August 2026

Vanessa Fry, Hannah Lang, John Gisler, Ronan Wulfekuhle, Lucy Ford

Kicking off earlier this summer, IPI is conducting a project with the Idaho Military Division to provide an updated, statewide look at the economic and socioeconomic impact of the Idaho National Guard. Using the most recent fiscal year data, the project will examine the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of National Guard personnel and facilities across Idaho.

The study will also explore the potential economic impact of proposed training and infrastructure investments at the Orchard Combat Training Center, as well as the broader value of serving in the National Guard – including access to health insurance, education funding, retirement benefits, and state service credit.

Together, these findings will provide a comprehensive picture of the National Guard’s contributions to Idaho’s economy and communities. Currently ongoing, the project will be completed in December of 2026.

Boise State Professors Support High School Student’s Jaialdi Research

IPI Associate Research Professor Vanessa Crossgrove Fry and Boise State Economics Associate Professor Michail Fragkias provided research guidance to Bishop Kelly High School student Henry Turcotte on his study of the economic impact of Jaialdi 2025. Using IMPLAN, attendee survey data, festival financial records, and ticket sales, Turcotte estimated that the six-day Basque festival generated $10–$14.5 million in economic activity in Ada County, supported 65–94 jobs, and generated $1.5–$2.1 million in tax revenue. The project is a great example of Boise State faculty extending research mentorship beyond the university and helping the next generation of researchers apply rigorous analysis to questions that matter to Idaho communities.

Summer Interns Present Gem State Housing Alliance Findings

Abigail Jenkins, Ronan Wulfekuhle, Trevor Yarnell

At the end of August, student researchers Abigail Jenkins, Ronan Wulfekuhle, and Trevor Yarnell presented their case study findings from their project with Gem State Housing Alliance (GSHA).

Over the past few months, they contributed to a wide range of projects focused on school trustee zones and elections, Southwestern Idaho’s realty market, healthcare, the socioeconomic impact of the Idaho National Guard, and housing. We’re so grateful for all they brought to IPI this summer and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next! 

McGinnis-Brown Presents on Non-Profit Compensation Study

On August 26th, Research Scholar Lantz McGinnis-Brown co-presented survey findings at the Idaho Community Foundation’s annual Idaho Nonprofit Conference. The New Idahoan survey, done in partnership with the Idaho Community Foundation, examined the differences in philanthropic attitudes and engagement between long-time Idaho residents and newcomers to the State, in addition to collecting data on the state as a whole. Emma Hoagland, an ICF Community Engagement Associate, then shared engagement strategies and recommendations based on the results of the survey. ICF has a dashboard of complete survey results on their GlowUp platform, available to member organizations.

Fry Returns to Knoll Farm for Better Selves Alumni Fellowship

This August, IPI Cofounder and Associate Research Professor Vanessa Fry returned to Knoll Farm in Vermont as one of 13 alumni selected for a Better Selves Fellowship from a community of approximately 3,000 past fellows. Fry first participated in the Better Selves Fellowship in 2016.

The fellowship provides leaders working toward social and environmental change with dedicated time to focus on their “long work” — the deeper purpose and commitments that guide their work over time. During her week at Knoll Farm, Fry focused on completing manuscripts for publication while also reflecting on leadership and professional development in the community-engaged research space. Returning to the fellowship a decade after her first experience provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of her work and leadership while considering what the next chapter of community-engaged scholarship and public-impact research might look like.