Sun Valley Economic Development (SVED) advances the economy of Blaine County through focused projects, original research, and ongoing community initiatives. As a professional economic development agency, SVED concentrates its work on attracting and retaining businesses, strengthening the community, and building the data and partnerships the region relies on. The sections below explain what SVED does, the plan that guides its work, and the projects and reports that come from it.
Strategic Action Plan
Each year, SVED prepares an updated Strategic Plan that provides a detailed framework for developing and pursuing projects relevant to the Blaine County economy. The plan translates SVED's four core activities into specific priorities and measurable goals for the year ahead, guiding where the organization focuses its time and resources.
Current Projects
SVED pursues a focused set of projects each year that turn its strategic priorities into measurable progress for the community. These efforts span business attraction and retention, community development, and the research that keeps the region's decisions grounded in data.
Please reach out if you want to find out what projects we are currently working on.
Community Roundtables
SVED hosts Community Roundtables that invite residents, business owners, and community leaders to join the conversation about the local economy and community. Each roundtable presents original research and analysis on a timely topic, creating a regular forum for informed, civil discussion.
Recent and past roundtable topics include:
- 2026: Cybersecurity threats and defenses
- 2025: Seasonally adjusted population; Blaine County wildfire risk
- 2024: Remote work in Blaine County; the FIS Alpine World Cup Finals
- 2023: Demographics, construction activity, sales trends, and the Local Option Tax; labor, wages, health and wellness; residential and retail markets
- 2017 through 2021: Air service and travel surveys, e-commerce in Blaine County, the Sun Valley Culinary Institute, and regular economic updates
Regional Development Initiatives
Beyond its annual projects, SVED leads and supports long-term initiatives that strengthen the regional economy. These efforts reflect SVED’s commitment to measurable community development across the valley:
- Broadband expansion: SVED led on two broadband project awards for the Carey and Picabo area totaling $2.7 million, improving connectivity in the south valley.
- Workforce housing: SVED introduced its first housing initiative to address the “missing middle” in Blaine County’s housing stock and continues to support workforce and middle-income housing solutions.
- Workforce and childcare: SVED has delivered improvements in vocational training for the construction and hospitality industries, along with expanded childcare access for working families.
- Economic resilience and recovery: SVED provided leadership through the Blaine County COVID-19 Recovery Committee, helping local businesses secure more than $80 million in PPP, EIDL, and ARPA grants while supporting business and government continuity.
- Regional coordination: SVED is working with businesses, community developers, strategic partners, and local government leaders to foster a regional approach to economic development.
Partner With Us on What's Next
SVED’s projects and initiatives are stronger with community and business support. Connect with our team to learn how to get involved.