Buzz About Boise: April 2020

As we continue to keep a close eye on our valley's real estate market, we're also always watching for various news stories that highlight changes and happenings in our local area. Here's our monthly high-level recap of many of those stories. Intended for life-long Boiseans, newcomers, potential re-locators, and out-of-state investors alike - there is something for everyone. Enjoy!

10 Of The Most Underrated Cities In America To Travel To: Boise
Source: WorldAtlas.com

When travel resumes, Boise will be at the top of the list! As the author of this roundup article notes, "Idaho’s capital has become one of the best places to live in the States thanks to its low cost of living and close proximity to stunning scenery. Millennials are favoring Boise for its burgeoning tech scene and abundance of trendy microbreweries." Read the  full article here.

Donor Gives $60,000 to Boise Metro for Local Small Businesses
Source: Idaho News

An anonymous donation of $60,000 was given to Boise Metro to help local small businesses. The Boise Metro Chamber will distribute that money to a diverse group of small businesses in the valley. The donor is said to have asked the Chamber to split up the donation to these 60 businesses via $1,000 checks. Read the full article here.


Downtown Boise Restaurants, Treefort, Others to Help Feed Those in Need, Put People Back to Work
Source: BoiseDev

An array of local restaurants, the Boise Co-Op, Treefort Music Festival, Oliver Russell, and others have joined forces to deliver meal kits to vulnerable members of our community. This effort, deemed the 'City of Good' project, will start with people who recently lost their job, those who can’t leave homes due to being "high risk", and the homeless. Bittercreek Ale House founder Dave Krick is quoted as saying: “This is another example of Boise coming together at a grassroots level where businesses, nonprofits, and individuals quickly unite to give of themselves and help those who are desperately in need." Read the   full article here.

Idaho Rebounds: Our Path to Prosperity
Source: Idaho.Gov

Governor Brad Little recently introduced an economic rebound strategy for Idaho. The plan outlines a 4-phase process, which could be complete by June 26 (but will be routinely re-evaluated and adjusted if need be). The full PDF is available here or you can view all of the information on the government website here.

Analysis: Boise’s Mall Area a Significant Local Economic Engine, Tied to Big National Retailers
Source: BoiseDev

Over a month ago, Boise Towne Square locked its doors. With over 100 stores, the mall anchors a significant piece of the SW Idaho economy. In addition to the individual stores housed in the mall, hundreds of other businesses in the area depend on the foot traffic it generates. This article addresses how it (along with similar hubs like Downtown Boise, Village at Meridian and the Karcher area of Nampa) adapts and changes in the months and years ahead will be a major ingredient of the valley's broader local economy.

A Message from Boise's Metro Arts Organization
Source: Various (YouTube message)

As we all know, performing arts have been put on hold for the time being. And man, are we eager for their sure to be grand return! Here is a video wonderful message from some of our area's most beloved metro arts organizations. We look forward to supporting them (and having them entertain us) in the future.

Seven's Hero: Boise 
Source: KTVB

Throughout the past month, we’ve found comfort in hearing so many stories about how people across our valley are reaching out to help each other. KTVB’s ‘Sevens Hero’ is a a great “feel good” resource - check it out for the following stories (and many more): 

• West Ada School District social workers help homeless students during COVID-19 pandemic
• Boise teenagers build tiny squirrel picnic tables to brighten spirits during coronavirus pandemic
• Nampa woman puts up signs honoring healthcare workers in front of Treasure Valley hospital

Various Locations Across the Valley Serving Healthcare Workers Free Food
Source: Thrillist

We all have so much appreciation for our healthcare workers! Here's a list of chains across the country (many of which are in the Treasure Valley) that are showing their appreciation for healthcare workers and first responders by providing free meals.

Small Local Restaurant Plans Return After COVID: ‘We couldn’t be happier to be in this community’
Source: BoiseDev

Here's one local restaurant owners optimistic take on how they will get going again once restaurants are given the green light to reopen. “We couldn’t be happier to be in this community. There’s definitely a lot of people who care, and we can’t wait to get back to work for them.” Read the full article here.