January 2026

Mackenzie Thompson, Natalee Alsuhili, Creston Dupree

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 the barriers that affect health care access and outcomes related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. After more than two years of implementation, the Alzheimer’s Association is seeking to understand how well the program is meeting its goals and what adjustments could further support this community. 

This study will use surveys and interviews to explore how participants and potential participants experience Cuentame Mas – what aspects feel supportive, where barriers remain, and how the program’s content and delivery align with cultural expectations and needs. As part of this work, IPI will produce a written report detailing the study findings, including survey and interview results, comparisons with similar organizations, and a review of relevant literature. 

Together, these insights will guide the Alzheimer’s Association as it refines Cuentame Mas to better serve Hispanic families navigating memory loss and dementia.

Statewide Survey Results Released

Matthew May, Lantz McGinnis-Brown, Luke Fowler

The 11th Annual Public Policy Survey results are officially live! See what Idahoans think about critical issues like health care, public lands, and education – and explore the data using our interactive Tableau dashboard. Read the report here.

CEPSI Projects Kick-Off

Maria Onaindia, Hannah Lang

On January 13th, Research Associates Maria Onaindia and Hannah Lang attended the kick-off for the Community-Engaged Public Scholarship Initiative (CEPSI) grant program. Both awarded $7500 grants, Onaindia and Lang will complete two projects with Boise State faculty and local community partners. Onaindia and SPS Faculty Lisa Meierotto are partnering with the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs to analyze results from IPI’s 11th Annual Public Policy Survey, with a special focus on how Hispanic Idahoans are feeling. Lang and Criminal Justice Faculty Laura King are partnering with the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers to identify what is working well in the current model and where additional support is needed. Projects have begun and will be completed in Fall 2026.

December Realty Report

Maria Onaindia, McAllister Hall

Curious about the realty market in Southwestern Idaho last year? Check out our December Realty Report, created in collaboration with Boise Regional Realtors. The Year-End Report also includes analysis of the overall market trends in 2025. Check it out here.

Student Researcher Introductions

Happy New Year, Broncos! As the new semester begins, we’re proud to welcome new student researchers to IPI. 

Creston Dupree

Returning this spring to IPI, Creston is a Master’s of Public Administration student at Boise State University. Originally from Terra Bella, California, he initially moved to Boise to work for Micron Technology as an electrical engineer. Over time, however, Creston’s interest in public policy and economics grew. Now, he hopes to develop a career in which he helps improve the quality, responsiveness, and transparency of government. He previously interned with the Idaho Policy Institute in the summer of 2025 and with the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations in the fall of 2025.

Mackenzie Thompson

Also joining us this spring as a Student Researcher is Mackenzie Thompson! Mackenzie grew up in Boise, seeing all the changes the last few decades have brought for the Treasure Valley area. After graduating from Boise State with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban Studies, Mackenzie chose to return to further her education and pursue a Master’s in Public Administration. She hopes to work with local government to strengthen sustainable urban development, improve community engagement, and design policies that balance growth with environmental stewardship. Her passion lies in building resilient systems that support both the vitality of Boise’s neighborhoods and the long-term well-being of the region. 

Natalee Alsuhili

The last student joining us this semester is Natalee Alsuhili! A senior at Boise State University, Natalee is majoring in political science with an emphasis in international relations. With seven previous internships in government, including with the Idaho Legislature and United States Senate, Natalee brings a wealth of experience to her work as a Student Researcher.

Professionally, Natalee is interested in expanding affordable housing opportunities for Idaho residents and improving educational policies. Outside of school and work, Natalee enjoys spending time outdoors – from archery, paddleboarding, mountain biking, to more, she loves exploring Idaho’s natural landscape.

• Latest Idaho Public Policy Survey examines citizens’ attitudes about the economy, education, housing, Boise State News, January 23 2026
• Majority of Idahoans support proposed ballot measure on abortion, BSU poll says, Idaho Statesman, January 23, 2026
• Boise State Public Policy Survey: Idahoans rank housing as highest priority, KTVB7, January 23, 2026
• Housing top priority for Idahoans with slight pessimism in economy, recent survey finds, KBOI CBS 2, January 23, 2026
• Statehouse roundup, 1.23.26: ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ tax plan debuts, IdahoEdNews, January 23, 2026
• Constitutional or not? Education tax credit case reaches Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Statesman, January 23, 2026
• My biggest surprises in Idaho survey: abortion and school choice | Opinion, Idaho Statesman, January 24, 2026
• Immigration. Housing. The economy. What Idahoans think about current key issues, Idaho Statesman, January 24, 2026
• Hundreds rally at Capitol to celebrate Idaho’s strict abortion laws, Idaho Statesman, January 26, 2026
• Have we lost the Idaho we knew and loved? | Opinion, IdahoEdNews, January 26, 2026
• Commentary: Speed is not the same as wisdom, The News-Examiner, January 26, 2026
• Idaho Survey Tries to Look at What 1,000 Idahoans Really Think, Local Yocal Idaho, January 26, 2026
• Idahoans support path to residency, reproductive rights in annual survey, Idaho Press, January 27, 2026