JULY NIBJ: Economic development goes beyond dollars, cents

For some, economic development is pure numbers.

Dollars and cents drive progress, right?

But an exploration of the issue finds a more nuanced picture. Yes, economic development can be seen in largely financial terms. However, it quickly sprawls to the intangibles — quality of life, recreation, housing and the tools used to create economic health and diversity such as urban renewal districts.

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, in 2025, outdoor recreation was responsible for nearly 5,000 jobs in Idaho, with 1,671 of those at skiing facilities; 524 at RV parks and campgrounds; 302 at recreational and vacation camps; 182 at recreational goods rentals; 156 at marinas and 1,833 in all other amusement and recreation industries.

"Historically, it’s been an intrinsic and generational part of the livelihood for many who live in the state," IdahoWorks.com said. "In fact, the Idaho Department of Labor has found fishing, hunting and trapping employment has been growing at an annual clip of 6.6% since 2012."

Festivals and celebrations, like recreation, are seen as a sign of the region's strong quality of life. But in addition to bringing people together, they serve as an economic engine in North Idaho.

In 2025 alone, events hosted by the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association generated more than $4.5 million in economic impact and brought more than 142,000 people to the downtown corridor.

“These events are especially important during the slower seasons, helping drive foot traffic when many businesses need it most, further supporting the long-term vitality of our downtown business community,” CDA Executive Director Emily Boyd said.

Urban renewal districts — a tool used by public agencies to improve public infrastructure, create jobs and enhance an area's quality of life — can also serve as an economic indicator.

From Post Falls to Coeur d'Alene to Sandpoint, URDs have been created to bring economic development and revitalization.

Housing can also be an indicator of economic health and activity. Consider what is taking place in the Silver Valley, where community leaders are working to accommodate growth while preserving its identity.

With the resurgence of the valley's mining industry, the need for affordable housing has also grown. A plan to partner with LEAP Housing, an Idaho nonprofit dedicated to developing affordable housing communities, drew concern and was later abandoned by the county as not matching the community's identity.

In North Idaho, seasonal employment is a way of life, with many of the jobs found in the service and tourism industries.

According to Idaho Department of Labor data, those industries employed around 15% of North Idaho’s population, or about 19,000 residents, in 2023.

Despite the drawbacks, many workers say the benefits — access to skiing at the ski resort, for example — outweigh the challenges, as the quality-of-life aspects offset the sometimes unpredictable pay.

Roads — more specifically the region's highways — serve as connectors, both in terms of the region's diverse communities and the businesses and residents found in each.

Seemingly simple in terms of numbers, economic development in North Idaho is more diverse and complex — much like the region itself.

Caroline Lobsinger

North Idaho Business Journal

Editor