July 2025

Lantz McGinnis-Brown, Hannah Lang, Vanessa Fry, Creston Dupree, & Kristi Spalding

In partnership with Idaho Housing & Finance Association, the Idaho Policy Institute team recently kicked off the South Central Idaho Housing Analysis. Building upon the 2018 Idaho Falls Housing Inventory, this study focuses on the current and projected housing needs in the South-Central Idaho region (Twin Falls, Burley/Rupert, Jerome, Wood River Valley, and Gooding/Wendell). Data collection and analysis will revolve around housing affordability and availability, demographic trends, and forecasting future housing needs. Qualitative interviews with stakeholders in the region will be conducted to better understand the housing needs of the region, and identify areas where support is needed.

IPI Welcomes New Director

On July 1st, the team welcomed Dr. Luke Fowler as the new interim Director of IPI. Having previously served as Faculty Director and Program Lead of the Master of Public Administration program in the School of Public Service, he is recognized as a leading scholar in policy implementation and is committed to bridging academic expertise with real-world impact. His research focuses on government collaboration, program development and overcoming institutional barriers — critical areas for supporting Idaho’s public, private and nonprofit sectors. Read his welcome message here.

Central District Health Opioid Settlement Fund Environmental Scan Presentation

McAllister Hall, Hannah Lang, Kristi Spalding, Libbie Luevanos, & Vanessa Fry

On July 3rd, IPI team members presented the results of the Opioid Settlement Fund Environmental Scan to Central District Health. Key recommendations from the report include:

• Establishing a regional steering committee to guide funding decisions and ensure alignment with local needs;
• Scaling effective harm reduction, transportation, and prevention programs;
• Expanding access to secular recovery models and detox centers;
• Enhancing cross-system partnerships for housing, reentry, and behavioral health services;
• Creating multilingual, accessible resource directories for community use

Read the Opioid Settlement Fund Environmental Scan report here.

Realty Roadshow Presentations

Maria Onaindia & Sebastian Kou

In the month of July, Research Associate Maria Onainda and Research Intern Sebastian Kou traveled to Ada, Elmore, Payette, and Gem counties to present findings on the realty market in Southwestern Idaho. In each county, in partnership with Boise Regional Realtors, Maria and Sebastian presented on local and national economic trends within the past year as well as a deep dive into each county’s real estate market.

June Realty Report

Maria Onaindia

Check out our June Realty Report, created in partnership with Boise Regional Realtors! Find market information on multiple counties in Southwestern Idaho here.

Crossgrove Fry and Frinkso installed on City Club Board, Idaho Business Review, July 10th, 2025