Pocatello, Idaho — Week of March 1-7, 2026

Pocatello, ID (pop. 56,000) -- Bannock County. Week of March 1-7, 2026.

City Government

Pocatello's City Council convened Tuesday, March 4, to address several key initiatives, including a proposed ordinance aimed at increasing housing density within the city limits. Councilman David Chen introduced the measure, citing a staff report from City Planner Sarah Miller which highlighted the city's growing need for diverse housing options. The proposal, which would allow for increased multi-family zoning in designated areas, passed its first reading by a 5-2 vote. A public hearing is scheduled for March 18. Details are available in the City Council agenda packet: .

Separately, the council approved a $1.2 million capital expenditure for the first phase of a new stormwater management system in the Alameda area. Public Works Director Mark Johnson presented the project, emphasizing its necessity for mitigating runoff and protecting the Portneuf River watershed. The funding, primarily from state grants, will cover engineering and initial construction. The Airport Commission met on March 3, discussing a new grant application for runway lighting upgrades at Pocatello Regional Airport, estimated at $350,000. Commission Chair Robert Davis noted the improvements are crucial for continued safe operations and attracting regional carriers.

The Housing Alliance & Community Partnership and the CDBG Advisory Committee held a joint session on March 5 to review applications for the Community Development Block Grant program. Committee members recommended allocating $350,000 across five local non-profits focusing on affordable housing and homelessness prevention. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board also met on March 6, where they reviewed plans for the annual Portneuf Greenway trail cleanup, scheduled for April 19, and discussed potential expansion of the trail system near Idaho State University.

Schools

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees met on March 3 to discuss the preliminary budget for the 2026-2027 academic year. Superintendent Dr. Emily Carter presented a forecast that included potential increases in teacher salaries and funding for new vocational programs at Pocatello High School. The board also reviewed enrollment projections, which indicated a slight increase in elementary school populations for the coming year. Idaho State University announced a new research grant from the National Science Foundation totaling $1.5 million for its College of Science and Engineering.

Police

The Pocatello Police Department reported a total of 285 calls for service between March 1 and March 7. Incidents included 42 traffic stops, 18 welfare checks, and 9 reports of theft. On March 2, officers responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of I-15 and I-86 Business Loop, resulting in minor injuries to one driver, Janice Lee of Pocatello. The crash, involving a 2018 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Ford F-150, was cleared within two hours. On March 5, Officer Rodriguez investigated a reported burglary at a residence on the 1200 block of Bench Road, where several electronics were stolen. The investigation is ongoing. Additionally, police responded to two noise complaints in the vicinity of the Idaho State University campus on the evenings of March 1 and March 7, both resolved without further incident.

Fire & EMS

Pocatello Fire Department and EMS units responded to 95 calls for service during the week. This included 68 medical emergencies, 12 fire alarms, and 5 motor vehicle accidents. On March 3, Engine 2 and Medic 1 responded to a residential structure fire on the 900 block of North 9th Avenue. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, which originated in the kitchen, limiting damage to approximately $15,000. No injuries were reported. On March 6, Medic 3 provided mutual aid to the Bannock County Fire Department for a cardiac arrest call in Inkom, assisting with patient stabilization and transport to Portneuf Medical Center.

Real Estate

Bannock County Recorder's Office registered four significant property transactions this week:

1450 Elm Street: A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home sold for $385,000. Buyers were the Thompson Family Trust. (Recorded March 3)
210 S. 5th Avenue: A commercial lot zoned for mixed-use development, purchased by Pronghorn Properties LLC for $275,000. (Recorded March 4)
879 Juniper Drive: A 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom historic residence sold for $495,000 to new residents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Susan Davis. (Recorded March 5)
3300 Bannock Highway: A 2-acre undeveloped parcel, acquired by Apex Construction for $160,000. (Recorded March 7)

Permits

The City of Pocatello issued six building permits this week:

1850 Maple Street: Residential deck addition, estimated value $8,500. Contractor: Bannock Builders.
550 University Avenue: Commercial sign installation for "The Grind Coffee Shop," estimated value $4,200. Contractor: Sign Solutions LLC.
2200 Sycamore Drive: Residential solar panel installation, estimated value $18,000. Contractor: Pocatello Solar Solutions.
780 Pine Street: Interior remodel for a single-family home, estimated value $25,000. Contractor: Home Innovations Inc.
1100 Pocatello Creek Road: New single-family home construction, estimated value $320,000. Contractor: Summit Homes.
950 S. 1st Avenue: Commercial tenant improvement for a new retail space, estimated value $45,000. Contractor: Cityside Contractors.

Coming Up

March 10, 2026 (6:00 PM): Human Relations Advisory Committee Meeting, City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda includes community outreach initiatives.
March 12, 2026 (7:00 PM): Library Board Meeting, Pocatello Public Library. Discussion on new digital resources and summer reading programs.
March 14, 2026 (9:00 AM): Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair Planning Meeting, City Hall Conference Room. Volunteers welcome.
March 18, 2026 (6:00 PM): City Council Meeting and Public Hearing on Housing Density Ordinance, City Hall Council Chambers.
March 21, 2026: Deadline for applications to the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council.

This week: 6 boards met, 18 new documents published, 285 police calls, 95 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 6 permits issued.

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