BOISE, ID. – Agriculture, manufacturing, and construction – those are some industries one typically thinks of as contributors to Idaho’s economy. But there’s another that’s oftentimes overlooked. A preliminary study points to non-profits as a valuable jobs and income generator for the state.
Steve Peterson is a University of Idaho economist. He says he’s written sixty economic impact studies over the years. His latest focuses on Idaho’s not-for-profit organizations.
Steve Peterson: “The non-profit sector, looking at the base numbers, looks like it would rank about 10th in the state of Idaho if it were a separate industry. The non-profit sector affects every single other industry and service in Idaho, and it affects every geographic region.”
Peterson says non-profits are directly responsible for nearly 40,000 jobs in Idaho. He adds the overall economic impact of these organizations is nearly $5 billion.
Steve Peterson: “The numbers clearly show they have a major impact. Policymakers should be aware of what that impact is and how it affects communities, because they could unintentionally make a change that might really have unexpected, adverse consequences to communities.”
Peterson expects to release a final study in late November. It’s funded by the Idaho Nonprofit Center.
Molly Messick contributed to this news story.
Copyright 2011 Boise State Public Radio