As head of the Portneuf Valley Development Corp., I’ve witnessed firsthand how local government decisions ripple through our economy for years to come. This November’s elections in Pocatello and Chubbuck, along with School District 25 trustee races, aren’t just about selecting candidates—they’re about choosing the architects of our region’s economic future.

The connection between local governance and economic prosperity isn’t always obvious to voters, but it’s undeniable. Every zoning decision, infrastructure investment, and educational policy shapes whether businesses choose to locate here, whether young professionals stay in our community, and whether our economy grows or stagnates.

Municipal leaders make decisions that directly impact our ability to attract and retain businesses. When city councils approve streamlined permitting processes, they’re removing barriers that help entrepreneurs launch faster. When they invest in infrastructure—from broadband networks to transportation improvements—they’re building the backbone that modern businesses require.

I’ve seen promising development projects flourish when met with responsive, experienced governance, and I’ve watched others struggle when leaders lack the institutional knowledge to navigate complex challenges. The difference often comes down to understanding how municipal systems actually work.

Consider the ripple effects: A well-planned industrial development doesn’t just bring one employer—it attracts suppliers, service providers, and complementary businesses. Conversely, decisions made without full understanding of their economic implications can limit growth for decades. This is why continuity and experience often serve communities better than dramatic change.

School District 25 trustee elections deserve equal attention from anyone serious about economic development. Educational governance requires understanding complex budgeting, personnel management, and long-term strategic planning—skills that develop over time through actual experience in these roles. In today’s knowledge economy, workforce quality determines which communities thrive. When businesses evaluate potential locations, school district performance ranks among their top considerations.

Quality education systems don’t just serve existing families—they attract new ones. Young professionals with children increasingly choose where to live based on school quality, and these are precisely the workers our region needs to fuel innovation and growth. A strong school system becomes a powerful recruitment tool for businesses seeking to relocate talented employees.

Moreover, today’s students become tomorrow’s workforce. The trustees elected this November will shape curriculum decisions, technology investments, and facility improvements that determine whether our graduates are prepared for the jobs we’re working to create. When local students can fill skilled positions at area businesses, it reduces recruitment costs and strengthens community ties.

School board decisions also impact our region’s long-term competitiveness. Districts that embrace career and technical education partnerships with local employers create pipelines of skilled workers. Those that maintain strong academic programs feed students into higher education, many of whom return as entrepreneurs and professionals.

Local government work requires specific skills that don’t always align with campaign charisma. Effective economic development demands leaders who understand zoning law, infrastructure financing, regulatory compliance, and intergovernmental cooperation. It requires people who can balance competing interests while maintaining focus on long-term growth.

These competencies aren’t learned overnight. They develop through years of working within municipal systems, understanding how decisions ripple through budgets and communities, and building the professional relationships that make complex projects possible. While new ideas can be valuable, they must be paired with the practical knowledge of how to implement them effectively.

These aren’t partisan issues—they’re competency issues. Economic growth benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation, but it requires leaders who understand the mechanics of development and can execute effectively.

As November approaches, I encourage voters to carefully evaluate what each candidate brings to these demanding roles. Ask specific questions: Do they understand how tax increment financing works? Can they explain the relationship between land use planning and economic development? Have they demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on complex, multi-year projects?

Look for candidates who can discuss specific examples of their experience with budgeting, policy implementation, or working within governmental structures. While passion and new ideas matter, they must be coupled with the practical skills needed to turn vision into reality.

Our region has tremendous potential, but potential requires competent leadership to become reality. The infrastructure investments, educational improvements, and policy decisions made by the officials we elect this November will determine whether we capitalize on our opportunities or watch them slip away.

Economic development isn’t a spectator sport—it requires engaged citizens making informed choices about who leads our communities. The stakes are too high for anything less than our most thoughtful consideration.