Protecting Agriculture. Empowering Communities
by Keri Smith 4.20.26 When most people think about how land is regulated in their county, they picture zoning maps — those color-coded diagrams that tell you what can be built where. But there’s another map that often gets … Continued
One of the most persistent myths we heard addressed at the Ag Forum was the idea that agriculture is fading anyway—so conversion is inevitable. The data and real-world experience in Canyon County tell a very different story. Canyon County agriculture … Continued
PRESS RELEASE IDAHO SUPREME COURT SETS STATEWIDE PRECEDENT ON WHO CAN CHALLENGE LOCAL REZONING DECISIONS IN COURT Caldwell, ID — January 16, 2026 — On January 16, 2026, the Idaho Supreme Court issued its decision in Crookham v. County of … Continued
Growing Together’s Keri Smith recently joined Matt Todd on the Ranch Podcast for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about growth in Idaho—what’s driving it, what it’s costing us, and why “everyone agrees we should save farmland” doesn’t automatically translate into better outcomes. Watch or listen to the … Continued
As Canyon County continues to grow, many residents are asking an important question: Does the kind of development we approve today strengthen the county’s financial future — or create long-term costs that taxpayers will carry tomorrow? The analysis in this … Continued
Understanding the Cost of Services: Why a Healthy Land-Use Portfolio Matters Communities must balance what they collect in taxes with what they spend to provide services—roads, schools, law enforcement, EMS, parks, courts, and more. This balance is measured by the … Continued