April 2026

Makenzie Thompson, Parker Case, Natalee Alsuhili

The Greater Idaho chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association launched Cuentame Mas in 2023 to strengthen outreach within the local Hispanic community and to better understand barriers affecting access to Alzheimer’s and dementia-related care. After two years of implementation, the Association partnered with IPI to evaluate how the program is functioning and where it can be strengthened.

The completed evaluation drew on participant surveys to create a literature review, and a public-facing one-pager summarizing the findings. Clear themes emerged across responses. When asked how Cuentame Mas could strengthen social support, 89% of participants wanted more opportunities to connect with one another, including more event-based and peer-to-peer connection options. Similarly, when asked how the program could improve communication, 93% of participants requested more frequent updates.

Taken together, the strongest message from participants was a desire for more opportunities to gather, build relationships, and engage in culturally meaningful events. While many aspects of Cuentame Mas were viewed as supportive, participants emphasized that increased in-person engagement and more consistent communication would deepen trust and strengthen the program’s impact.

These insights provide a clear direction for the next phase of Cuentame Mas. By expanding group activities and enhancing communication, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue refining the program to better meet the needs of Hispanic families navigating memory loss and dementia.

IPI Receives MIT Elections Grant

Vanessa Fry, McAllister Hall, Maria Onaindia

Dr. Vanessa Fry at Boise State University’s Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) has been awarded a competitive grant from the MIT Election Data + Science Lab to support practice-oriented research aimed at improving voter registration and list maintenance. Led by Dr. Fry in partnership with the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office and Boise State colleagues Dr. Zachary Provant (Resilience Institute), McAllister Hall (IPI), and Maria Onanindia (IPI), the project will develop data-driven tools and strategies to strengthen election administration and enhance voter list accuracy. The award recognizes Boise State’s continued leadership in applied, community-engaged research that supports effective governance and public service. Learn more about the grantees.

Vanessa Fry Facilitates ULI Idaho Housing Panel

On April 16th, Research Faculty Vanessa Fry led a panel, “Backyard Solutions: BIG and Tiny,” which discussed new policies like pre-approved ADU plans and expanded options for Tiny Homes on Wheels. Fry also showcased housing research at Boise State’s Stein Luminary where she presented “Building Resilient Futures: The Health Impact of Permanent Supportive Housing” an exhibit about the success of New Path Community Housing, Idaho’s first signal site permanent supportive housing project. Part of ULI Idaho’s Housing Week, the panel and presentation were just a few of the week’s events highlighting tools, development strategies, and opportunities to advance affordable housing across Idaho.

Vanessa Fry Facilitates Workshop at Oregon Statehouse

On April 15th, Research Faculty Vanessa Fry partnered with Grant Blume Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning and Associate Teaching Professor at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and the Evans Policy Innovation Collaborative to host a workshop at the Oregon Statehouse with the state’s Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO). The workshop furthers the research collaboration between Dr. Fry and the Evans School focusing on the current and future practices of professional policy analysts.

March Realty Report

Maria Onaindia, McAllister Hall, Mackenzie Thompson

📊The March Realty Report is here!

The latest numbers are in, giving you a fresh look at market trends, home prices, and inventory as we head into the spring season. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, this snapshot has what you need. Explore the full report here.

IPI Hiring Fall Interns

Summer might be top of mind, but fall semester will be here before you know it 👀

Looking for a job next academic year? We’re hiring student researchers for the fall! Join us in supporting decision-makers in Boise and across the state.

Learn more and apply by May 22nd via the Student Interest Form.