BOISE, ID — In 1950, just four years after CH2M HILL was founded in Corvallis, Oregon, the company opened its second office in Boise, Idaho. What began small has grown into a hub of innovation and service, woven into the fabric of Idaho’s infrastructure and economy. Today, Jacobs, which acquired CH2M in 2017, celebrates 75 years of continuous presence in the Gem State.
“This anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of the people, partnerships, and purpose that have defined our journey in Idaho,” Jacobs Boise Office Lead Jeff Hodson said. “We’re proud of our legacy and energized by the opportunities ahead to continue building a more sustainable, resilient future for the communities that we serve.”
As Idaho has grown, so has Jacobs. The Boise office now serves as home to more than 300 professionals across a diverse portfolio of services. From water and transportation to buildings, energy, environmental consulting, and advanced facilities, Jacobs has helped shape Idaho’s progress project by project, decade by decade.
A recent example of the company's impact in Idaho is the City of Nampa’s $182 million new wastewater treatment plant, delivered a year ahead of schedule and within budget through a progressive design-build approach. The Water Renewal Facility stands as the largest water reuse and design-build initiative in Idaho history. Designed to protect rivers and streams in the Treasure Valley, it also provides up to 15 percent of Nampa’s summer irrigation needs — an innovative step toward long-term water sustainability. This fall, the project will receive the Pacific Northwest WateReuse Association’s 2025 Award for Excellence, recognizing its leadership in water reuse and its impact on the region’s environmental future.
“Jacobs’ 75-year history in Idaho is built on trusted relationships and transformative projects — and the City of Nampa’s Water Renewal Facility is a perfect example,” Jacobs Idaho Client Account Manager Erin Cox said. “It’s been an incredible journey working with a forward-thinking city to deliver one of Idaho’s most ambitious water reuse programs. Seeing our work translate into real, lasting benefits for the community is what makes working at Jacobs so meaningful.”
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The Water Renewal Facility is a far cry from the Boise office’s very first project: a water system study for the Village of Heyburn, Idaho, which earned a $400 fee. Today, Jacobs continues to help communities and agencies of all sizes across Idaho thrive through resilient infrastructure and smart water solutions.
Jacobs has long supported Idaho’s transportation system, working with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Ada County Highway District, and the Local Highway Technical Council. Some recent projects include the U.S. 20/26 widening between Star Road and Middleton Road and the SH-16 greenfield highway, being delivered with Parametrix. In many small communities across Idaho, Jacobs serves as city or district engineer — guiding projects of all sizes and helping connect people through smarter infrastructure. Jacobs also played a key role in the historic GARVEE Program (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle), which enabled Idaho to invest nearly $857 million in highway improvements across six major corridors.
Jacobs is also helping shape the future of air travel in Idaho. At the Boise Airport, Jacobs serves as the owner’s representative for the multi-year capital expansion program, supporting planning, design, and initial operations for Concourse A and Concourse B improvements. This work is critical to accommodating an 81 percent increase in passenger demand and advancing the region’s economic development through modernized aviation infrastructure.
Additionally, Jacobs is helping shape spaces that serve communities through placemaking efforts that enhance how people live, work, and heal. The company has supported St. Luke’s Health System, providing structural, electrical, environmental, traffic, and geotechnical engineering, along with construction management services, to enhance health care environments across multiple campuses.
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Beyond design and construction projects, Jacobs provides operations, maintenance, and facilities solutions for municipal clients. The company is also involved in volunteerism and civic engagement.
“As someone who grew up in Idaho and has witnessed the growth in population and infrastructure demands, this milestone is deeply personal,” said John Barker, Jacobs Executive Director of Sales for the U.S. Northwest. “For 75 years, Jacobs has been more than just an engineering firm in Boise; we’ve been a trusted resource for communities across the state. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and excited for what the next 75 years will bring.”
