Real Estate Two70 at the 2026 State of the Cities & County Breakfast
This year, Bob Canning, Carolyn Canning, Rick Robinson, and Jonathan Reed had the opportunity to attend the 2026 State of the Cities and County Breakfast, held on the campus of BYU–Idaho. Events like this are an important part of staying connected—not just to the real estate market, but to the broader civic and economic direction of our communities.
Diane Bruce Speaks about Chamber Efforts
What Is the State of the Cities & County Breakfast?
The State of the Cities and County Breakfast is an annual gathering that brings together local leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders to hear directly from city and county leadership. The goal is simple but important: provide transparency about where our communities stand today, what challenges lie ahead, and how public and private sectors can work together to plan responsibly for the future.
It’s not a political rally or a sales pitch—it’s a working snapshot of growth, infrastructure, housing, employment, and quality-of-life issues that affect everyone who lives and works in the region.
Mayor Steve Adams Discusses City Growth
Who Spoke This Year
This year’s program featured updates and perspectives from President Alvin F Meredith III for BYUI, local city mayors Jerry Merrill (Rexburg) and Steve Adams (Sugar City), Madison County officials, and economic development leaders representing communities throughout the Upper Valley. Each speaker offered insight into current conditions, ongoing projects, and long-term priorities—from the goals of the university as an influence on the community, transportation and utilities to housing supply and business expansion. Jed Platt, Cultural Arts Director for the City of Rexburg also shared a moving presentation about the city's efforts on the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam disaster.
Taken together, the message was clear: Southeast Idaho is growing, and that growth touches nearly every aspect of daily life.
A Thank You to Diane Bruce and the Rexburg Chamber
Events like this don’t happen by accident. We want to extend a sincere thank-you to Diane Bruce, CEO of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce, for once again planning and coordinating a thoughtful, well-run event. Bringing together leaders, businesses, and residents in one room creates space for shared understanding—and better long-term decision-making.
A Consistent Theme: Planning for Growth—Thoughtfully
One theme that came through clearly across all presentations was growth. Southeast Idaho continues to attract families, employers, and investment—and that momentum brings opportunity along with responsibility.
The message wasn’t “growth at all costs.” Instead, speakers emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning:
- Infrastructure that keeps pace with demand
- Housing strategies that support both affordability and quality
- Zoning and development decisions that respect existing neighborhoods while making room for the future
- Policies that allow local businesses to expand and new ones to take root
Most importantly, there was a shared recognition that current residents play a role in shaping what growth looks like. Planning ahead—rather than reacting later—is how communities remain livable, connected, and economically resilient.
Why This Matters to Real Estate
For us at Real Estate Two70, attending events like the State of the Cities and County Breakfast isn’t about headlines—it’s about context. Real estate decisions don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re influenced by infrastructure plans, employment trends, zoning policies, and community priorities.
Staying engaged helps us better serve our clients—not just with today’s market conditions, but with a deeper understanding of where our communities are headed and how families and businesses can thrive within that growth.
We’re grateful to be part of a region that values forward thinking, collaboration, and long-term stewardship—and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the years ahead.