Expo Idaho, Ada County, Idaho: Preserving, Celebrating, and Connecting the Future of Expo Idaho

Report Summary: In 2020, Ada County, Idaho convened a group of local stakeholders – the Expo Idaho Citizens Advisory Committee – to provide input on the future uses and functions at Expo Idaho. Expo Idaho is the site of the Western Idaho Fair and many year-round community uses. After community engagement and deliberation, the Citizens Advisory Committee presented three development directions for the site for consideration by the Ada County Board of Commissioners. The Board asked the Advisory Services panel to consider the feasibility and economic impact of each of these scenarios to better understand the potential future uses of the site.

The three development scenarios proposed by the Citizens Advisory Committee included:

1. Agricultural Heritage and Outdoor Education: Expanding and updating fairgrounds facilities to host the yearly 10-day Western Idaho Fair event and enable year-round use to include additional agricultural heritage opportunities, as well as outdoor education areas.
2. Sports, Events, and Recreation: A sports stadium and event venue surrounded by supporting commercial retail activities and nearby lodging opportunities, in addition to sports fields and other active recreation-focused amenities and areas.
3. Mixed Use Town Center: Creation of a Garden City Town Center, combining a mix of housing, shops, and services, restaurants, government buildings and a central gathering space in a walkable neighborhood-style development.

Summary of Recommendations:

• Think big. The potential redevelopment of the Expo Idaho site is a generational project that has the potential to serve as a gathering place and connect people across diverse interests for many years to come. Decisions do not have to be limited to a particular development direction – many uses are possible. Not all decisions should be made in the near term, but some short-term tactical decisions are necessary.
• Preserve, celebrate, and connect. Future uses on the site can celebrate local history and culture and connect diverse communities in Ada County. Preserving natural space is possible and should be a priority.
• Natural space. Preserving and expanding open space such as Ladybird Park and adding recreational fields on the site is possible in any development scenario and desired by the community. Moving Ladybird Park closer to the river on the site will unlock the value of the entire 247 acres.
• Sports and recreation. A new stadium on the site is possible, and in the right location can support the other uses. Further cost analysis is needed.
• Upgrade existing structures. Improving the existing Expo Idaho buildings and adding structured parking on site can increase the revenue potential of Expo Idaho and allow the site to attract larger and more varied events year round. Structured parking supports additional green space on the site.
• Mixed use is possible. A mixed use development on the site is possible, and should be phased last in the development of the site. Such a development could be the economic engine behind long term growth for the site and surrounding area.
• Increased organizational focus. By investing in the site to increase activity, and incorporating the site into the County’s portfolio of assets, Ada County can generate more revenue for the county and immensely increase the public benefit of the site.
• Election-proof governance. Designate a new organizational body that has longevity beyond the Ada County Board of Commissioners to shepherd this project through the frequent term changes of elected officials. This body could be an authorizing or operating commission, a joint powers authority, or an urban renewal agency. Establish long-term funding sources.
• Communicate to the public. Openly and frequently communicate intentions regarding the Western Idaho Fair, the Expo Idaho buildings, and green space preservation as well as an expected timeline for this generational project.