Economic Development

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The Economic Development Engine: BOI

Economic impact at an airport is measured through employment, payroll, and output (spending). On-airport businesses and government
activities account for a significant portion of the first round economic benefits associated with each airport. There are currently more than 40 aviation related tenants at BOI.

Indirect impact is linked to visitors of the airport's market area who arrive via scheduled service and general aviation flights. The most
recent research shows that nearly 60 percent of BOI's passengers are traveling for pleasure and nearly 40 percent for business. Spending by these visitors supports additional employment and associated payroll.

The Idaho Transportation Department - Aviation conducts an Economic Impact Study for Boise Airport and other aviation facilities throughout the state approximately every 10 years. When this survey was last taken in 1997, Boise Airport's total output based on employment and payroll from first and second round impacts exceeded $940 million. The recent survey, completed in 2009 and published in 2011, reflected that impact has increased to more than $1.3 billion. The ITD Aviation Economic Impact Summary for BOI can be viewed here.

Based on the upcoming improvements planned for the next ten years at Boise Airport, that figure is expected to continue to increase. Businesses within the Boise Airport master-plan area support more than 15,000 employees and generate $510.7 million in payroll. Boise Airport works closely with the Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP), the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the City's own Economic Development Department to attract and support business growth throughout the Boise Valley.

As an essential form of business transportation, BOI has helped shape the size and structure of the local business landscape.  Warehousing, office parks, hotels and aviation-related operations have been attracted to the efficiency, convenience and proximity of the airport.  Boise Airport also serves as the gateway for tourists and business travelers creating that important first impression for our region.

BOI is also a land of opportunity as the airport owns or controls more than 5,000 acres surrounding the airfield.  A street relocation project has opened up more land for development, including much needed space for general aviation facilities, including hangar space which is at capacity. The Terminal and concourse area footprint allows for a mirror image of the existing terminal and B Concourse, effectively doubling passenger capacity to more than 6 million annually.

It is this pro-active approach that makes BOI a perfect partner for business activities around the airport and a catalyst for economic development throughout the region, from warehousing and logistics to corporate headquarters and high tech operations.

For information about developing or expanding your business at BOI, please contact Airport Administration at 208-383-3110 and ask for 'Economic Development', or send us an email at boi@cityofboise.org.