Idaho tackles rural economic development
The state of Idaho continues to focus on economic development, more specifically rural communities. In conjunction with Idaho Community Review, the Idaho Rural Partnership met with the town of Arco Thursday.
Idaho Rural Partnership Executive Director Mike Field said the organization serves as an overall resource for smaller communities.
“It’s hard for rural communities to know who they should contact in labor or in commerce or rural development,” said Field. “We bring together all the agencies and programs that have funding to these communities to help them focus on what they want and need to accomplish.”
The partnership and review team have to be invited by these communities to begin the transformation process. Field said this is a collaborative effort and their function isn’t to push change but act as a developmental mentor.
“The values they respect, the resources they have and the quality of life they enjoy are things we all want to have in urban Idaho, so the last thing we want is for these communities to disappear,” said Field.
Idaho Community Review Coordinator Jon Barrett said the organization works on three rural communities throughout the state every year. In each, it has taken a survey to see what the community’s wants and needs are.
“Many people believe a major business will solve all of their problems,” said Barrett. “We believe that if communities can attract people, they fall in love with the place and its resources. They then move in and bring their business with them.”
The agencies are working with the town of Arco and surrounding communities, like Moore and Mackay, to increase economic development throughout the whole region.
