Farmland in the Treasure Valley is becoming developed due to sub-urbanization.The once valuable cultural history of southwestern Idaho is being replaced by an unsustainable way of living. Facing this developmental and cultural history dilemma is the city of Caldwell. Historically, the City of Caldwell was a vibrant community decades ago full of economic growth. However, over the past several decades, most of Caldwell now travels to other competing cities such as Nampa, Meridian,and Boise. Nonetheless, sub-urbanization has also dominated many of those surrounding city areas. Extending out to the far reaches of Caldwell, private property rights, have limited restrictions for development and the city continues to provide various subsidies for those suburban sprawlers. Currently Caldwell has introduced a progressive plan to rethink the city’s history, culture, and development. Receiving help from Caldwell’s Development Department, I collected preliminary data related to Caldwell’s plans and other poster child cities including Walla Walla,Washington and Rapid City,South Dakota. As a spokesman for Caldwell’s Identity, it is important to observe Caldwell through a historical, agricultural, economical, and developmental context. Then re-imagine Caldwell as an advocate for sustainable development while conserving farmland in the Idaho.

Farmland Depletion in the Treasure Valley and Caldwell's Progressive Plan