February 2026

McAllister Hall, Parker Case, Vanessa Fry

IPI team members recently wrapped up an evaluation of the Boise School District’s Free Breakfast Program – and the results highlight meaningful impacts for students and families.

Key findings:

• Strong community support for the free breakfast program from both parents and staff, with over 75% of parents and 83% of staff reporting approval.
• Perceived improvements in student behavior and engagement, particularly among younger students, with more than half of staff reporting decreases in disruptive behavior and increased focus.
• A modest but notable increase in test scores among economically disadvantaged students, particularly in math and reading.
• Parents and staff strongly support expanding the program to include free lunch for all.

Learn more about the findings and read the full report here.

IPI Statewide Survey Showcase

Matthew May, Lantz McGinnis-Brown, SPS Faculty

In February, Boise State University’s School of Public Service hosted the IPI Statewide Survey Showcase. Attendees connected with IPI staff and School of Public Service faculty to explore findings from our Annual Statewide Survey and discuss what they mean for key policy issues across Idaho. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Haven’t explored our 11th Annual Public Policy Survey yet? Check it out here.

Statewide Survey Housing Results Presented to the Idaho Home Builders Association

Matthew May, Lantz McGinnis-Brown

Survey Research Director Matthew May and Research Scholar Lantz McGinnis-Brown presented the results of this year’s statewide survey’s housing battery of questions to the Winter Board of Directors meeting of the Idaho Home Builders Association (IHBA) on February 5th. The IHBA Board of Directors meet quarterly and include 80 members from across the state of Idaho. Read the housing battery of questions here.

2025 Annual Report Released

In 2025, Idaho Policy Institute contributed to 30 community projects, secured more than $1.5 million in new awards, and supported 13 student researchers. This past year reflects our continued commitment to serving Idaho communities and providing policymakers with useful, evidence-based insights.

Explore highlights from our 2025 Annual Report.

Amplifying Impact

Vanessa Fry, Matthew Wordell, Nicole Molumby, Amanda Ashley, Shovanne Bostaph, Dabne McGuire

Amplifying Impact had a big February! The project was highlighted at February’s TRANSFORM luncheon where Vanessa Fry presented the progress of the NSF-funded project. Students working on the project, including SPS PhD student Matt Wordell and undergraduates Shovanne Bostaph and Dabne McGuire, presented a poster at the SPS Research Showcase. In addition, the project website has been launched.

January Realty Report

Maria Onaindia, McAllister Hall

Check out our January Realty Report! Created in collaboration with Boise Regional Realtors, this monthly report provides data about multiple counties in Southwestern Idaho and analyzes market trends throughout the region. Read this month’s report.

Boise State University School of Public Service Research Showcase

Maria Onaindia, Lantz McGinnis-Brown

On February 20th, IPI team members presented at the Boise State University School of Public Service Faculty Research Showcase.

Research Associate Maria Onaindia shared insights from the Strategic Planning & Partnership project with the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, and Research Scholar Lantz McGinnis-Brown presented findings from last year’s Idaho Transportation Department Alive at 25 Young Driver Evaluation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and engaged in the conversation!

2025 Eviction Data

McAllister Hall, Lantz McGinnis-Brown

For the seventh consecutive year, the Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) obtained and analyzed statewide court eviction data from the Idaho Supreme Court.

Analyzed by IPI team members McAllister Hall and Lantz McGinnis-Brown, the 2025 data shows a 6.2% decrease in eviction filings and a 5.7% decrease in formal evictions compared to 2024.

Explore the full 2025 insights.