-running business, won global honors for GPS-tracked dog walking and fitness programs.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The justices are poised to issue major rulings on gun rights and transgender athletes, including cases tied to Idaho’s ban on transgender athletes—decisions that could ripple into school sports and state policy. Energy & Costs: Gas prices in Idaho stayed volatile, with GasBuddy reporting some of the week’s lowest regular and diesel deals across multiple counties (including $4.47 regular in Minidoka County and $5.35 diesel in Washington County), while national prices remain sensitive to global oil and refinery disruptions. Health Insurance Market: Cigna is exiting Florida’s Obamacare marketplace in 2027, following Aetna’s earlier departure, raising fears of a “death spiral” as fewer insurers and enrollees remain. Tech & Work Trends: Microsoft data shows Vermont near the bottom for AI tool use, with higher adoption tied to professional/technical and finance-heavy local economies—an indirect reminder of how workforce mix shapes tech uptake. Local Business Pulse: Twin Falls’ Market on Main kicked off for the summer, bringing dozens of vendors and local spending to downtown.

Local Retail Pulse: Twin Falls’ Market on Main kicked off Saturday with 46 vendors and live music, with co-owner Jared Lauritsen calling it a strong sign for local spending and small-business momentum. Public Safety Tech: Caldwell police say they used AI sound-detection (Raven) plus Flock cameras to locate a gunman’s vehicle within minutes after a 911 call, highlighting how tech is changing Idaho policing. Treasure Valley Homebuilding: Woodbridge Pacific Group opened a furnished model home at Soaring Feather in Eagle, with prices starting just over $1.02 million and a June 20 public kickoff. Energy & Defense: Idaho National Lab’s Antares microreactor hit “criticality,” while the Idaho National Guard also announced shifts away from tanks toward lighter infantry squad vehicles and deactivated the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending May 30 shows Idaho regular averaging $4.62 per gallon, with notable lows like $4.54 in Franklin County and $4.39 in Jefferson County.

Idaho Growth & Migration: A new wave of Californians is choosing Idaho for jobs and a lower-cost lifestyle, with Boise emerging as a political mix even as the state stays strongly Republican. Housing Costs: Sen. Mike Crapo’s office says Idaho renters and homeowners are feeling affordability pressure from fees, deposits, rent, property taxes and insurance, and that state rules can limit local fixes. Public Lands & Recreation: The Trump administration is moving to open millions of acres of national forest land to off-road vehicles, a shift that would affect about 5 million acres, largely in Idaho and Montana. Nuclear Industry: Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached criticality, a major step toward electricity generation and a boost for Idaho’s advanced nuclear push. Energy Prices: Idaho diesel and premium gas prices stayed volatile in late May, with several counties reporting week-ending lows around the mid-$5 range. Local Business & Infrastructure: Burley secured $20 million for an industrial wastewater plant overhaul, aiming to replace aging infrastructure and protect the Snake River. Education & Workforce: Idaho State University’s College of Technology highlighted new three-year bachelor’s options designed to get students into industry faster.

Advanced Nuclear in Idaho: Antares’ Mark-0 microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached “criticality,” a key step toward electricity by 2027, with DOE saying the test supports faster design and licensing for future reactors. Idaho Energy Costs: A new national look at residential power bills shows Idaho electricity prices up about 12.4% year over year, as grid investment and demand pressures rise. AI Data Center Fight in Pocatello: Lex Developments has appealed Pocatello’s denial of its conditional-use permit for a proposed AI data center, setting up a City Council decision after a packed public hearing. Wastewater Funding in Burley: Burley secured $20 million in federal support for a major industrial wastewater plant overhaul, following legal pressure over alleged Snake River violations. Local Government & Public Safety: ITD is closing Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian path indefinitely due to structural deterioration, while Idaho Falls voted to ban kratom sales starting July 1. Business & Workforce: ISU’s College of Technology showcased new three-year bachelor’s programs aimed at getting students into industry faster, including BAS tracks in law enforcement leadership, applied business/sales, and digital systems. Social Security Watch: A new analysis warns Social Security retirement benefits could be cut by about 24% if lawmakers don’t act by 2032, translating to roughly $500 less per month on average.

Advanced nuclear in Idaho: Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 microreactor hit criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, a key step toward producing electricity within a few years under the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program. Business legal services: Clark Meyers PC launched a preventive business law firm in Nampa, Idaho, and Concord, California, pitching ongoing counsel (contracts, compliance, dispute prevention) for growth-stage companies. Downtown Boise dispute: The Union Block Building fight expanded as owner Ken Howell filed a new Ada County lawsuit while a separate federal appeal moves forward, keeping the project in limbo. Local economic development: Post Falls’ Center Point and East Post Falls urban renewal districts generated more than $745 million in new taxable value over 20 years. Energy and costs: Gas prices in Idaho continued to ease in late May, with multiple counties reporting low regular and premium rates, while national averages fell week over week. Idaho policy and business climate: A new Out Leadership index ranked Idaho among the biggest decliners in LGBTQ+ friendliness, a signal that state policy is still shaping where people and companies want to do business. Airport upgrades: Boise Airport won nearly $9 million in federal grants for terminal infrastructure and accessibility improvements.

Energy & Data Centers: Avista disclosed a deal with an unnamed “large load customer” that could take 500 megawatts of power by 2032—raising fresh questions about whether a major data center is coming to eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Nuclear Supply Chain: BWX Technologies says its TRISO fuel powered Antares Nuclear’s reactor through the first successful criticality milestone under a DOE testing reform order, underscoring next-gen fuel manufacturing momentum. Mining & Capital Markets: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining closed a $270 million IPO to restart the Sunshine Mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley, targeting high-grade silver production and expanding into critical minerals. Idaho Policy & Business Impact: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language for two constitutional amendments—one to restrict marijuana legalization to the Idaho Legislature and another to make English the official state language—setting up November votes that could affect employers and operators. Local Economy & Costs: Gas prices in Idaho remain volatile week to week, with multiple counties reporting the lowest regular prices at single stations in the $4.20–$4.79 range. Community & Culture: Boise’s Harrison Boulevard Pride flag dispute continues as a resident challenges the city’s decision to deny his request to display flags.