Economic Impact Center
Gain scientific experience in economic impact studies
Want to boost your résumé? Join CBE’s Economic Impact Center and gain real experience conducting economic impact studies. You’ll build confidence as you analyze trends, work with economists and connect with business leaders.
Through this program, you’ll assess how factors like jobs, sales, tax revenue and industry trends shape businesses and industries across Idaho. Your research will provide decision-makers with the critical data they need to make informed, strategic investments that drive economic growth.
At the Economic Impact Center, you won’t just learn about economic theory — you’ll apply it to critical challenges facing communities.
The program is open to students of all majors and class standings, with options to earn academic credit.
Student research reports from the Economic Impact Center
As a member of the Economic Impact Center, you’ll have the opportunity to work as co-authors on professional economic reports, including:
- Economic impacts of manufacturing on Idaho’s economy, sponsored by the Idaho Manufacturing Association.
- Economic impacts of Idaho’s nonprofits.
- Economic contributions of events in Coeur d’Alene, sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.
How U of I students power the Economic Impact Center
CBE's Economic Impact Center connects students with local businesses to turn data into insights. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, students apply advanced economic tools to real projects, helping organizations communicate their impact while developing career-ready skills.
Past projects from CBE’s Economic Impact Center
The Five Native American Tribes of Idaho
A study of Idaho’s Five Tribes revealed their significant contributions to the state’s economy:
- Created 13,840 jobs
- Generated $1.1 billion in sales
- Contributed $653 million to Idaho’s gross state product
This analysis not only highlights the tribes’ economic impact but also provides them with a stronger platform to advocate for their prosperity within the state.
The Moscow Farmers Market
The Moscow Farmers Market’s growth had a measurable effect on the city:
- Visitor numbers soared from 84,000+ in 2003 to 266,000+ in 2018 (a 217% increase)
- Contributed $6.5 million to Moscow’s economy in 2018
- Boosted local tax revenue by $138,558
City planners used this economic data to justify the installation of a permanent public restroom in downtown Moscow.
Pullman-Moscow Airport Expansion
Economic projections for the Pullman-Moscow Airport expansion showed the following:
- For every $1 of taxpayer support, $6.41 would be generated in the region
- The gross regional product would more than double to $43.1 million
- Over 400 jobs would be created across the Palouse
This large-scale, $150 million investment was made possible by collaboration between multiple cities, counties, states, universities and private industry partners — demonstrating the expansion’s benefit to everyone in the region.
The Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden, located near Boise, plays a major role in Idaho’s economy:
- Attracts over 150,000 visitors annually, including 30,000 concertgoers
- Contributes $8.3 million to the state economy each year
- Generates $848,764 in state and local taxes annually
This study highlights how University of Idaho’s impact stretches far beyond its immediate location, benefiting the entire state.
Work with the Economic Impact Center
Students or industry partners interested in working with the Economic Impact Center should contact Steve Peterson, clinical associate professor of economics, at stevenp@uidaho.edu for more information.