‘Gateway to Treasure Valley’

Rooted in agriculture and beaming with growth opportunities

Caldwell, often called the “Gateway to Treasure Valley,” is just 25 miles west of Boise and is celebrated for its forward-thinking vision and strong sense of community. Positioned at the western edge of Treasure Valley, this dynamic city draws residents and visitors alike with its charm and potential.

“Caldwell is a historic city in the Boise metro area,” says Economic Development Director Steven Jenkins. “We are about 25 miles west of Boise and the western entryway into the Treasure Valley. Caldwell is a hub for many small ag communities—adjacent to agriculture yet with a bustling city center. We are a city experiencing and anticipating a lot of future growth.”

Mayor Jarom Wagoner highlights the challenges of managing Caldwell’s rapid development: “The biggest challenge we’ve faced as a community has been the exponential growth over the last five to ten years. While growth is a sign of success, it comes with its difficulties—keeping up with infrastructure like roads, water, and sewer and ensuring that residents have places to recreate, such as parks and playgrounds. We want people to enjoy everything Caldwell offers without leaving the city.”

Over the past decade, Caldwell’s population has surged to over 73,000 residents, reflecting the city’s strategic investments in infrastructure, business development, and tourism. As more people discover Caldwell’s appeal as a desirable place to live, work, and play, the city continues to grow, skillfully balancing its rich historical roots with the opportunities of a dynamic and forward-thinking future.

Developing a sports and event destination

Caldwell’s commitment to enhancing its community facilities has become a key driver of the city’s growth and vibrancy. The Caldwell Event Center, a vital civic, recreational, and cultural hub, recently underwent a transformative sub-area master plan. “This plan,” Jenkins explains, “was developed through extensive community feedback, including online surveys, open house events, and stakeholder meetings. It outlines a long-range vision for the site, and the concept endorsed by our city council is a state-of-the-art sports complex.”

The Event Center is home to some of Caldwell’s most iconic events. Among them is the Caldwell Night Rodeo, which recently celebrated its centennial and ranks among the top five rodeos in the country, drawing 50,000 attendees annually. Similarly, the Canyon County Fair attracts 60,000 visitors yearly, further showcasing Caldwell’s enduring appeal as a regional destination. These events are complemented by athletic competitions at the College of Idaho, where Simplot Stadium and Wolfe Field regularly host sold-out games.

Simplot Stadium, with a seating capacity of roughly 5,300, serves as a cornerstone for community events, while the D&B Arena, which hosts the celebrated rodeo, can accommodate roughly 8,000 spectators. “We’re thrilled to build on the legacy of our incredible facilities,” says Mayor Wagoner. “The recent expansion that commenced construction will add new amenities and suites, a press box, and other upgrades to ensure these spaces remain premier venues for the next 100 years. It’s exciting to see how these projects enhance the experience for locals and visitors while strengthening our partnerships with organizations like the College of Idaho.”

Strategic partnerships and legacy entities

Caldwell’s progress is firmly anchored in its partnerships with longstanding community institutions. The Caldwell Night Rodeo, Canyon County Fair, and the College of Idaho are integral to the city’s identity and economic vitality. With over 100 years of tradition, the rodeo is a nationally recognized event, while the fair has been a cherished gathering point for decades. These legacy partners have shaped Caldwell’s history and continue to drive its future, fostering a strong sense of community pride.

Reflecting on his personal connection to Caldwell, Mayor Wagoner shares, “I’ve lived here since I was 14 years old, and it’s been incredible to watch the city grow from 18,000 people to nearly 75,000. Despite the rapid growth, Caldwell has retained its unique sense of place and community pride. We’ve worked hard to honor our past while embracing the opportunities of being a thriving city.”

Beyond its cultural and recreational assets, Caldwell has strategically diversified its economic base with initiatives like the Sky Ranch Business Park. The 400-acre area, transformed from agricultural land to industrial use, has attracted leading manufacturers and logistics companies. Sky Ranch exemplifies Caldwell’s forward-thinking approach to economic development, boasting over 2.5 million square feet of facilities and approximately 2,000 jobs. Notably, it is now home to CBH Homes’ new headquarters, further establishing its role as a center for innovation and growth.

Driving regional connectivity

The Caldwell Executive Airport reflects the city’s ambition and growth trajectory. Recently renamed to emphasize its elevated status, the airport is Idaho’s busiest in takeoffs and landings. “Our runway is currently 5,500 feet, and we’re expanding it to 6,900 feet to accommodate larger aircraft,” says Jenkins. “This aligns with our vision of positioning Caldwell as a regional and national aviation player.”

Mayor Wagoner adds, “The airport is a key piece of our infrastructure, supporting local and regional needs. Its growth benefits Caldwell and strengthens our position in the Treasure Valley as a hub for innovation and connectivity.”

The airport’s strategic location and high activity levels make it an essential center for local and regional aviation needs. With over 500 aircraft based on-site, Caldwell Executive consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for operations within its size category. These impressive statistics highlight the importance of the airport for Caldwell and the Treasure Valley.

Clean energy partnerships

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Caldwell’s growth strategy. “Our partners at Idaho Power are putting a strong emphasis on clean energy,” Jenkins shares. “As industrial projects come in, we work closely with them to ensure they meet modern benchmarks and qualify for incentives that reflect the future of sustainable energy.”

The commitment to sustainability extends beyond industrial projects to the city’s overall planning efforts. Caldwell balances its agricultural heritage with modern urban demands, aiming to preserve its roots while embracing innovation. The city’s collaboration with clean energy providers helps businesses transition to eco-friendly practices, setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial growth in the Treasure Valley.

Economic success stories

Caldwell has become a magnet for businesses, both local and national. CBH Homes, the state’s largest homebuilder, is constructing its headquarters on a 150-acre site near the airport. “Their first building is about 250,000 square feet and will bring 300 employees from Meridian to Caldwell,” Jenkins says.

The North Ranch Business Park has also emerged as an economic powerhouse. D&B Supply, a locally born retailer specializing in agricultural and outdoor products, recently built its flagship store and corporate headquarters there. “They embody Caldwell’s history and its future,” Jenkins adds.

Retail development is gaining momentum, with Home Depot constructing a 100,000-square-foot store, while Winco Foods recently purchased nearly 36 acres in the city. Caldwell’s efforts to recruit grocery chains and other retailers aim to address retail leakage, ensuring residents can shop locally and conveniently. “We’ve been intentional about bringing in businesses that align with our community’s needs and long-term vision,” Jenkins explains.

Downtown renaissance

Caldwell’s downtown revitalization is a testament to the city’s innovative spirit and collaborative ethos. The daylighting of Indian Creek transformed the area into a vibrant public space, attracting over a million visitors annually. “We’ve had 35 new businesses open since 2018,” Jenkins shares. “Indian Creek Plaza, with its performance stage, ice ribbon, and splash pads, has become a hub of activity and a driver of economic growth.”

Among the new businesses is Amano, an upscale Mexican restaurant recognized by the New York Times as one of the nation’s top 50 restaurants. “They’re relocating to a larger downtown venue, which underscores the area’s growth and cultural significance,” Jenkins notes. The restaurant, homegrown in Caldwell, has become a regional draw and a symbol of the city’s evolving culinary scene.

Mayor Wagoner also highlights the balance of tradition and innovation: “Our Winter Wonderland event is a newer tradition that has become a staple of the holiday season, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. At the same time, our 4th of July celebrations at Memorial Park remain a cherished event, bringing the community together in a uniquely Caldwell way.”

Vision for future growth

Caldwell’s proactive planning efforts are shaping its future. Adopting the Subarea Master Plan and ongoing updates to the comprehensive plan reflect the city’s strategic vision for sustainable growth. “We’re working on a downtown master plan to build on the success of our revitalization efforts,” says Jenkins.

Mayor Wagoner concludes, “Caldwell is a city of opportunity. Our growth provides more jobs, parks, and amenities, making this a wonderful place to call home. We remain focused on creating a community where residents feel proud to say, ‘I’m from Caldwell.’”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Caldwell, Idaho
What: A city celebrated for its strong community connections and rich agricultural heritage, becoming a destination for wine enthusiasts and families seeking a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere.
Where: Southwestern Idaho, in the Treasure Valley region, about 30 miles west of Boise.
Website: https://www.cityofcaldwell.org/home