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Compass executive director presents regional growth forecast and funding shortfall to Star council
Summary
Compass executive director Craig Rayborn told the Star City Council the region faces rapid growth (Star-area population projected to double by 2055) and a multibillion-dollar transportation funding shortfall; Compass offered technical assistance, small planning grants, and a November–December legislative engagement strategy.
Craig Rayborn, executive director of Compass, briefed the Star City Council on regional transportation planning and the agency’s outreach activities. Rayborn described Compass as an association of local governments responsible for regional planning tasks — long-range transportation planning (Communities in Motion), technical assistance, project development, demographic and travel-demand modeling, and grant support.
Rayborn highlighted population projections for the Treasure Valley and Star area, telling councilors that Compass’s conservative estimate puts Star’s current population impact area at roughly 23,000 people and projects it could reach about 46,000 by 2055. He said the region’s long-range plan identifies approximately $16.5 billion in needs over 20-plus years with just over $11 billion in currently expected revenues, leaving an unfunded gap of about $5.4 billion (roughly $193 million per year).
To address that gap, Compass’s board approved a 2026 legislative strategy focused on modest revenue increases and targeted growth-impact measures; Rayborn said Compass plans a regional legislative summit in early December to present priorities to the Treasure Valley delegation and a statewide reception to build support for urban-area transportation needs.
Rayborn described Compass’s resource-development program — small planning grants (about $25,000), application-based planning study awards, technical support for grant writing, data services, and letters of support — and urged Star staff and elected officials to apply by the November 19 deadline for current solicitations. He pointed to recent Compass successes (State Highway 16 segment, pedestrian bridge in Eagle) and emphasized the agency’s role coordinating between jurisdictions, federal/state programs and national associations.
The presentation prompted questions from the mayor and council about regional projection assumptions, the timeline for TIP and roadway projects, and how Compass coordinates with ACHD and ITD on corridor improvements. Rayborn said Compass will continue to support local agencies with modeling, project development, and legislative outreach.
Key quote: "Our board just yesterday approved our 2026 state legislative strategy where the primary priority is increasing revenues and addressing growth impacts," Rayborn said.
Why it matters: Compass’s long-range forecasts and legislative outreach shape expectations for future regional investments that could influence local road projects, collector classifications and timing of improvements that developers rely on when designing subdivisions.
