AMERICA’S FAMILY COMMUNITY REXBURG, ID WWW.REXBURG.ORG
REXBURG, ID AT A GLANCE REXBURG, ID WHAT: A small city with a notably young population, primarily due to the presence of Brigham Young University-Idaho, which attracts thousands of students each year. WHERE: In eastern Idaho, within Madison County, approximately 30 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. WEBSITE: www.rexburg.org AMERICA’S FA COMMUNITY 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
AMILY With an average resident age of just over 22 years, Rexburg, Idaho, boasts a unique identity as “America’s Family Community.” Brigham Young University-Idaho is at the core of this identity, a significant educational institution that enrolls over 40,000 students annually. The university’s presence infuses the city with energy and growth, making Rexburg an appealing destination for families and businesses. AN UP-AND-COMING CITY WITH YOUTH AND DYNAMIC GROWTH ON ITS SIDE 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
Sitting down with the city’s leadership—including Mayor Jerry Merrill; Scott Johnson, Director of Economic Development and Public Relations; Keith Davidson, Public Works Director; and Aaron Denney, Economic Development Assistant—provide a comprehensive picture of Rexburg’s current state and future aspirations. A CITY OF YOUTH AND FAMILY Rexburg’s youthful demographic sets it apart from many other cities. Mayor Merrill, who has seen the city’s growth firsthand, describes the city’s charm: “Our tagline, ‘America’s Family Community,’ reflects our commitment to creating an environment where families can thrive. With the youngest average age in the country—around 22 to 23 years—we’re a vibrant, youthful city surrounded by stunning natural features. The mountains, Yellowstone Park, and Jackson Hole provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that Rexburg is a great place for families.” The city’s proximity to natural attractions and its focus on family-oriented development create a unique living experience. The focus is evident in the city’s housing strategies and commitment to providing a balanced mix of single-family and multifamily housing options. HOUSING MARKET AND DEVELOPMENT Rexburg is experiencing a significant shift in its housing market. According to Johnson, the city is making strides to balance the demand for single- and multi-family housing. “We have a sufficient supply of multi-family units, but we are still working to address the need for more single-family homes. We’ve struggled to keep up with demand, but we’re trying to streamline regulations and facilitate new developments.” Davidson highlights: “We have several new projects in the pipeline, including affordable housing units and market-rate developments. Notable projects include the Summer Field and Alpine subdivisions and the Madison Park complex, adding around 300 units.Additionally, we are working on a new student housing complex to accommodate the university’s planned expansion.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 REXBURG, ID
Brigham Young University-Idaho’s growth plays a significant role in shaping the city’s housing market. The university plans to increase its enrollment by 6,000 students, further driving demand for student housing and impacting the local real estate landscape. Mayor Merrill elaborates on the university’s unique approach: “The university operates on a trimester system, which means they serve about 40,000 students annually. This system allows them to offer affordable education while managing a high student turnover, which adds to the dynamic nature of our community.” INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACT Infrastructure improvements are a central focus for Rexburg, especially with ongoing road construction projects to enhance traffic flow and safety. Mayor Merrill describes the current state of roadwork as follows: “This summer has been challenging with major road construction. We’re updating two main interchanges on Highway 20, which have caused significant traffic disruptions. The work is essential to improve traffic flow and safety, and while it’s inconvenient now, it will greatly benefit the city once completed.” “The current road improvements include implementing a divergent diamond interchange design. This innovative design will help manage traffic more efficiently by reducing conflict points and streamlining the movement of vehicles”, Davidson notes. The project is expected to be completed by the fall semester, which should ease the traffic congestion caused by the university’s student influx. FIBER INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS Fiber internet is set to transform Rexburg into a modern, connected community. By mid-2025, the city plans to have high-speed fiber internet available to every home, with multiple providers offering competitive services. Johnson highlights the impact of this project, “We anticipated about a 40% take rate initially, but we’re seeing about a 70% take rate. The high demand reflects the city’s need for robust internet services, especially as more people move here to work remotely.” 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
COVERING ALL THE BASES CONNECTED HEALTH FOR DOCTOR AND PATIENT PEACE OF MIND A trip to the doctor can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many. If a patient has been given a specific diagnosis that requires a prescription medication to manage, the worry can be compounded. Patients may have many questions concerning the accessibility to a particular medication, and there may be many questions that arise concerning associated insurance coverage to help with any additional costs a patient may bear. It can be a web of confusion for many when it comes to navigating the prescription drug market. To help simplify the process and take some of the ambiguity out of the equation, Legrande Health, a provider of healthcare prescription services for both patients and doctors by helping to guide them through the often complicated prescription drug process, has filled a vital role within the medical sector. Established in 2016 and based in Rexburg, ID, the founders of Legrande Health recognized a need in the medical market to serve as a top-tier guide for patients and doctors to help navigate prescription drug coverage while acting as a valuable resource for any information that is not readily available.A one-stop shop for all the necessary information to make informed decisions, keep costs low and provide solutions for navigating through the medical maze. Transparency is at the heart of Legrande’s business model whether it comes to the cost of prescriptions, the ease of delivery, and key information about insurance coverage. Legrande’s platform offers both the patient and the medical professionals straightforward and individualized guidance as well as providing open lines of communication to facilitate all of the patients’ and doctors’ specific needs. Doctors will be able to provide a superior level of care by being able to recommend better product options with competitive prices based on the facilitative role Legrande plays in the prescription drug process. Patients can make more informed decisions and not be left with fear regarding what degree of insurance will be available to cover prescription drug costs.
Working diligently to find the best prices and offer tailored advice, Legrande Health will help to maximize manufacturing discounts, associated insurance coverage, as well as a low cash pay price. Simply put, Legrande Health eases the healthcare experience for both the doctor who can be confident in the medications they prescribe, and for patients who will not be preoccupied with health questions and insurance coverage worries. Patients and physicians are not the only ones benefiting from Legrande’s progressive and unmatched health-related platform, so too are manufacturers and pharmacies. Legrande Health facilitates manufacturers by providing a streamlined and cost-effective method of delivering their products to patients who require them as prescribed by their doctor. Legrande’s platform also offers pharmacies a knowledgeable and loyal partner which can in turn increase their competitive advantage and ultimately leaves the door open for further business growth. These key services that Legrande Health has perfected are carried out by leveraging leading technology, and key programs, and by consolidating relevant data which is combined with patients’ insurance coverage. Legrande Health goes the extra mile and helps to facilitate the work that pharmacies do by matching patients with partner pharmacies that best suit their medical needs. What does this mean for all levels of the medical pyramid- reassured patients who are paying the best prices for their prescriptions, confident physicians who can carry out continued expert care attributed in part to the knowledge and services provided by Legrande Health as well as a streamlined manufacturing process and a productive pharmacy model. Legrande offers loyal and connected care with the dedication of a team of skilled professionals at the helm, all of whom are focused on easing and facilitating the healthcare process for all those involved. In a technology and data-driven world, Legrande Health has been able to build a platform that keeps everyone informed, helps to lower prescription healthcare costs, and has provided a springboard for continued pharmacy, manufacturing, and medical success for its valued health-related partners. By offering personalized service and a simpler path, Legrande Health has taken a giant and much-needed step toward the future of cooperative-based healthcare solutions. Visit WWW.LEGRANDEHEALTH.COM for more information.
The open-access network allows homeowners to choose from multiple providers without contracts or data caps. Johnson shares his experience, “I pay $68 for a one-gig connection up and down, and I can switch providers anytime if I’m not satisfied.” The flexibility and affordability make Rexburg an attractive destination for tech-savvy residents and businesses. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND GROWTH Rexburg’s growth is not limited to housing and infrastructure; the city also fosters a burgeoning business environment. Johnson emphasizes the city’s economic potential,“Rexburg offers significant opportunities for business development, thanks to our growing population and favorable living conditions. Our city’s safety, cleanliness, and strong community spirit make it an attractive location for businesses.” The city’s economic landscape includes major employers and recent business expansions. Johnson highlights the growth in key sectors, “Education, healthcare, and agriculture are major industries here. Notably, Basic American Foods recently completed a $125 million expansion of their plant, which was a competitive process involving multiple locations. Additionally, tech manufacturing is emerging as 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 REXBURG, ID
a significant sector, with companies like AMET providing automated welding systems for highprofile clients like NASA and Boeing.” Denny speaks about the city’s focus on entrepreneurship, “We recently received a $6.5 million grant from the Economic Development Administration to build an entrepreneurial center. This facility will provide low-cost rental space and mentoring for startups, fostering local business growth and innovation.” COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The city’s Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in fostering business relations, and the collaboration with local schools and county officials contributes to the city’s overall growth. The school district consistently achieves a 97-98% graduation rate, and the strong relationship between the city, university, and local organizations supports the community’s development. Its exceptional school system highlights the district’s success, which is vital to the community. The high graduation rate is a testament to educators’ dedication and families’ support. CULTURAL EVENTS Rexburg’s community spirit is further showcased through its cultural and recreational events.The city hosts numerous events that attract residents and visitors alike. “We have a rich cultural arts program with student orchestras, choirs, and performances featuring top-tier artists,” Mayor Merrill says. Events like the monthly First Friday art walk, the Teton Dam marathon, and the historic carousel draw thousands of visitors annually. The city’s emphasis on cultural activities extends to various community events. Mayor Merrill shares,“In August, we host Celebrate Youth, an event sponsored by the school district that attracts 12,000 to 14,000 people to one of our largest parks. It’s a massive event with activities for all ages, and it’s a great way for families to come together.” The city’s commitment to family-friendly events continues throughout the year. Experience Rexburg in September features businesses setting up booths in the park to introduce themselves to college students. Oktoberfest celebrates the mighty potato in October with square dancing, face painting, and various potato dishes. Rexburg’s winter activities also stand out. The city transforms its golf course into a winter park, offering cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating. People are encouraged to enjoy winter with activities that benefit their physical and mental health. The city is also excited about the upcoming hockey arena, a public-private partnership expected to be completed around the holidays. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Rexburg’s appeal extends to potential investors and developers. The city offers various opportunities for growth and expansion, driven by its strategic initiatives and supportive community environment. Johnson highlights the city’s proactive approach to development, “We are working on a downtown redevelopment project, which includes mixeduse parking structures, retail spaces, offices, and housing. This $70-75 million project is set to start in the second quarter of next year and will create significant opportunities for businesses to locate in Rexburg.” The downtown redevelopment is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s infrastructure and attract new businesses. Davidson provides insights into the upcoming projects, “We are also working on 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 REXBURG, ID
upgrading our sewer and water systems, and we have plans to relocate our airport to handle larger business jets.These projects support the city’s growth and ensure we have the necessary infrastructure.” A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE Rexburg’s safety is a key attraction. “We are continually voted among the safest cities in Idaho and the country,” Mayor Merrill states. The city’s low PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Legrande Health www.legrandehealth.com crime rate and family-friendly environment make it an ideal place to live and work. This reputation is bolstered by the strong community and local law enforcement relationship, fostering residents’ sense of security and trust. LOOKING AHEAD As Rexburg continues to grow and evolve, its leadership remains focused on enhancing the city’s infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities. The city’s commitment to family values, safety, and community development positions it as a vibrant and promising place for residents and businesses. “Our job is to create a great place so that people want to be here, which in turn helps businesses attract the talent they need to be successful.” With such a clear and compelling vision, Rexburg is indeed on the rise, ready to embrace a future filled with promise and potential. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
WWW.REXBURG.ORG WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Rexburg ID
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