Idaho Policy Institute
About the Institute
The strength of Idaho’s economy and communities depends on leaders and elected officials having the tools needed to make informed decisions. Effective policy development and implementation also depends on independent and objective research, rigorous analysis, and robust discussion.
The Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) leverages the expertise and existing resources of Boise State University to facilitate exactly this, helping state and local leaders develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
As an independent source of research and analysis for decision-makers throughout Idaho, the Institute utilizes economic impact studies, demographic research, and implementation of high quality opinion surveys to stimulate constructive discussions about innovative solutions to community concerns among the public, private and nonprofit sectors. IPI also serves as a resource to connect organizations with any number of experts in a variety of disciplines across the School of Public Service and the University.
On our work-strengthening community
The Idaho Policy Institute is more than a research center. IPI projects focus on strengthening community and providing assistance to business, government and nonprofit agencies across the state.
Past projects include an economic development partnership with Idaho National Laboratory and the City of Arco that provided leadership training for startup businesses in Butte County, a tourism and marketing component to build a website promoting Arco’s regional assets, and assistance in integrating art into the city’s beautification efforts.
Whether assisting the Eagle Fire Department in exploring a fire protection partnership, the Department of Health and Welfare in developing a lead risk index, or the City of Post Falls in establishing a way to budget for future growth, IPI works with communities to collect the data needed to make informed decisions.