Emmett/Gem County Community Review Report Summary

Executive Summary
The Emmett/Gem County Community Review covers a lot of ground. There is much to
digest, and readers are encouraged to review each section of this comprehensive report.
The Community Survey Results section located in section three of this report are a result of
the hard work of Dr. Tedd McDonald from the Boise State University Psychology
Department and a number of his students, with special thanks to research assistant Danielle
Jones. Their efforts brought a significantly enhanced, intelligent, and systematic method of
gathering and analyzing survey data to this review process and this report. The survey
information, based on 256 completed responses, warrants careful consideration. These
responses reflect the perspectives of Emmett and Gem County residents who cared enough
about their community to respond to the surveys. Their participation is gratefully
acknowledged.
What were some of the major findings and recommendations Not surprisingly, residents
want good jobs and viable companies in their communities. The closure of the Boise
Cascade mill cast a long shadow on the Emmett valley. In particular, survey respondents
cited the most dissatisfaction with the availability, quality, and variety of job opportunities.
Many of those with whom we spoke - from students and ministers to business owners and
elected officials - expressed similar concerns. Their different perspectives had one bottom
line: create jobs and keep dollars in the local economy.
Boise Cascade (now Boise) maintains a substantially scaled back operation in
the community, requiring thoughtful analysis of the industrial site’s utility
Community services and infrastructure seem to be the bright spots in the region. Survey
respondents applauded the quality of fire protection, garbage collection, community parks
and playgrounds, water supply, banking and financial services, housing, ambulance services,
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