U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and HUD Secretary Scott Turner visited the 2nd South Market in Twin Falls, Idaho, to observe the state’s first completed Opportunity Zone (OZ) project and its first food hall. The visit included meetings with owners Lisa and Dave Buddecke, where discussions centered on the effects of the OZ program and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for local residents.
During the event, Senator Crapo stated, “Permanence of the 2017 Trump tax cuts was a top priority of mine when drafting the One Big Beautiful Bill. Permanency provides the consistency needed to help drive success for American businesses, communities, families and workers. 2nd South Market is a shining example of the Opportunity Zone Program at work in Idaho. It is a first-of-its-kind in the state, and I hope there will be more development like it in the Magic Valley soon. I could not be happier to be joined today by Secretary Turner, Lisa and her husband Dave, and other members of the Magic Valley community.”
Secretary Turner commented on recent changes to federal law: “Thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Opportunity Zones are now a permanent part of the tax code. This much needed continuity allows for the creation of more jobs, the construction of more homes, and the revitalization of more forgotten neighborhoods across the country. I am delighted to join Senator Crapo and the Magic Valley community today in the great state of Idaho to witness first-hand how Opportunity Zone projects like 2nd South Market are transforming the lives of Idahoans and breathing new life into the state.”
Lisa Buddecke reflected on her experience as an entrepreneur: “Were it not for this building’s location in an Opportunity Zone, developing Idaho’s first food hall would not have been possible,” she said. “We hope our small success story serves as a catalyst for future projects – not just in Twin Falls and Idaho – but across rural communities throughout the country. Local business successes can happen when a great federal program like this make them possible.”
Idaho State Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon addressed broader regional impact: “Southern Idaho has become one of the most successful rural regions in the country, and programs like the New Markets Tax Credit and the Trump Administration’s Opportunity Zones are a big reason why,” he said. “With Senator Crapo’s support of these important tools, we’ve been able to attract investment, create jobs, and transform communities across the Magic Valley. The results speak for themselves—Southern Idaho is thriving.”
The 2nd South Market operates from a renovated historic building originally constructed in 1926 as a blacksmith shop. The facility includes over 13,000 square feet indoors with seven local vendors employing about 80 people collectively; there is also nearly 15,000 square feet outdoors for social gatherings.
Opportunity Zones were created under provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017 to boost private investment in low-income urban areas as well as rural locations experiencing low economic activity. In its initial two years nationally—and including within Idaho—more than half (54 percent) of designated zones saw investments.
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law on July 4th, 2025; it made permanent enhancements to OZs with particular emphasis on driving capital toward rural communities while giving governors authority over expansion decisions regarding targeted zones alongside instituting new reporting requirements designed to measure effectiveness.
