Gem Community Economic Development Foundation Unveils Ongoing DowntownEmmett Revitalization Initiative to Enhance Community Life and Sustain Economic Growth
Emmett, ID – November 19, 2025
The Gem Community Economic Development Foundation (GCED Foundation), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) committed to supporting local businesses, attracting thoughtful investment, and improving quality of life in Gem County, today announced the launch of Emmett's Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Led by the Downtown Economic Redevelopment Team (DERT), this multi-year, ongoing initiative aims to thoughtfully transform downtown Emmett into a more vibrant, welcoming space where residents can shop, dine, recreate, and connect—addressing challenges like vacant storefronts and early business closures while preserving the community's cherished small-town character.
Recognizing that change in a close-knit community like Emmett often raises questions, the GCED Foundation emphasizes that this initiative relies entirely on private funding, grants, and voluntary community support—without any burden on taxpayer dollars. In addition to public placemaking efforts, the initiative also includes a strategic economic development component: having completed a professional downtown plan and gap analysis, the team is now actively working with building owners and entrepreneurs to fill vacant downtown spaces with businesses that meet identified community needs and enhance the vitality of Main Street. “This is about fostering a better place for those who live here, with ongoing events and activities to support local businesses, and we invite patience as our all-volunteer team works diligently to secure the resources needed to bring this vision to life.”
A Community-Centered Approach
DERT, operating under the GCED Foundation, unites an executive committee of dedicated local leaders, including:
Commissioner Kirk Wille, Gem County
Mayor Gordon Petrie, City of Emmett
Susan Jenkins, Local Business Owner
Ember Hines, Marketing Planning Director
Tom Butler, City Council
Representatives from the Economic Development & Local Business Owners
With the mutual and partnered support of the City of Emmett and Gem County, this collaborative group works alongside city employees, business owners, and residents to develop a master plan that extends beyond downtown to include parks, trails, and other assets across the area. The focus is on creating sustainable enhancements—such as extended business hours, diverse shopping and dining options, and family-friendly recreation spaces—ensuring Emmett remains an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.
Key Pillars of the Initiative
Through focused subcommittees, DERT is crafting strategies across multiple areas to deliver lasting improvements:
Branding & Marketing: Developing a unified identity to highlight Emmett's unique charm, promote local events, and encourage community participation.
Plaza Development: Creating inviting gathering spots for markets, festivals, and everyday socializing to strengthen community bonds.
Downtown Enhancement: Improving sidewalks, lighting, parking, landscaping, and facades to add vibrancy and address vacancies, making the area more appealing for locals and visitors alike.
River & Trails Development: Expanding access to the Payette River and trail systems to boost outdoor recreation, tourism, and healthy living opportunities.
Business Development & Gap Fulfillment: Leveraging a professionally developed downtown plan and gap analysis, DERT is identifying missing business types and working closely with building owners and entrepreneurs to fill empty storefronts with new ventures that meet community needs, enhance economic vitality, and support long-term growth.
To advance these goals, the Foundation has partnered with a grant writing and fundraising expert to secure non-taxpayer resources through private donations and external grants. Progress will move as funds become available, and the all-volunteer team asks for understanding as they lay the groundwork for a sustainable future, with ongoing planned activities like community events and workshops to keep downtown lively and support businesses year-round. To date, the project efforts have been awarded an AARP and Gem Grant.
Early Progress and Community Buy-In
Since DERT's organizational meeting in January 2025, the team has made steady strides with the resources at hand:
Parking Solutions: An angled parking study and engineering review are in progress to improve accessibility without disrupting the town's flow.
Beautification Efforts: Secured initial funding for new sidewalks, benches, and green spaces, with work to begin as additional support is obtained.
Branding Development: A new downtown identity is ready for rollout, emphasizing community pride and local stories.
Property Preparation: Identified initial sites for promotion, focusing on filling vacancies with businesses that align with resident needs.
Foundational Collaboration: Over a year of research, planning, and feedback has built a solid base, with regular community meetings to incorporate input and address concerns.
These steps aim to showcase how the initiative benefits everyday life—offering more dining options, vibrant spaces for family outings, and sustained support for local entrepreneurs.
A Lasting Commitment to Emmett
As DERT continues its work, the emphasis remains on transparency and inclusion, inviting residents to engage through town halls, updates on www.visitemmett.com, and volunteer opportunities. "We're not rushing change; we're nurturing thoughtful growth that puts our community first," added Commissioner Kirk Wille. "With the mutual and partnered support of the City and County, and through grants, private partnerships, and collective enthusiasm, we'll recreate a downtown that residents embrace—one with ongoing events that enhance Emmett, as funding allows."
About the Gem Community Economic Development Foundation
The GCED Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit driving projects that bolster local businesses, attract sustainable investment, and elevate quality of life in Gem County. Through efforts like DERT, it fosters community initiatives that prioritize resident well-being.
For more information, visit www.visitemmett.com or email gcccedf@gmail.com.
Media Contact: Ember Hines, Marketing Planning Director & DERT Member
Phone: (208) 724-9649
Email: ember@gosponsorthis.com