Different Approaches to Fast Growth in Idaho's Treasure Valley

Three cities on the periphery of the fast-growing Treasure Valley showcase different approaches to a sudden influx of newcomers.

2 minute read

April 18, 2022, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Treasure Valley

CSNafzger / Shutterstock

Peripheral cities are gaining prominence as the Treasure Valley around Boise continues to grow, according to a recent article by Carolyn Komatsoulis for the Idaho Press.

“For surrounding counties in the Treasure Valley, the prospect of growth means many things: It can be an added pressure on development, the potential to change the character of a community, or provide an opportunity to do things right.”

The article examines growth management case studies from three cities in counties surrounding Boise—Mountain Home, Marsing, and Emmett. Each of these cities "are feeling the impacts of local growth and development in their own backyard,” according to the article, but choosing mush different responses—distinct from each other and from the precedent set by the communities already enveloped by the region's sprawling growth.

Mountain Home, previously known mostly as the home to the Mountain Home Air Force Base, has recently been crowned as the “Mural Capital of Idaho.” Brock Cherry, community development director for Mountain Home, is quoted extensively in the article, including describing growth plans that call for “higher-density residences, commercial and industry, and a lower percentage of single-family homes compared to some cities in the Treasure Valley.”

Marsing is attempting to accommodate new growth while also preserving farmland by sticking to its comprehensive plan. Higher density development is not included in that plan—or any plans in surrounding Owyhee County.

Finally, Emmett is cited as an example of a city developing quickly while focusing resources, often financed by developers, on the infrastructure necessary to accommodate a larger population. While some cities in the region never planned for their current population, Emmett city leader say they starting planning for the current influx of new residents severn years ago.

Sunday, April 17, 2022 in Idaho Press

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Urban sidewalk shaded by large mature trees

Cool Walkability Planning

Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

June 1, 2023 - Todd Litman

Interstate 55 with cars and green freeway signs in Chicago, Illinois

Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation

Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.

June 7, 2023 - Chicago Tribune

Two blue and white tents on a paved bike trail under an overpass in San Diego, California with palm tree and vegetation on one side

How San Diego Camping Ban Could Impact Neighborhoods

An ordinance supported by the city’s mayor would bar people from sleeping on the street near shelters or services, but critics say it will simply push people to other neighborhoods and put them farther away from the supportive services they need.

June 8 - Voice of San Diego

Small white one-story building with Maggie Hathaway Golf Course sign with American flag on flagpole and green lawn

Expanding Access to Golf in South Los Angeles

L.A. County’s Maggie Hathaway Golf Course getting up to $15 Million from U.S. Open Community Legacy Project to expand access to the sport in South L.A.

June 8 - Los Angeles Times

Wood-frame two-story housing under construction

Opinion: Failed Housing Bills Could Signal California-Style Housing Crisis in Texas

Legislators in a state that so often touts its policies as the opposite of California’s defeated several bills that would have made housing construction easier, leading to concerns that a constricted housing market may exacerbate the housing crisis.

June 8 - The Dallas Morning News

Principal Planner – Advanced Plans

Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department

Planning Officer

City of Bangor

Planning Director

Park City Municipal Corporation

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.