Kootenai County has a lot of opportunities for economic growth ahead, although like other communities, it faces the challenges of a tight labor supply and a need for attainable housing, some economic development officials say.

“The future looks really good for our community,” says Gynii Gilliam, president of the Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corp., also known as Jobs Plus. “The growth that we have provides lots of opportunities for high-wage jobs and the kinds of things that will make it easier for people who are here to live here better.”

For example, the Cd’A EDC is active in the Gonzaga University-led consortium that continues to seek avenues of funding for the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub.

While the tech hub didn’t receive an initial injection of funding the consortium had sought, the designation and continuing efforts still have the potential to attract businesses and jobs in the region.

“Aerospace manufacturing is something we already have,” she says. “Then it gives us the capacity to expand to biotech manufacturing.”

The Coeur d’Alene area already has a diverse economy going for it, she says.

“I think that showed during COVID. When aerospace and manufacturers had issues with their supply chains, our tourism, recreation, and other activities kicked into gear,” Gilliam says. “Having a diverse economy allows us to weather the ups and downs of normal (economic cycles) across decades.”

Gilliam also anticipates that the health care sector and higher-education partnerships will continue to grow in Kootenai County.

As 2025 approaches, the latest Idaho Department of Labor employment report for North Idaho shows the total labor force and employment remains above 2023 levels, however, the October unemployment rate was 4.8%, up from 4.1% a year earlier.

Despite ongoing successes in economic development, the coming year will bring continued challenges with workforce recruitment and retention, says Shelly Enderud, Post Falls city administrator.

“As with most communities, the city of Post Falls is struggling to find ways to mitigate the effects of inflation and rising costs for its residents,” she says.

Enderud says staff and community partners will seek creative options for attainable housing.

For example, she cites the Miracle on Britton development currently under construction in north central Post Falls.

The project, facilitated through the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance, will provide 28 homes priced between $290,000 and $430,000. As earlier reported in the Journal, it will be targeted to buyers with household income between 90% and 120% of the area median income, she says.

The River City also has approved zoning for cottage and tiny home projects that promote affordable housing options, and three cottage home applications are pending.

Major transportation projects underway will contribute to economic development in the north and east-central parts of the city, she says.

The most visible is the $82 million Idaho Route 41-Interstate 90 interchange. The main infrastructure is expected to be substantially complete in 2025, and the total project is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Construction began in the summer on the $30 million Idaho Route 53-Pleasant View interchange, which is expected to be completed in late 2026.

The city also plans to complete an update of its transportation master plan in 2025.

Enderud notes that a Grocery Outlet discount supermarket and a 7-Eleven convenience store are under construction and expected to open soon at the new North Point Plaza near the state Route 41-Poleline Road intersection.

On the west side of Post Falls, multiple commercial projects, including retail stores, restaurants, and large speculative industrial buildings are planned or under construction, she says.

Other projects of note include the $23 million, 151-room Hyatt Place hotel under construction in the Millworx urban center development at the former Idaho Veneer mill site and Avista Corp.’s $56 million upgrade of its North Channel Dam on the Spokane River near the Post Falls city center.

In Coeur d’Alene, Tony Berns, executive director of the ignite cda, says the urban renewal agency is seeing most of its current activity in the Atlas District, in which the former Atlas sawmill site near the west edge of Coeur d’Alene is being transformed into a mixed-use development.

For example, the ignite cda board of directors recently approved design concepts for Riverfest LLC twin-home units planned near the geographic center of the 68-acre district. The 16 units, which will range from 1,600 to 1,700 square feet, are expected to be priced at over $900,000 each.

Ignite cda also has been focused on promoting the development of attainable housing within the district.

Where 71 lots are envisioned on a 9-acre development site in the northeast quadrant of the Atlas District, the agency is considering offering some of the land at discounted prices to ensure the developer that purchases it will construct some of the homes with a target price range of under $400,000 for people making 80% to 120% of the area median income.

“We’re looking at having about 50% be for attainable ownership,” Berns says.