Mayor Mclean Joins President Biden, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra For CHIPS Announcement

Mayor McLean is in Syracuse, NY today with other senior elected officials and Micron executives for President Biden’s official announcement of a $6.1 billion grant to Boise based company, Micron. The proposed funding would enable Micron’s investment in DRAM fab in Boise, co-located with Micron’s Research and Development facilities. The expansion represents the single largest private investment Idaho’s history and affirms Boise is a key player in the semiconductor industry.

“I’m thrilled that our own home-grown company, Micron, will receive transformational funding through the CHIPS & Science Act and I thank President Biden for his leadership and commitment to growing American jobs and companies,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “This CHIPS investment makes possible the once in a lifetime investment here in Boise and in Central New York. We look forward to the continued progress Micron makes through these federal investments in chip manufacturing, as Boise and Central New York become national and global hubs for memory technology.”

Boise has long been a key player in the semiconductor industry, both domestically and abroad. Today’s announcement secures that standing, bolstering the City of Boise’s efforts to attract employers that share our vision of creating a city for everyone, support our diverse workforce, and continue encouraging innovation and growth right here in Boise.

“From the moment Micron started looking for a home for its future R&D and manufacturing, I made it a priority to do everything we could to help them succeed here in Boise because I knew how much it would mean for our community,” continued McLean. “Our team worked with the state, the region, businesses, labor unions and others to make sure our residents had the opportunity that comes with winning this expansion.

And then, we got to work on making sure the Administration picked Micron's Boise facility for a CHIPS investment. This investment supports a local company and helps us achieve our goals of building a strong future for everyone in Boise. From day one, I've made it a priority to invest in housing, transportation, childcare, clean energy, and clean water so that in ten years, the kids in STEM classes today will have the chance to create memory of the future with a great job right here at home.”

The City of Boise worked closely with partners to win and prepare for Micron’s expansion. The CHIPS grant will complement significant new investments in critical infrastructure, workforce development and more in Idaho and Boise including:

• Developing some of the most innovative water treatment technology in the world at Boise’s Advanced Water Treatment Pilot to enhance infrastructure capacity and build water resiliency.
• The establishment of the Clean Energy Your Way program by Idaho Power that will share renewable electricity with Micron and help make progress toward the city’s clean energy commitments.
• Dedicating permitting guidance and expedited review services to ensure speed-to-market for CHIPS funding priorities.
• Creation of the new Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research at Boise State University that will serve as a hub for microelectronics programs.
• Idaho LAUNCH, established in 2023 with $75 million in funding, is connecting residents across the state with training programs in in-demand fields including semiconductor manufacturing, with another nearly $80 million appropriation in 2024.
• $4.2 million grant from the state Workforce Development Council to expand the College of Western Idaho’s Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Program.
• A Registered Apprenticeship Program partnership between the College of Western Idaho, Idaho Manufacturing Alliance, and Micron for Manufacturing Technician, Equipment Technician, and Lab Technician roles.
• The Semiconductor for All program through Boise State University is creating education pathways into the semiconductor industry through coursework, summer camps, and hands-oh experiences; and
• The Northwest University Semiconductor Network which includes Boise State University and Idaho State University aims to increase students’ opportunities for experiential learning across the semiconductor ecosystem.

“Semiconductors power our lives, from our computers to smart phones and even cars. They are integral to industries in every segment of our interconnected economy – from healthcare technology to telecommunications, agricultural processes, consumer goods and electronics, and so much more,” said McLean. “The city has been building the partnerships necessary to creating a business-ready environment that supports this kind of economic development and we’ll continue to focus on diversifying our economy to provide opportunities for our residents.”