Canyon County plans for continued growth and visitors

Cities within Canyon County are seeing explosive growth and city leaders are working hard to meet the needs of expansion. Larger cities such as Nampa, Caldwell, and Middleton have seen remarkable increase in growth, but smaller cities and the county’s unincorporated areas are also experiencing expansion. For 2024, leaders anticipate population estimates to be 265,300 across the area. Caldwell alone has grown 22.37% in the last four years, according to Steven Jenkins, economic development director for the city. On the horizon, there is much anticipation as leaders collaborate and community members engage in discussions about growth and their vision for the county.

“The reasons we all love living in Canyon County are the same reasons why growth continues to be so rapidmore people desire the lifestyle we enjoy,” shared Sabrina Minshall, director of Canyon County Development Services Department . “Canyon Countyboasts a unique community spirit and a strong sense of home. While the population may be growing exponentially, we cherish and fiercely protect our small-town values of family, patriotism, respect for our neighbors, property rights, and personal accountability.”

Jenkins explained that Caldwell is working to create greater density in areas with existing utility infrastructure, and they’re also updating their comprehensive plan and conducting sub-area master plans for the community.

A recent request for proposals resulted in identifying a boutique hotel partner in Obie Companies, which will culminate in a future 75 to 100 room downtown hotel project. The Canyon County Fair also recently completed a new 45,000 square foot expo building last year, and there is an exciting amphitheater project on the horizon that will bring additional meeting space for civic events and activities. Furthermore, the downtown sector is far from complete and additional restaurants and retailers are coming soon, including expansion in the Indian Creek Plaza westward into Arthur Street.

“I look forward to seeing continued growth, but we plan to grow pragmatically,” Jenkins said. “We’ll keep collaborating with our partners to cast a vision for Caldwell as an anchor of commerce and activity in the western Treasure Valley. Caldwell will persist in its transformation into a community offering exceptional amenities, resources, and an enhanced quality of life. The future is bright for Caldwell and Canyon County as a whole.”

Nampa is also continuing to attract new residents.

Amy Bowman, director of communications for the city of Nampa explains that they have been fortunate to see an increase in new living-wage jobs for residents, due specifically to businesses who have chosen to open business there. In the last few months, three subsidiaries of Exyte, a semiconductor manufacturing supplier announced their location in Nampa, and Johnson Thermal Systems also began expansion in the city. Together, this will bring close to 500 new jobs to Nampa and the surrounding communities.

Additionally, city leaders have recently created specific area plans that includes opening Highway 16 and expanding 20/26 to the north. They have also updated their comprehensive plan and other improvement plans that address parks, recreation, transportation, and more. Hotels continue to be built in the area, and the downtown area specifically is seeing revitalization with new restaurants and retail locations. Bowman says that the city would also love to see the construction of multi-use buildings that include housing options as well.

“Nampa has always been the largest city in Canyon County but what makes it unique is that it still retains its small-town feel,” she said. “We like to say Nampa is a place where neighbor still helps neighbor.”

Minshall said that from a broad perspective, the COMPASS Board of Directors comprising both county and city officials, has approved a development review policy, which empowers COMPASS staff to evaluate regionally significant, large-scale development proposals to determine their alignment with the long-range transportation plan. County services will also find ways to streamline, innovate, and evolve to be intentional about growth and meet the needs that arise because of that growth.

On the horizon, there is no doubt about it: Canyon County will continue to welcome people from near and far. The county’s proximity to natural resources and outdoor amenities, its vibrant downtowns, and the array of thriving small businesses, all contribute to its appeal.

“We can, and will, find ways to celebrate and preserve our agricultural economy while providing housing opportunities that allow others to share in this way of life,” Minshall said. “We can, and will, be innovative in funding our necessary services, both current and future. Our community values will remain our guiding principle, as our home is simply too valuable to do otherwise.”

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