Spring Projects
To learn more about the projects IPI has worked on this spring please click through the available tabs.
With another academic year behind us, Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) is celebrating a year of being back on campus in the Environmental Research Building (ERB). Being on campus facilitated numerous collaborations with our colleagues outside of IPI including work with Dr. Jaci Lee, Criminal Justice Assistant Professor, on a Guardian Ad Litem program evaluation for the Idaho Supreme Court and Brittany Brand, director of the Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute, on a resilience assessment for the City of Kamiah. In addition, IPI Interim Director Vanessa Fry is a co-lead on the Planning Grant Leadership Team for the Resource Nexus for Sustainability Grand Challenge. The Leadership Team will develop the blueprint that will guide the research focus, community involvement, and overall success of this Grand Challenges Initiative.
The move to campus also allowed us better connectivity with students. This year we had three graduate research assistants, six interns, and a work-study student. In addition, this year’s MPA Capstone course and Housing Opportunities for All VIP engaged 42 students on 19 projects with community partners. McAllister Hall, an IPI Research Associate, became IPI’s Manager of Student Engagement to accommodate this growth in our work with students. In this role, McAllister ensures that IPI’s students work alongside IPI researchers on community-driven projects while also receiving tailored professional development and mentorship support.
As we move into the summer months, IPI team members will continue our research together while also preparing for the upcoming academic year. We’re excited to welcome the School of Public Service’s incoming dean, Dr. Angela Bos, and look forward to working with her!
We’re also all planning on taking a little vacation time – and we hope you are too.
Best wishes for a productive and fun summer!
Vanessa Fry
Interim Director, Idaho Policy Institute
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) commissioned a study from Idaho Policy Institute to better understand the state’s DMV service delivery model, compare it to DMV arrangements in other states, and research potential policy alternatives.
IPI conducted analysis using information from:
Overall, Idaho’s DMV arrangement is unique. ITD oversees services, establishes policies and procedures, and provides training and equipment. County sheriffs and assessors administer driver and vehicle services and manage their own offices and agents. Many DMV administration decisions are made independently in each of Idaho’s 44 counties resulting in varying degrees of efficiency and customer service across the state.
Other state models also feature tradeoffs: more centralized arrangements enable greater standardization and economies of scale, but come with fewer points of access. Less centralized ones grant more local access but can create inconsistencies in service delivery. Private partners can expand DMV access and ease of use, but can also widen inequities and require oversight from the state agency.
Moving forward, policy options for Idaho’s model include:
These options could improve Idaho’s DMV service delivery for administrators and customers alike.
The severity of disasters worldwide is increasing in hazard-prone areas and climate change is exacerbating these events. Rural communities often have the least capacity for preparing and responding to disasters. To address these challenges, the Boise State Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute (HCRI) partnered with IPI to support the City of Kamiah’s engagement in a resilience assessment. The resilience assessment utilizes a framework tool that consists of indicators and metrics that allow cities to measure their resilience over time. IPI conducted a data mining process utilizing quantitative data sources to understand the City of Kamiah’s social, economic, physical, natural, and political factors that compromise its quality of life and capacity for resilience.
Results found that the City of Kamiah lands between doing well and needing improvement in relation to its resilience. The city will be using this data to lay the foundation for actionable projects the city can take for a stronger future in the threat of disasters. In addition, the results will be used to fill in the gaps for future research to be done similarly in Idaho communities.
IPI will provide data collection and management services for a recent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant in collaboration with Idaho Legal Aid Services, Utah Legal Services, the Montana Legal Services Association, Jesse Tree of Idaho, and Intermountain Fair Housing Council. The program provides legal assistance and supportive services to low-income tenants at risk of or subject to eviction in Idaho, Montana, and Utah. IPI will collect data for all clients and services provided under the grant to fulfill federal data reporting requirements. Project partners will also use this data to inform decisions about the program’s goals and operations. IPI will collect eviction court case data, where available, in Idaho, Utah, and Montana to identify areas with high eviction rates.
IPI plans to produce a white paper outlining key takeaways from research on TDRs and considerations for establishing a TDR program in Canyon County. The research team is currently reviewing the relevant literature regarding the use of TDRs, including information on TDRs implemented by surrounding state and local governments. The research team will gather data mostly focused on surrounding partner cities and national best practices, as well as provision for TDRs in Idaho statute.
In partnership with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, student researchers interviewed residents of St. Maries about their use of wood-burning fireplaces. The findings showed that community members want to be responsible woodstove users and DEQ has opportunities to further educate residents about best practices
In partnership with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, student researchers interviewed residents of St. Maries about their use of wood-burning fireplaces. The findings showed that community members want to be responsible woodstove users and DEQ has opportunities to further educate residents about best practices
In partnership with CATCH, student researchers analyzed existing client data to help the organization provide more equitable and efficient housing services to clients. The students also created an intake form focused on equity and improved client experience.
In partnership with CATCH, student researchers analyzed existing client data to help the organization provide more equitable and efficient housing services to clients. The students also created an intake form focused on equity and improved client experience.
In partnership with deChase Miksis Development, student researchers developed a report that outlined sustainable energy alternatives, potential financial incentives, and possible community partnerships for a new YMCA facility in Downtown Boise.
In partnership with deChase Miksis Development, student researchers developed a report that outlined sustainable energy alternatives, potential financial incentives, and possible community partnerships for a new YMCA facility in Downtown Boise.
In partnership with COMPASS, student researchers conducted a policy analysis about options for local governments to foster the development of affordable housing stock.
In partnership with COMPASS, student researchers conducted a policy analysis about options for local governments to foster the development of affordable housing stock.
In partnership with the Downtown Boise Association, student researchers produced a report outlining best practices for establishing parklets from other cities, legal and safety requirements for Boise businesses, and options for purchasing parklet supplies.
In partnership with the Downtown Boise Association, student researchers produced a report outlining best practices for establishing parklets from other cities, legal and safety requirements for Boise businesses, and options for purchasing parklet supplies.
In partnership with the Boise State Sustainability Governance Council, student researchers conducted a survey of students about perceptions of sustainability and ways Boise State can improve sustainability on campus. The survey also tested students on their sustainability knowledge.
In partnership with the Boise State Sustainability Governance Council, student researchers conducted a survey of students about perceptions of sustainability and ways Boise State can improve sustainability on campus. The survey also tested students on their sustainability knowledge.
In partnership with Whitewater for Well Water, student researchers created a handbook on how to establish a nonprofit in Idaho.
In partnership with Whitewater for Well Water, student researchers created a handbook on how to establish a nonprofit in Idaho.
In partnership with Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, student researchers created a process allowing statewide volunteers to collect timely, accurate, and complete crash site data. The process includes an easy-to-use form with the goal of increasing data collection of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
In partnership with Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, student researchers created a process allowing statewide volunteers to collect timely, accurate, and complete crash site data. The process includes an easy-to-use form with the goal of increasing data collection of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Lantz McGinnis-Brown presented to the COMPASS city planners’ subcommittee in IPI’s housing data dashboard. He highlighted key themes in the data relating to the housing market in the Treasure Valley.
McAllister Hall and Emily Pape presented results from their survey of Idahoans to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) Board this month. The survey asked residents about their participation in outdoor recreation and will inform IDPR’s plans for the future.
Cheong Kim participated virtually in the Annual Midwest Political Science Association Conference in Chicago, IL, held April 7-10, 2022. He presented a paper (co-authors: Matthew May, Vanessa Fry) that examined how local governing institutions–i.e., CEO selection by appointment, emergency management position, mayoral election by the council, at-large council election, and smaller council–affected the implementation of COVID-19 policy. In the presentation, he emphasized the potential of the institutions that could reduce excessive politics in policy implementation.
“Idaho policy survey: growth too fast, new & old Idahoans alike, state on the right track (but the gap is narrowing), more” Boise Dev, Jan 21, 2022
“An inflection point for growth’: Boise State survey shows Idahoans’ rising concern” Idaho Statesman, January 21, 2022
“Idaho Public Policy Survey: 46% believe the state is heading in the right direction” KTVB, January 21, 2022
“Eye on Boise: BSU survey finds strong, statewide support for full-day kindergarten” Idaho Press, January 23, 2022
“What kind of political beliefs are newcomers bringing to Idaho? Survey says…” Idaho Statesman” January 23, 2022
“To crossover or not to crossover: BSU talk goes into voting concept entering primary” Idaho Press, January 23, 2022
“You knew Idahoans were split on vaccine mandates. See what Republicans, Dems say in poll” Idaho Statesman, January 24, 2022
“Idaho survey shows statewide anxiety about the speed of growth, support for all-day kindergarten” Boise State Public Radio, January 25, 2022
“Boise State survey: Idahoans support all-day kindergarten, overwhelmingly” Idaho Ed News, January 25, 2022
“Recent studies show public schools are the backbone of most communities in Idaho” Idaho Capital Sun, January 28, 2022
“Episode 39: What Idahoans have to say about Idaho” Idaho Ed News, January 28, 2022
“Are people moving to Idaho for the politics?” Deseret News, January 29, 2022
“Idaho View: Hoffman’s anti-education agenda isn’t selling” Lewiston Tribune, January 29, 2022
“Guest opinion: Investing in Idaho for the longterm” Idaho Press, January 30, 2022
“Survey: Most Idahoans want full day kindergarten” Idaho Ed News, February 01, 2022
“Idaho Public Policy Survey reveals attitudes towards state policy” KBOI Channel 2 News, February 03, 2022
“Statehouse roundup, 2.3.22: School employee health insurance boost heads to governor” Idaho Ed News, February 03, 2022
“Idaho Democrats worried about extremism face tough choice: Stick with their party or register as Republicans so they can vote in the GOP primary?” Spokesman Review, February 20, 2022
“Crossover voting; What it is and how it could impact the upcoming Republican primary” Idaho News 6, February 17, 2022
“You Asked: How do low-income housing tax credits work?” Boise Dev, March 28, 2022
“The Treasure Valley is again one of the fastest-growing areas of the US. Coeur d’Alene is growing even faster” Boise Dev, April 20, 2022
“Immigrant Communities Push for More Non-English Ballots” Pew Trust Magazine , May 10, 2022
“Experts advise Boise on affordable housing crunch: do more now before the problem gets worse” Boise Dev, May 12, 2022
“Some Idahoans can now vote in Spanish, Native languages: Who’s covered and what it means” Idaho Capital Sun, May 16, 2022