Pocatello, Idaho — Week of June 19-25, 2026

Pocatello, ID (pop. 56,000) -- Bannock County. Week of June 19-25, 2026.

City Government

Pocatello city officials and advisory committees were active this past week, addressing land use, public property, and historic preservation. Mayor Sarah Johnson released her latest monthly communication, the Mayor's Newsletter June 2026, which highlighted upcoming city initiatives and provided updates on ongoing projects, including the Portneuf Greenway trail system expansion and the city's efforts to manage the FMC phosphorus plant Superfund site remediation.

The City Council’s June 24 agenda featured discussions on the future use of the old firehouse property located downtown. Council members considered proposals for its redevelopment, focusing on community benefit and economic viability. Additionally, the council reviewed potential zoning regulation updates aimed at streamlining development processes while maintaining the city's character. City Planner Michael Davis presented several options for amendments, which will proceed to public hearings in July. The council also discussed landscape redesign proposals for city entryways and major roadways, funded by a state grant, with a focus on drought-resistant plantings and improved aesthetics.

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on June 20 concerning several land use changes. Key among these was a rezone request from Pocatello Properties LLC for a parcel at 123 Main Street, seeking to change its designation from Light Commercial to Mixed-Use Residential to allow for a new apartment complex. Commission Chair Maria Rodriguez presided over testimony from residents and developers, ultimately recommending approval to the City Council, citing alignment with the city's comprehensive plan. The commission also reviewed a conditional use permit application from School District 25 for an Electronic Messaging Center at Pocatello High School, which Hearing Examiner Robert Green is scheduled to review further next week.

Meanwhile, the Historic Preservation Commission met on June 21 to discuss several ongoing projects. Commissioner Eleanor Vance led a discussion on the city's nomination for American World War II Heritage City status, reviewing necessary documentation and community outreach efforts. The commission also considered preservation plans for the historic Old Town district, including facade improvement grants for local businesses.

Schools

Pocatello School District 25 continued its planning for the upcoming academic year. Superintendent Dr. Emily White announced that enrollment projections for the 2026-2027 school year remain stable, with minor increases expected at the elementary level. Facilities staff are completing summer maintenance projects across several campuses. The district also prepared for the Hearing Examiner's review of its conditional use permit application for an Electronic Messaging Center at Pocatello High School, a project aimed at improving communication with students, parents, and the community regarding school events and important announcements.

Police

The Pocatello Police Department responded to 157 calls for service between June 19 and June 25. Incidents included 35 traffic stops, 12 welfare checks, and 8 reports of theft. On June 21, officers responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Yellowstone Avenue and Alameda Road involving two vehicles, resulting in minor injuries to one driver, who was transported to Portneuf Medical Center. On June 23, officers investigated a reported residential burglary on the 100 block of Bannock Street, where electronics and jewelry were taken. The investigation is ongoing. Police also responded to a noise complaint on the 800 block of South 5th Avenue on June 24 regarding a late-night gathering, which was resolved peacefully after officers spoke with residents.

Fire & EMS

The Pocatello Fire Department and EMS services responded to 58 calls during the past week. This included 32 medical emergencies, 15 service calls, and 11 fire alarms. On June 20, firefighters responded to a structure fire at a commercial building located at 500 Industrial Park Road. The fire, which originated in a storage area, was quickly contained, preventing significant damage. No injuries were reported. On June 22, EMS crews provided mutual aid to neighboring Chubbuck for a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 30, assisting with patient assessment and transport.

Real Estate

According to the Bannock County Registry of Deeds, four notable property sales were recorded in Pocatello this week:

145 Elm Street: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home built in 1978, sold for $315,000 on June 20.
2200 University Drive: A 1,800 square foot commercial office space, near the Idaho State University campus, sold for $485,000 on June 21.
301 Pine Ridge Lane: A newly constructed four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home with a two-car garage, sold for $420,000 on June 24.
90 North Main Street, Unit 3B: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom condominium in the downtown district, sold for $195,000 on June 25.

Permits

The City of Pocatello issued seven significant building permits this week:

Permit #26-0619-RES: 1789 Juniper Way – Residential addition (new sunroom), estimated cost $28,000.
Permit #26-0620-COM: 450 Yellowstone Avenue – Commercial interior renovation for new retail space, estimated cost $75,000.
Permit #26-0621-SOL: 1120 Syringa Drive – Residential rooftop solar panel installation, estimated cost $18,500.
Permit #26-0622-RES: 870 Cedar Street – Detached garage construction, estimated cost $35,000.
Permit #26-0623-SIG: 250 Pocatello Creek Road – New illuminated business sign for "The Daily Grind" coffee shop, estimated cost $6,200.
Permit #26-0624-COM: 1900 Garrett Way – HVAC system replacement for an existing commercial building, estimated cost $45,000.
Permit #26-0625-RES: 635 Larch Street – Deck extension and repair, estimated cost $9,500.

Coming Up

June 27, 6:00 PM: Airport Commission meeting at Pocatello Regional Airport, reviewing quarterly operations and budget. (Pocatello Regional Airport, 1900 Airport Rd)
July 1, 9:00 AM: Human Relations Advisory Committee meeting at City Hall, discussing community outreach programs. (City Council Chambers, 911 N 7th Ave)
July 2, 5:30 PM: City Council meeting at City Hall, with public hearings on zoning amendments and the old firehouse property. (City Council Chambers, 911 N 7th Ave)
July 8, 4:00 PM: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting at the Community Recreation Center, focusing on summer program evaluations. (Community Recreation Center, 1444 Bannock St)
July 10, 7:00 PM: Library Board meeting at the Marshall Public Library, discussing new acquisitions and summer reading program success. (Marshall Public Library, 113 S Garfield Ave)

This week: 4 boards met, 1 new document published, 157 police calls, 58 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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