Executive

Summary

Mission:

To develop partnerships to promote economic opportunities by acting as a catalyst in providing resources that foster resilient communities across Southern Idaho.

Jeffrey C. McCurdy
President

Region IV Development Association (RIVDA) was established in 1975 by a group of local elected officials seeking to develop professional capabilities to respond to the needs of the area's small towns. By banding together, they hoped to achieve what they could not do alone. Financial resources and time were donated to provide the seed money necessary to start a "Council of Governments" - seeking solutions to common problems and help with the ever-growing demands from the people in our communities.

As a member-driven, private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, activities include:

Community Development through project planning, grant application development, grant administration, National Environment Review analysis, strategic planning, comprehensive plan updates, and facilitation of regional and state collaboration.
Small business financing, planning, and counseling.

RIVDA serves as the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration's designated regional planning organization serving the eight counties of South-Central Idaho - Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is the result of a planning process that an Economic Development District (EDD) completes in order to focus the region’s priorities with the intent to foster economic growth through job creation opportunities and public infrastructure improvements. With support from the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration the RIVDA CEDS analyzes the regional economy, highlights RIVDA’s commitment to small business lending, identifies regional strengths and weaknesses, and establishes a regional action plan for economic prosperity.

Photo: American Flag suspended above the Snake River Canyon by Tedi Thompson

Known as the Magic Valley, South-central Idaho lives up to its name. The region boasts breathtaking views, vast opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the prospect of a simpler life with the majority of communities being rural oases. The secret paradise that is South-central Idaho is no longer a secret. Between 2020 and 2021, every county in the region saw an increase in population. Growth in our rural communities has been both positive and negative. According to Axiom, from 2020 to 2022 Idaho was the fastest growing state (4.3%). Numerous Southcentral counties saw significant growth including Jerome (4.3%), Cassia (3.6%) Twin Falls (3.7%), Camas (6.5%), and Lincoln (3.9%).

Percent of Growth by County

0%

Jerome

0%

Cassia

0%

Twin Falls

0%

Camas

0%

Lincoln

According to Axiom, from 2020 to 2022

The importance of city, county, regional, and state-wide planning is more important now than it ever has been. Collaborative efforts to contend with the consequences of rapid population growth and to plan for the future will be necessary to maintain and improve the quality of life for the residents of Southcentral Idaho.

Diversification of industries, expansion of workforce development services, and investment in public infrastructure are key steps the community stakeholders will need to engage in over the next decade. This document highlights the regional assets and identifies areas of concern for future economic resiliency.

The 2023 CEDS Update Includes Three Main Changes

The summary background was refocused to more fully reflect the industry clusters contributing to the Southern Idaho economy;
The Action Plan, including goals and objectives were restructured to better align with other regional plans;
Benchmarks were established in the Evaluation Framework for each priority strategy and initial data has been documented to facilitate future continuous improvement.

Photo: Snake River Canyon seen from Jerome County by Lynn Rivers

Annual Report Open For Comment