State of Idaho

To serve the people of Idaho by creating a state where our children and grandchildren choose to stay and thrive.

State of Idaho SWOT Analysis

Updated: October 2, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

How to Use This Analysis

This analysis for State of Idaho was created using Alignment.io™ methodology - a proven strategic planning system trusted in over 75,000 strategic planning projects. We've designed it as a helpful companion for your team's strategic process, leveraging leading AI models to analyze publicly available data.

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The State of Idaho SWOT analysis reveals a critical inflection point. The state is capitalizing on its strengths in fiscal management and a pro-business climate to attract landmark investments like Micron. This has fueled impressive population and job growth. However, this success creates significant weaknesses, primarily in infrastructure, housing affordability, and education funding, which lag behind the pace of expansion. The primary challenge is to manage the consequences of its own success. The state must urgently leverage its budget surpluses to invest in infrastructure and workforce development. Seizing opportunities in tech and energy diversification is key, but these will be unsustainable without mitigating the existential threat of water scarcity. The focus for leadership must be on converting recent wins into durable, long-term prosperity that benefits all Idahoans, ensuring the state's growth is both strategic and sustainable for future generations.

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Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To serve the people of Idaho by creating a state where our children and grandchildren choose to stay and thrive.

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Strengths

FISCAL: #1 ranking in economic momentum driven by strong budget surpluses.
GROWTH: Top 5 state for population and job growth over the past 3 years.
INVESTMENT: Secured $15B Micron expansion, largest private investment.
TAXES: Low corporate and individual income tax rates attract businesses.
LEADERSHIP: Stable, unified Republican governance enables swift policy.

Weaknesses

WAGES: Median household income of $70k lags the national avg of $75k.
HOUSING: Home prices have risen 60% since 2020, outpacing wage growth.
EDUCATION: Per-pupil spending remains in the bottom 5 of all US states.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Boise metro traffic congestion increased 15% last year.
HEALTHCARE: Rural hospital closures and doctor shortages are growing.

Opportunities

TECH: Leverage Micron/INL to build a globally significant tech hub.
WORKFORCE: Use LAUNCH grants to rapidly skill 10k+ grads for key jobs.
ENERGY: Become a leader in advanced nuclear energy (SMRs) via INL.
SUPPLY CHAIN: Capture reshoring of manufacturing in aerospace/defense.
AGRICULTURE: Increase value-add ag-tech exports to global markets.

Threats

WATER: Protracted drought and aquifer depletion risk a $10B ag industry.
COMPETITION: States like TX/AZ offer larger incentive packages to firms.
AFFORDABILITY: Rising cost of living could slow talent migration to Idaho.
FEDERAL: Changes in federal land/water policy could impact 62% of Idaho.
CYCLICALITY: High dependence on semiconductor industry is a risk in downturns.

Key Priorities

GROWTH: Proactively manage explosive growth by funding key infrastructure.
WORKFORCE: Aggressively align education with high-demand economic sectors.
ECONOMY: Diversify beyond semiconductors and agriculture into new tech.
RESOURCES: Secure long-term water and land resources for sustainable growth.

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State of Idaho OKR

Updated: October 2, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

This State of Idaho OKR plan provides a focused, actionable blueprint for navigating the state's current challenges and opportunities. The objectives—Fortify Infrastructure, Create Opportunity, Diversify Economy, and Secure Resources—are directly derived from the SWOT analysis and create a clear narrative for progress. The key results are specific, measurable, and ambitious, translating high-level strategy into tangible outcomes like reducing commute times and stabilizing the aquifer. This plan effectively balances the urgent need to manage growth with the long-term imperative to build a more resilient and diversified economy. For the Governor and legislative leaders, this OKR framework provides an exceptional tool for aligning agencies, communicating priorities, and measuring the true impact of their policies on Idaho's future.

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Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To serve the people of Idaho by creating a state where our children and grandchildren choose to stay and thrive.

FORTIFY INFRASTRUCTURE

Build the physical foundation for a state of 3M people.

TRANSPORTATION: Reduce average commute times in the Treasure Valley by 10% through targeted highway expansions.
WATER: Secure and fund a 50-year water supply plan for the state's 10 fastest-growing municipalities.
BROADBAND: Increase broadband access to 95% of rural households through public-private partnership grants.
HOUSING: Streamline local zoning regulations to decrease new home permitting time by 20% in major cities.

CREATE OPPORTUNITY

Build a world-class workforce for a top-tier economy.

WORKFORCE: Double enrollment in the LAUNCH program to skill 20,000 Idahoans for in-demand careers.
EDUCATION: Increase the 'go-on' rate for high school graduates to postsecondary training from 47% to 55%.
WAGES: Increase the state's median household income to exceed the national average within the next three years.
INNOVATION: Launch three new 'Centers of Excellence' at state universities for AI, cyber, and advanced materials.

DIVERSIFY ECONOMY

Cultivate new growth engines beyond our traditional base.

INVESTMENT: Attract $2B in new non-semiconductor capital investment in aerospace, SMRs, and ag-tech sectors.
STARTUPS: Double the amount of early-stage venture capital invested in Idaho-based technology startups.
RURAL: Create 5,000 new non-farm jobs in communities with populations under 25,000 people.
EXPORTS: Increase the value of Idaho's international exports by 15% by opening new markets for our goods.

SECURE RESOURCES

Guarantee our natural resources for the next century.

AQUIFER: Implement the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer stabilization plan to achieve a net positive water balance.
LAND: Increase state and private funding for wildfire prevention and land management programs by 25%.
ENERGY: Finalize permitting for the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in partnership with the INL.
AGRICULTURE: Drive adoption of water-saving irrigation technology on 500,000 acres of farmland.

METRICS

Median Household Income Growth vs. US Average
Gross State Product (GSP) Growth Rate
Net In-Migration of Residents and Businesses

VALUES

Fiscal Responsibility
Individual Liberty
Public Safety
Resource Stewardship

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State of Idaho Retrospective

AI-Powered Insights

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GPT

State of Idaho Official Website (idaho.gov)
Idaho Department of Commerce Economic Data
Idaho Legislative Services Office, Budget & Policy Analysis
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Governor Brad Little's Official Press Releases and Initiatives
Local news sources such as Idaho Statesman and BoiseDev

Utah Texas Arizona Nevada Washington

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To serve the people of Idaho by creating a state where our children and grandchildren choose to stay and thrive.

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What Went Well

BUDGET: Ended fiscal year with another significant budget surplus.
INVESTMENT: Finalized Micron deal, breaking ground on new $15B facility.
WORKFORCE: Successfully launched the Idaho LAUNCH grant program for students.
TAXES: Implemented another round of income tax cuts, improving competitiveness.
TRANSPORTATION: Accelerated key highway projects using surplus funds.

Not So Well

HOUSING: Affordability crisis worsened, with prices still rising.
WATER: Contentious negotiations over water rights and aquifer management.
LEGISLATION: Several high-profile gubernatorial vetoes indicate party friction.
EDUCATION: Teacher retention issues continue, especially in rural districts.
HEALTHCARE: Continued strain on rural healthcare capacity and access.

Learnings

GROWTH: Economic wins create urgent second-order problems (housing, traffic).
SURPLUS: Fiscal discipline provides a powerful tool to address challenges.
TALENT: Financial aid for skills training (LAUNCH) is extremely popular.
RESOURCES: Water is the ultimate limiting factor for long-term growth.
POLITICS: Even with one-party control, internal alignment is not guaranteed.

Action Items

INFRASTRUCTURE: Allocate a portion of the FY25 surplus to a housing fund.
WATER: Appoint a task force to modernize Idaho's long-term water plan.
WORKFORCE: Expand LAUNCH funding to meet the high level of demand.
GOVERNANCE: Improve executive-legislative communication early in the session.
COMMERCE: Develop targeted incentives for businesses in rural communities.

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Organization	SWOT Analysis	OKR Plan	Top 6	Retrospective

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State of Idaho Market

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

State of Idaho Official Website (idaho.gov)
Idaho Department of Commerce Economic Data
Idaho Legislative Services Office, Budget & Policy Analysis
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Governor Brad Little's Official Press Releases and Initiatives
Local news sources such as Idaho Statesman and BoiseDev

Founded: 1890-07-03 (Statehood)
Market Share: 1.9 Million Residents (0.57% of US Pop.)
Customer Base: Citizens, families, and businesses of Idaho.
Category:
State Government
SIC Code: 9111 Executive Offices
NAICS Code: 921110 Executive Offices
Location: Boise, Idaho
Zip Code: 83720
Congressional District: ID-2 BOISE
Employees: 25500

Competitors

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Products & Services

No products or services data available

Distribution Channels

State of Idaho Business Model Analysis

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

State of Idaho Official Website (idaho.gov)
Idaho Department of Commerce Economic Data
Idaho Legislative Services Office, Budget & Policy Analysis
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Governor Brad Little's Official Press Releases and Initiatives
Local news sources such as Idaho Statesman and BoiseDev

Problem

Need for high-wage jobs for families
Strain on public infrastructure
Balancing growth and conservation
Ensuring public safety and health

Solution

Low tax, business-friendly policies
Strategic investments in infrastructure
Public education and workforce training
State police and health services

Key Metrics

Gross State Product (GSP) Growth
Median Household Income
Population Growth / Net Migration
State Budget Surplus / Deficit

Unique

Unmatched access to outdoor recreation
Strong fiscal conservatism and stability
A culture of self-reliance and liberty
Strategic assets like INL and Micron

Advantage

Consistent budget surpluses for reinvestment
Pro-growth political alignment
Abundant (but stressed) natural resources
High quality of life attracts talent

Channels

State agencies (Commerce, Labor, etc.)
Public school and university systems
Digital portal (idaho.gov)
Partnerships with local governments

Customer Segments

Current Idaho residents and families
Businesses (from startups to large corp)
Individuals/families seeking relocation
Agricultural producers and ranchers

Costs

State employee salaries and benefits
Infrastructure construction and maintenance
Medicaid and public health funding
Public education funding (K-12, higher ed)

State of Idaho Product Market Fit Analysis

Updated: October 2, 2025

The State of Idaho offers a unique combination of economic opportunity and unparalleled quality of life. By maintaining a fiscally responsible government, a low tax burden, and a business-friendly environment, Idaho is creating a durable economy where families and businesses can thrive for generations, all while preserving the natural heritage that makes the state a remarkable place to live and work.

OPPORTUNITY: Idaho is a premier destination for career and business growth with low taxes.

QUALITY OF LIFE: Unmatched access to the outdoors combined with safe, strong communities.

RESPONSIBILITY: A government that lives within its means and invests wisely for the future.

Before State

Limited high-wage job opportunities
Strained and aging infrastructure
Education outcomes lag national avg
Concerns about losing rural character

After State

Diverse, resilient, high-tech economy
Modern, efficient infrastructure
Top-tier education and workforce
Sustainable growth, preserved heritage

Negative Impacts

Youth out-migration ('brain drain')
Traffic congestion and housing costs
Workforce not ready for future jobs
Water scarcity and resource conflicts

Positive Outcomes

Higher median household incomes
Improved quality of life for residents
Attraction of capital and new firms
Long-term water and land security

Key Metrics

Resident Retention Rate

96% annually

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

N/A; Citizen satisfaction surveys vary

User Growth Rate

1.3% population growth (2023)

Customer Feedback/Reviews

N/A; Public hearings and elections

Repeat Purchase Rates

N/A; Measured by resident and business retention

Requirements

Strategic public and private investment
Streamlined permitting and regulation
Targeted education reform and funding
Proactive resource management plans

Why State of Idaho

Fund LAUNCH for in-demand career skills
Use budget surplus for infrastructure
Recruit key industries like chip mfg
Modernize state water management policy

State of Idaho Competitive Advantage

Fiscal stability enables investment
Unified political will for growth
Unique quality of life is a magnet
Key strategic assets like INL, Micron

Proof Points

Micron's $15B Boise fab investment
Top state for economic momentum (2023)
Consistent budget surpluses last 5 yrs
LAUNCH program oversubscribed in Year 1

State of Idaho Market Positioning

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

State of Idaho Official Website (idaho.gov)
Idaho Department of Commerce Economic Data
Idaho Legislative Services Office, Budget & Policy Analysis
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Governor Brad Little's Official Press Releases and Initiatives
Local news sources such as Idaho Statesman and BoiseDev

Strategic pillars derived from our vision-focused SWOT analysis

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Drive diversified, high-wage job growth.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Modernize water, transport, and digital networks.

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

Align K-12 and higher ed with future jobs.

FISCAL CONSERVATISM

Maintain a balanced budget and low tax burden.

What You Do

Provide essential services, infrastructure, and a predictable regulatory environment.

Target Market

Idaho residents and businesses seeking opportunity, safety, and a high quality of life.

Differentiation

Low tax burden and fiscal conservatism.
Business-friendly regulatory environment.
Access to outdoor recreation.
Strong focus on traditional values.

Revenue Streams

Income Tax (Personal & Corporate)
Sales and Use Tax
Federal Government Funding
Property and Other Taxes

State of Idaho Operations and Technology

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

State of Idaho Official Website (idaho.gov)
Idaho Department of Commerce Economic Data
Idaho Legislative Services Office, Budget & Policy Analysis
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Governor Brad Little's Official Press Releases and Initiatives
Local news sources such as Idaho Statesman and BoiseDev

Company Operations

Organizational Structure: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches with numerous state agencies.
Supply Chain: Partnerships with federal/local gov, private contractors, and non-profits.
Tech Patents: Primary R&D through public universities like Boise State, University of Idaho.
Website: https://www.idaho.gov

Top Clients

Board Members

N/A (Governed by elected officials)

State of Idaho Competitive Forces

Threat of New Entry

None. The establishment of a new state is constitutionally and practically impossible, creating an absolute barrier to new entrants.

Supplier Power

Medium. The federal government is a key 'supplier' of funds (25% of budget) and policy, giving it significant influence over state actions.

Buyer Power

High. Citizens and businesses ('buyers') can 'vote with their feet' by moving to other states if taxes are too high or services are poor.

Threat of Substitution

Low. There is no substitute for state-provided services like drivers licensing, state highways, or public safety and judicial systems.

Competitive Rivalry

High. States like Utah, Texas, and Arizona compete fiercely for corporate relocations and skilled labor with aggressive tax incentives.

Analysis of AI Strategy

Updated: October 2, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

The State of Idaho AI SWOT analysis highlights a significant opportunity gap. While Idaho possesses unique strengths in sectors ripe for AI application, such as agriculture and advanced manufacturing with Micron, it is critically underdeveloped in the foundational pillars of an AI-driven economy: talent, investment, and public-sector adoption. The state's nimbleness in governance is a key asset that should be used to create 'AI Sandboxes' to attract startups and investment, leapfrogging more bureaucratic competitors. The immediate priorities must be twofold: launching aggressive talent development programs in partnership with industry and universities, and championing pilot projects within state government to demonstrate AI's efficiency benefits. Without a concerted strategy to build its talent base and encourage adoption, Idaho risks being left behind as neighboring states build more robust AI ecosystems, potentially undermining its long-term economic competitiveness.

Utah Texas Arizona Nevada Washington

No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

To serve the people of Idaho by creating a state where our children and grandchildren choose to stay and thrive.

Strengths

AGRICULTURE: Existing precision ag leadership provides a strong base for AI.
DATA: State holds valuable, centralized datasets on water, land, and economy.
GOVERNANCE: Ability to quickly pass pilot programs for AI in state services.
RESEARCH: Boise State's new School of Computing can anchor AI talent dev.
INDUSTRY: Micron's advanced manufacturing offers a prime use case for AI.

Weaknesses

TALENT: Severe shortage of AI/ML engineers and data scientists statewide.
INVESTMENT: Lack of significant state-level funding for AI initiatives.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Limited public access to high-performance computing.
ADOPTION: Low AI literacy and adoption rates within state agencies.
STARTUPS: Nascent AI startup ecosystem with limited venture capital.

Opportunities

EFFICIENCY: Use AI to optimize traffic flow, water allocation, and permitting.
SERVICES: Deploy AI chatbots to improve citizen access to state services 24/7.
ECONOMY: Create an 'AI Sandbox' with low regulation to attract AI firms.
WORKFORCE: Partner with industry to create AI-focused apprenticeship programs.
HEALTHCARE: Apply AI for predictive analytics in rural public health.

Threats

DISPLACEMENT: AI could automate jobs in key sectors like food processing.
SECURITY: Increased risk of sophisticated cyberattacks on state systems.
BIAS: Use of biased AI in government services could create inequality.
COMPETITION: Other states are investing heavily in AI, risking brain drain.
ETHICS: Lack of a statewide AI ethics framework for public sector use.

Key Priorities

TALENT: Build a robust AI talent pipeline via education and apprenticeships.
ADOPTION: Drive AI adoption in key state agencies to boost efficiency.
INVESTMENT: Attract private AI investment with targeted incentives/sandboxes.
GOVERNANCE: Establish an ethical AI framework for public sector applications.

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State of Idaho Financial Performance

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

State of Idaho Official Website (idaho.gov)
Idaho Department of Commerce Economic Data
Idaho Legislative Services Office, Budget & Policy Analysis
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Governor Brad Little's Official Press Releases and Initiatives
Local news sources such as Idaho Statesman and BoiseDev

Profit: $410 Million (FY2024 Ending Balance)

Market Cap: N/A

Stock Performance

Annual Report: View Report

Debt: $1.5 Billion (Bonded Debt)

ROI Impact: Economic growth, GSP, and citizen well-being.

SWOT Index

Composite strategic assessment with 10-year outlook

/ 100

Emerging Contender

ICM Index

STRATEGIC ADVISOR ASSESSMENT

Idaho's vision is ambitious (societal-level), but achievability is moderate due to significant infrastructure and workforce weaknesses that must be addressed. While upside from tech investment is high, it's nearly matched by downside risks from water scarcity and affordability. The OKRs are strong and category-shaping but not yet world-shaping. The state's low AI readiness tempers its overall potential. Growth is capped by the need to solve foundational resource and infrastructure constraints before it can fully accelerate.

SWOT Factors

Upside: 83.3 Risk: 80.0

OKR Impact

AI Leverage

Top 3 Strategic Levers

Solve long-term water rights/supply to de-risk growth.

Aggressively fund infrastructure to catch up with population.

Build an AI talent pipeline to capture future opportunities.

AI Disclosure

This report was created using the Alignment Method—our proprietary process for guiding AI to reveal how it interprets your business and industry. These insights are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

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