Goal 8: Support Rural Idaho Community and Infrastructure Development

Key Findings

• Support rural economic development with grants for infrastructure improvements
• Fund community projects through CDBG, RCIF, and Gem Grant programs
• Leverage federal and state funds for public infrastructure and facilities
• Focus on revitalized downtowns, business-ready infrastructure, job creation, broadband, cybersecurity, electric vehicle infrastructure
• Recommend grants to maximize rural economic impact
• Engage Economic Advisory Council for CDBG and RCIF application reviews

Analysis

Small Business Perspective

This goal offers some indirect benefits for small businesses in rural areas through community development and infrastructure improvement grants. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF), and Gem Grant programs are specifically mentioned. While these could potentially benefit small businesses in rural areas indirectly, they primarily focus on infrastructure improvements that tend to favor larger enterprises. There's no mention of programs specifically designed to support or develop small rural businesses.

Big Business Perspective

While this goal focuses on rural development, it primarily aligns with big business interests. The emphasis on developing "business-ready infrastructure," leveraging significant federal and state funds, and focusing on large-scale improvements in areas like broadband and electric vehicle infrastructure tends to benefit larger companies looking to expand or establish operations in rural areas.