Nampa: Economy

Major Industries and Commercial Activity

Historically, Nampa has been known as a strong agricultural base. Canyon County produces more than 90 percent of the world's sweet corn seed, and is also a leader in the production of livestock, dairy, and alfalfa. Located in the heart of Idaho's wine country, Nampa also produces its share of grapes. Vineyards in Nampa and surrounding areas grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Syrah varietals. The climate, geography, and location along the Snake River make for ideal growing conditions. Nampa also has a strong manufacturing base, with furniture, boxes, wood products, and computer chips as some of the goods produced. Nampa has benefited from the technology boom: computer equipment manufacturer MCMS is headquartered in Nampa. It is among the city's top employers. Education continues to be a major source of employment in Nampa, with Nampa School District 131 and higher education institutes Northwest Nazarene University and Boise State University's Canyon County Center providing jobs for more than 1,200 people.

Items and goods produced: sweet corn, livestock, alfalfa, dairy products, grapes, computer equipment, cardboard boxes, and furniture

Incentive Programs—New and Existing Companies

Local programs

In recent years, Nampa has experienced rapid economic growth and development. Several companies make their headquarters in Nampa, and many national retailers have opened outlets in Nampa, attracted by Nampa's explosive population growth and pro-business environment. Several entities have been established to encourage business growth and development. The Nampa Industrial Corporation was formed in 1949 to create business opportunities in Nampa through the investment in and development of industrial property. The NIC also assists with community initiatives. The Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses by providing services such as monthly luncheons, small business consultations, networking opportunities, marketing ideas, and sponsorship opportunities for its members. The Boise Metro Economic Development Council (BMEDC) serves the Boise-Nampa area with the goals of creating long-term jobs and encouraging economic development in the community. The BMEDC provides free, customized services to businesses relocating, expanding, or establishing themselves in the Boise Metro Area.

State programs

Idaho is an aggressive pro-business state. The Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor provides services to business owners to assist them in starting, relocating, running, and closing a business. The state offers several incentives to business owners, including a three percent income tax credit to qualifying new investments. A five percent research and development tax credit is offered for qualified research performed in Idaho. The state also offers 100 percent tax exemptions on property tax, and 100 percent sales tax exemption on goods in transit, pollution control equipment, industrial fuels and raw materials, and production equipment and materials used to produce goods. Reimbursements and credits are available for employee training and the creation of new jobs.

Job training programs

The Boise State University Selland College of Applied Technology provides apprenticeship and job training programs to students who are enrolled in the college's Apprenticeship Programs offered by the Center for Workforce Training. Students receive on-the-job training while working as full-time, paid employees. Students also receive classroom training related to their chosen profession. The Center for Workforce Training offers career training programs for adults as well as programs to help businesses increase their productivity. In addition to training in the classroom, the Center offers online training programs and courses.

Development Projects

As Idaho's second-largest city, Nampa continues to attract new business development. In 2004 home improvement retailer Home Depot opened a 102,000 square-foot store in Nampa. In early 2004 Costco announced plans to build a retail center adjacent to the new Karcher Interchange off of Interstate 84. The warehouse club will be one of two anchors of a new, 600,000 square-foot retail development, which will be the only retail center on the I-84 interchange.

In early 2005 the Nampa Industrial Corporation gave a $1,132,000 gift to Boise State University to help construct the Center for Construction and Transportation Technology on the BSU West campus in Nampa. The technical building will train students for careers and spur workforce development in fields such as automotive repair, welding, plumbing, and automotive and diesel technology.

Economic Development Information: Idaho Commerce and Labor, 317 West Main Street, Boise, ID 83735; telephone (208)332-3570; fax (208)334-6300. Center for Work-force Training, Selland College of Applied Technology, Boise State University, 1464 University Drive, Technical Services Building, Boise, ID 83706; toll-free (800)632-6586; fax (208)426-4487.

Commercial Shipping

Nampa is served by the Union Pacific Railroad and 14 commercial truck lines that transport goods produced in Nampa throughout the country. Air freight is handled at Nampa Municipal Airport.

Labor Force and Employment Outlook

Nampa's economy has become less dependent on agriculture as it has become a center for business and manufacturing. However, Nampa has recently suffered a loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector due to the closing of several local plants.

The following is a summary of data regarding the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area labor force, 2004 annual averages.

Size of nonagricultural labor force: 241,600

Number of workers employed in . . .

construction and mining: 17,100

manufacturing: 29,500

trade, transportation and utilities: 45,800

information: 4,200

financial activities: 12,900

professional and business services: 34,700

educational and health services: 29,700

leisure and hospitality: 21,500

other services: 6,900

government: 38,800

Average hourly earnings of production workers employed in manufacturing (statewide): $13.72

Unemployment rate: 4.4% (February 2005)

Cost of Living

Nampa's cost of living, as well as its housing prices, are slightly below the national average.

The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the Nampa area.

2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

State income tax rate: 1.6% to 7.8%

State sales tax rate: 6.0%

Local income tax rate: 1.00% (occupational)

Local sales tax rate: none

Property tax rate: 2.209% (2004)

Economic Information: Nampa Chamber of Commerce, 1305 3rd Street South, Nampa, ID 83651; telephone (208)466-4641. Boise Metro Economic Development Council, 250 South 5th Street, Boise, ID 83702; telephone (208)472-5230.

Nampa: Recreation

Sightseeing

Visitors to Nampa enjoy a wealth of activities and recreational opportunities. Museums that celebrate Nampa's heritage, year-round outdoor activities, and a variety of shopping and dining experiences help make Nampa a great place to work and live.

Nampa museums celebrate the history of Nampa, Canyon County, and the United States. One of Nampa's newest museums is the Warhawk Air Museum, a 20,000 square foot facility dedicated to preserving the country's World War II history from the home front to the war front, as well as to trace the history of flight from the advent of aviation through the space age. Its collection includes two of the few remaining Curtiss P-40 World War II fighter airplanes and a rare World War II P-510 razorback Mustang fighter plane. The museum also hosts traveling NASA space exhibits, and often hosts special events and ceremonies to honor veterans and commemorate World War II events.

The Canyon County Historical Museum, located in Canyon County's original train depot, displays both Canyon County and Union Pacific Railroad memorabilia. An authentic 1940s era caboose and model railroad are among the exhibits in the building that has been called "Idaho's finest example of Baroque architecture." A farmer's market is held outside the museum on Saturdays during the months of May through October.

At the Swiss Village Cheese Factory, visitors can watch cheese being made. The Van Slyke Agricultural Museum, located in Caldwell Memorial Park, is an open-air museum that features log cabin replicas and antique farm equipment. Visitors to the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge at Lake Lowell enjoy swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, and bird watching on more than 11,000 acres of land.

Arts and Culture

With several state of the art exhibit and performance facilities, Nampa is becoming known for its arts scene. The Brandt Center at Northwest Nazarene University is a performing arts center that attracts musical and dramatic performances attended by both students and the community at large. Its Samuel Swayne theatre can accommodate up to 1,500 people, and two guest suites accommodate up to 15 guests each for private viewings and receptions. The Brandt Center's Friesen Art Galleries provide gallery space for Northwest Nazarene University's art students to exhibit their work.

The Caldwell-Nampa Alliance of Community Theatre (CAN-ACT) was established in 1981 and is the Nampa area's only community theatre group outside of Boise. The not-for-profit troupe performs comedies, dramas, and musicals in the CAN-ACT Theater located in the Karcher Mall. Auditions for CAN-ACT's four yearly plays are open to community members.

In 2003 the Majestic Entertainment Foundation, Inc. was formed to refurbish downtown Nampa's historic Pix Theatre, which was closed in 2002. Upon completion the theatre will be used for the viewing of films and lectures, religious services, educational programs, and community events.

Festivals and Holidays

Parade America, Idaho's largest patriotic parade, is held in May. Each July, the Snake River Dayz Festival is held in conjunction with the Snake River Stampede rodeo. The week-long festival features concerts, a fun run, a golf tournament, the Taste of Canyon County, a fun zone for children, and the Chamber of Commerce Griddles and Fiddles pancake breakfast. At the same time, Downtown Nampa Stampede Dayz features live music, pony rides, and craft and food booths. Nampa Community Fun Night is held in late August or early September and includes games for children, music, and food. America's Most Apeelin' Spud Fest is held in October. The event includes music, food, games, and fun runs.

Sports for the Spectator

Although Nampa has no professional sports teams, Boise State University's indoor track team competes at Nampa's Idaho Center. The state-of-the-art track facility has also been used for other prestigious events such as the USA Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships and the Western Athletic Conference Indoor Championships. Sports fans can also take in collegiate-level sports played by Northwest Nazarene University's teams, including baseball and softball, basketball, cross county, track and field, men's golf, and women's volleyball.

The Snake River Stampede, held annually in July, is ranked among the country's top 10 professional rodeos. The arena at the Idaho Center seats up to 10,000 people who take in bull riding, barrel racing, mutton busting (for children), bareback riding, steer wrestling, and roping events.

Sports for the Participant

Nampa residents enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities year-round. Seven city parks cover more than 127 acres. Available facilities include play areas, covered picnic shelters, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, archery ranges, Little League fields, swimming pools, basketball courts, and a BMX track. A 140,000 square foot recreation center provides residents with a climbing wall, basketball courts, an indoor track, five swimming pools, activity rooms, and a senior center.

Nampa has two public golf courses and one private golf course. Ridgecrest Golf Course, Nampa's newest public course, has received a four-star rating from Golf Digest magazine. Runners can participate in 5K and 10K fun runs during July's Snake River Dayz festivities.

Shopping and Dining

Nampa retailers range from national chains to locally owned specialty stores, ensuring something for everyone. Karcher Mall's tenants include Bon-Macy's, Radio Shack, Sam Goody, and Big 5 Sporting Goods. Mass retailers such as ShopKo, Old Navy, and Wal-Mart can be found in the Meridian Crossroads development. Downtown Nampa is home to many unique retailers, including antique, book, jewelry, and flower stores. The Boise Factory Outlet is just a short drive away, and includes outlet stores for companies such as Reebok and Eddie Bauer.

Nampa diners enjoy a variety of restaurants, from national chains to local establishments. The family-owned Generations restaurant offers steak and seafood, with their French dip sandwich among the more popular menu items. Copper Canyon is an upscale eatery known for its elegant presentation and extensive wine list. Asian restaurant House of Kim, located in downtown Nampa, serves Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian cuisine. The Dutch Inn, known for its salad bar, also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. The Mona Lisa is a fondue restaurant that has found its niche as a special occasion restaurant. Cheese fondue appetizers and chocolate dessert fondues are part of a meal package that allows diners to cook their own main courses at pots on their table. Other area eateries include chains such as Applebee's, Denny's, Sizzler, and various fast food establishments.

Visitor Information: Nampa Chamber of Commerce, 1305 Third Street South, Nampa, ID 83651; telephone (208)466-4641.

Nampa: Education and Research

Elementary and Secondary Schools

Nampa School District 131 (NSD) is the third largest school district in the state of Idaho. More than 13,000 students attend the district's elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as two alternative high schools. A growing district, NSD has a new elementary school under construction with a fall 2005 opening date, and a new high school scheduled to open in 2006. Nampa School District offers special education and gifted programs to help meet the needs of its student population.

The following is a summary of data regarding Nampa School District 131 2004–2005 school year.

Total enrollment: 13,183

Number of facilities

elementary schools: 12

middle schools: 3

senior high schools: 2

alternative high schools: 2

Student/teacher ratio: 19.02:1 (2003-2004)

Teacher salaries (2004-2005)

minimum: $25,000

maximum: $47,688

Funding per pupil (2002): $5,820

Nampa Christian Schools and St. Paul's Catholic School are private schools that offer religious-based educations.

Public Schools Information: Nampa School District 131, 619 S. Canyon, Nampa, ID 83686; telephone (208)468-4600; fax (208)468-4638

Colleges and Universities

Four institutions of higher learning serve the Nampa area, including Northwest Nazarene College and Boise State University Selland College of Applied Technology, both located in Nampa. Boise State University is located in Boise, and Albertson College is in nearby Caldwell. Northwest Nazarene University is a four-year, private Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in such fields as arts, humanities, science, theology, and education. Boise State University is a public university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and technical programs. Courses are offered in eight colleges: applied technology, arts and sciences, business and economics, education, engineering, graduate studies, health sciences, and social sciences and public affairs. In 2004 the University conferred 2,850 degrees. On campus Residential Colleges, based on the Oxford system, is the University's housing program; residential students are assigned to residence halls and dormitories based on common interests or fields of study. The Boise State University Selland College of Applied Technology, one of Boise State University's eight colleges, operates a campus at the Canyon County Center in Nampa. The college offers degree and certificate programs; it is the only public technical college in southwest Idaho. The University is currently planning to expand its community college program, which will include a Nampa campus. Albertson College, in Caldwell, is another private liberal arts university with a total of 26 majors.

Libraries and Research Centers

The Nampa Public Library serves the Nampa community; non-residents may obtain a library card and utilize the library's resources for an annual fee. Nampa Public Library card holders are allowed to borrow materials from six other area consortium libraries, including the Boise Public Library. The consortium has a collection of more than 500,000 books, videos, sound recordings, and other materials. In addition to a wide selection of current books, magazines, and media materials, the library has computer terminals with Internet access available for patron use. Patrons may also access the library's database via its Internet website. The Northwest Nazarene University Riley Library is open to students and faculty, as well as members of the Nampa community. Materials at Albertsons Library at Boise State University are available to students, faculty, and staff, as well as "special borrowers" who meet certain criteria.

A variety of research centers, particularly associated with the universities, exist in Nampa and conduct research in the fields of biology and agriculture, among others.

Public Library Information: Nampa Public Library, 101 Eleventh Avenue South, Nampa, ID 83651; telephone (208)468-5800

Nampa: History

Nampa's Early Years

Although Native American tribes had settled in Idaho for hundreds of years, little human settlement occurred in the area that is now Nampa until the late 1800s. Settlement in Nampa began in 1883, a direct result of the completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad. At that time, Caldwell resident James A. McGee and businessman Alexander Duffes decided to invest in the development of this new town. Duffes filed a claim under the Idaho Homestead Act, and in 1886 McGee and Duffes formed the Nampa Land and Improvement Company and filed the town's articles of incorporation. Initially, the Short Line bypassed Nampa, but due to increased traffic it soon became necessary to provide a connecting line between the Oregon Short Line and Boise. The Idaho Central Railway was built to make that connection, and Nampa was a stop along the way.

Nampa was incorporated in 1891. Population and business development continued to grow into the 1890s, mainly a result of irrigation made possible by the Phyllis Canal, but in 1894 Duffes mortgaged Nampa's unsold lots in an attempt to boost the slowing economy. The loan source defaulted and the town spiraled into debt. In 1896, Colonel W.H. Dewey paid the debt and received 2,000 deeds to town lots. He was crucial to the continued development of Nampa, as he began a survey of a route for the Boise, Nampa, Owyhee Railway that eventually linked Boise with the mining towns of the Owyhee Valley.

A Modern City Emerges

As the 20th century began, the Western Idaho Sugar Company and the Crescent Brewing Company were both established in Nampa. These companies utilized local farmers and created jobs at their processing plants. But a business decline was followed by a fire in 1909, which caused the destruction of more than 60 stores in downtown Nampa. By the 1920s, however, Nampa had once again established itself as a stable community. The Northwest Nazarene School, now Northwest Nazarene University, was established in 1913 by Eugene Emerson. During World War I, Nampa's farming community benefited from high crop prices. However, when the bottom of the market fell out after the war was over, many farmers were bankrupted. The economy was revived in 1942, when the Amalgamated Sugar Company opened a sugar beet plant in Nampa, which spurred farm productivity.

In 1949, the Nampa Industrial Corporation (NIC) was formed to encourage other economic development beyond farming. By the 1970s the NIC's investment in land and facility improvements had resulted in a more diverse economy, having encouraged new businesses and industries to locate in Nampa.

Today, Nampa has grown to become Idaho's second-largest city, boasting a thriving economy and excellent quality of life.

Historical Information: Canyon County Historical Museum, 1200 Front Street, Nampa, ID 83653; telephone (208)467-7611

Nampa: Population Profile

Metropolitan Area Residents

1990: 295,851

2000: 432,345

Percent change, 1990–2000: 46.1%

U.S. rank in 2000: 96th

City Residents

1990: 28,365

2000: 51,876

2003 estimate: 64,269

Percent change, 1990–2000: 73.5%

U.S. rank in 2000: 688th

Density: 2,612 people per square mile (2000)

Racial and ethnic characteristics (2000)

White: 43,281

Black or African American: 206

American Indian and Alaska Native: 490

Asian: 484

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: 92

Hispanic or Latino (may be of any race): 9,282

Other: 5,833

Percent of residents born in state: 46.1% (2000)

Age characteristics (2000)

Population under 5 years old: 5,465

Population 5 to 9 years old: 4,651

Population 10 to 14 years old: 3,800

Population 15 to 19 years old: 3,849

Population 20 to 24 years old: 4,797

Population 25 to 34 years old: 9,112

Population 35 to 44 years old: 6,606

Population 45 to 54 years old: 4,747

Population 55 to 59 years old: 1,723

Population 60 to 64 years old: 1,324

Population 65 to 74 years old: 2,574

Population 75 to 84 years old: 12,282

Population 85 years and older: 937

Median age: 28.5 years

Births (2002, Canyon County)

Total number: 2,901

Deaths (2002, Canyon County)

Total number: 971 (of which, 18 were infants under the age of 1 year)

Money income (1999)

Per capita income: $14,491

Median household income: $34,758

Total households: 18,270

Number of households with income of . . .

less than $10,000: 1,713

$10,000 to $14,999: 1,327

$15,000 to $24,999: 3,015

$25,000 to $34,999: 3,141

$35,000 to $49,999: 4,022

$50,000 to $74,999: 3,333

$75,000 to $99,999: 1,123

$100,000 to $149,999: 435

$150,000 to $199,999: 86

$200,000 or more: 75

Percent of families below poverty level: 8.7% (33.2% of which were female householder families with related children under 5 years)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 2,871