Pocatello, Idaho — Week of March 22-28, 2026

Pocatello, ID (pop. 56,000) -- Bannock County. Week of March 22-28, 2026.

City Government

Pocatello's City Council convened on Wednesday, March 26, addressing key development initiatives and regulatory updates. Council members reviewed a draft ordinance aimed at increasing housing density in specific residential zones, a topic gaining traction across the region (City Council Agenda, March 26). The proposed changes, presented by City Planner Sarah Jenkins, would allow for duplexes and triplexes on lots previously restricted to single-family homes, particularly near the Idaho State University campus. The Housing Alliance & Community Partnership Committee had previously recommended these updates to address the city's growing need for affordable housing options (Housing Alliance & Community Partnership Committee Report, March 18).

The Public Works Department presented its quarterly report on stormwater management, highlighting ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure along the Portneuf River watershed (Public Works Stormwater Report Q1 2026). Director Mark Thompson detailed plans for a new retention basin near Sacajawea Park, projected to cost $1.2 million, to mitigate runoff and improve water quality. This initiative aligns with regional concerns regarding watershed protection and regulatory contagion signals.

Separately, the Airport Commission met on March 24 to discuss capital improvements, including a bid award for runway resurfacing to Pocatello Paving Company for $3.5 million (Airport Commission Minutes, March 24). The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board also held a meeting, focusing on the expansion of the Portneuf Greenway trail system, specifically a new 1.5-mile segment connecting Ross Park to the city's east side. Director Emily Vance confirmed the project is on schedule for a late summer completion.

Schools

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, March 25, to review the preliminary budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. Superintendent Dr. Robert Allen presented an overview, noting a projected increase in student enrollment by approximately 150 students across the district. The board also approved a motion to proceed with the design phase for a new multipurpose athletic facility at Century High School, with an estimated cost of $8.5 million. This facility aims to accommodate growing demand for various sports and community events.

Police

The Pocatello Police Department responded to 385 calls for service during the week of March 22-28. Incidents included 47 traffic stops, 28 reports of suspicious activity, and 15 welfare checks. On March 24, officers responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Yellowstone Avenue and Alameda Road. Minor injuries were reported, and one driver, Ms. Clara Jenkins of Pocatello, was cited for failure to yield. On March 26, officers investigated a report of shoplifting at a retail establishment on Flandro Drive, resulting in the arrest of Mr. David Lee for petty theft. The department also handled several noise complaints in residential areas near Idaho State University throughout the week.

Fire & EMS

The Pocatello Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to 110 calls this week, including 78 medical emergencies, 15 fire alarms, and 5 motor vehicle accidents. On March 23, firefighters extinguished a small brush fire near Pocatello Creek Road, which was contained before significant spread. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation. On March 27, crews provided mutual aid to the Chubbuck Fire Department for a structure fire on West Chubbuck Road, assisting with containment and overhaul operations. Paramedics transported two individuals to Portneuf Medical Center following a residential fall on Bannock Street on March 25.

Real Estate

Bannock County Registry of Deeds recorded four significant property sales this week: - 1234 S. 5th Avenue, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home, sold for $315,000 on March 25. - 567 E. Oak Street, a commercial office building, sold for $780,000 on March 27. - 890 W. Center Street, a vacant residential lot, sold for $95,000 on March 24. - 1122 Portneuf Boulevard, a two-unit duplex, sold for $420,000 on March 28.

Permits

The City of Pocatello issued seven new permits this week: - 1500 N. Main Street: Commercial tenant improvement for a new restaurant, valued at $75,000. - 220 S. 1st Avenue: Residential deck addition, valued at $8,500. - 333 Yellowstone Avenue: Commercial sign installation for a new retail store, valued at $3,200. - 444 Lincoln Avenue: Residential solar panel installation, valued at $18,000. - 555 Grant Street: New single-family home construction, valued at $290,000. - 678 Alameda Road: Residential bathroom remodel, valued at $12,000. - 789 Flandro Drive: Commercial roof replacement, valued at $45,000.

Coming Up

April 1, 2026, 6:00 PM: Pocatello Arts Council meeting at City Hall, discussing upcoming public art installations. (Pocatello Arts Council Agenda)
April 2, 2026, 5:30 PM: Library Board meeting at the Marshall Public Library, focusing on summer reading programs. (Library Board Agenda)
April 3, 2026, 7:00 PM: City Council Public Hearing on the proposed housing density ordinance at City Hall. (Public Notice, March 27)
April 8, 2026, 4:00 PM: Senior Building Ad-Hoc Committee meeting at the Senior Activity Center, reviewing facility upgrades. (Senior Building Ad-Hoc Committee Agenda)

This week: 4 boards met, 22 new documents published, 385 police calls, 110 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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