REDI is proud to have our CEO, Teresa McKnight represent Eastern Idaho as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Advisory Council, contributing regional insight into the economic conditions impacting households, businesses,, and financial systems across the Twelfth District.
During the most recent council discussions, members shared real-time perspectives on how current economic conditions are affecting households. Across regions, rising costs for housing, utilities, food, and transportation continue to place significant pressure on household budgets, particularly for low- and moderate-income families.
Council observations also highlighted a concerning shift in financial stability. Many households are experiencing reduced financial cushions, with increases in credit card balances, loan delinquencies, and reliance on higher-cost financial products. At the same time, nonprofit and support organizations are seeing growing demand for housing assistance, food security programs, and crisis-based services, reflecting the strain many families are facing.
More broadly, discussions pointed to a “K-shaped” economic landscape, where higher-income households continue to drive much of the spending, while others face tightening financial conditions. This divide reinforces the importance of monitoring both macroeconomic trends and on-the-ground impacts across different income levels and regions.
Through participation on the Advisory Council, REDI helps ensure that the economic realities of Idaho and the broader Intermountain West are represented in national-level conversations. These insights play a critical role in informing monetary policy, financial system stability, and economic decision-making.
REDI remains committed to bringing forward the perspectives of employers, workforce, and regional stakeholders to support informed policy and sustainable economic growth.
Read more about what the CAC and the San Francisco Fed’s other Advisory Councils discussed in their recent meetings here: https://www.frbsf.org/research-and-insights/blog/sf-fed-blog/2026/05/06/advisory-council-observations-march-2026/