Discover how Spokane’s Strategic Growth in Tech and Agriculture Outpaces Boise and Key Takeaways for Sustainable, Diversified Economic Development
By Joey Gunning, Strategic Growth Manager, Greater Spokane Inc.
Read Time: 4 minutes
Spokane vs. Boise: A Tale of Two Growing Economies
In 2013, Spokane and Boise were on similar paths. Both were emerging tech and health care hubs, with populations around 400,000. But over the last decade, unlike Boise, which has lost farmland to urbanization, Spokane has strategically supported tech, health care, AND agriculture, ensuring a thriving, diversified economy. While Boise has surged in tech and health care, Spokane has not only followed suit but has also preserved its agricultural heart. What can Boise learn from Spokane’s success?
From Tech to Crops: Spokane’s Balanced Growth Strategy
Populations in both counties have risen to the 500,000s. Boise has certainly continued its explosive growth in health care and tech, with employment growing by 34% and 72%, respectively. Spokane, meanwhile, has experienced solid growth of its own, with a 20% increase in health care jobs and a 34% rise in tech jobs. Spokane also continues to outpace Boise in total health care employment (48,389 vs 43,993).
What Boise Can Learn from Spokane’s Agricultural Success
But let’s compare Apple to apples (tech to crops – see what I did there?) How has crop production performed amid the tremendous growth in health care and tech?
In 2013, Crop Production employment was virtually identical in both counties (374 in Boise, 375 in Spokane). Fast forward to 2023, and the story shifts dramatically. Crop Production employment in Boise has fallen to 311 (a 17% decrease), while Crop Production employment in Spokane has skyrocketed to 1,406 (a staggering 275% increase!) So while Boise may boast greater growth in Health Care and Tech, it seems to come at the expense of its agricultural production. Spokane, on the other hand, has achieved balanced growth across industries. So how did Spokane pull this off?
How Spokane is Leading the Charge in Economic Diversification
On May 24, 2012, the Journal of Business reported on a $17 million project initiated by Cooperative Agricultural Producers Inc. and Pacific Northwest Farmers Co-op, called the McCoy Grain Terminal. Located about 35 miles south of Spokane, the facility was constructed to provide a more efficient and economical way to transport the wheat grown in eastern Washington and north Idaho by rail to West Coast ports for export. The new terminal was a strategic move in preparation for the increase in total wheat production in the region that was coming in the next five to seven years. Much of the increase was projected to come from acreages that were returning to wheat production after being held under the federal Conservation Reserve Program, which paid farmers not to farm environmentally desirable land.
The investment wasn’t just about infrastructure – it revitalized the region’s agricultural economy and stimulated job growth in crop production and related industries.
The Future of Spokane: Balancing Innovation and Tradition
Boise, in contrast, faced a different trajectory. Tremendous urbanization over the past few decades has led to the loss of roughly 100,000 acres of farmland in the region.
“We’re losing farmland in the Treasure Valley” was the headline on March 18, 2020 reported by Boise State University’s school journal, The Blue Review.
A Boise State University study at the time had concluded that if the current rate of growth continued, about half of the remaining farmland in the Treasure Valley, or about 200,000 acres of farm ground, would be lost forever by 2100.
The contrast is stark: Spokane has preserved and expanded its agricultural base while also growing its health care and tech sectors. Boise has leaned heavily into its urbanization and industry growth, but at a cost to its agricultural heritage.
So, what can Boise learn from Spokane? Perhaps it’s a reminder that growth doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. A balanced approach that respects an area’s economic roots – while planning for its future – can yield impressive results. Spokane’s diversified strategy can serve as a model for how regions can thrive across multiple sectors without losing sight of their foundational industries.
Spokane is proving that you can have your tech and eat your crops, too.
Nurturing a Diversified Economy and Spokane Growth
Spokane is a prime example of what happens when we nurture our foundational industries while embracing innovation. At Greater Spokane Inc., we’re committed to ensuring our region continues to thrive in multiple sectors. Interested in how you can be a part of Spokane’s success story? Connect with us today to learn more about how GSI is supporting balanced growth and innovation for local businesses.
*Note: Throughout this article, “Spokane” refers to Spokane County, WA, and “Boise” refers to Ada County, ID
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