Approved Projects
In May 2022, Boise City Council approved more than $34 million American Rescue Plan funds to go directly into the community to serve Boiseans who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 through investments in childcare, food security, housing, mental health and small business support.
Community Projects include:
$12 million for Affordable Housing:
The mayor’s number one priority is ensuring there are homes for everyone. These funds will keep the city on track to meet its goals of creating 1,250 units of affordable housing for families earning 60% of the area median income and creating 250 new units of permanent supportive housing for families exiting homelessness.
$10 million for Climate Action:
The mayor understands that taking bold climate action, as outlined in Boise’s Climate Action Roadmap, will create a more resilient community and economy. These funds will help the city transition its buildings to clean energy, preserve and expand the use of surface water for irrigation, and allow the purchase of more renewable electricity in the future.
$2 million to Connect Our Parks:
Boise is a very safe place to live, but the mayor is working to make it even safer. This project will install smart lighting systems, security cameras, and defibrillators in some of our biggest parks. These funds will also help people connect to financial and educational opportunities by wiring Ann Morrison Park, Julia Davis Park, and Cecil D. Andrus Park with public Wi-Fi hot spots, charging stations, internet access ports, and more.
$3 million for Childcare:
Mayor McLean is helping to find solutions to the affordable childcare shortage. Beginning August 1 – 31, 2022 childcare providers and workers will be eligible to apply for a one-time payment of $1,500. If you are a childcare provider, licensed in Boise, you will be eligible to apply on August 1. If you have any questions, please email RISEhelp@idahoaeyc.org.
Apply
$2 million for Local Small Businesses:
The mayor knows that creating a new resilient economy means supporting our local small businesses. These funds will go directly to helping small businesses in the city and ensuring people who work there get a livable wage. Businesses can apply this summer/fall.
$1.5 million for Food Security:
Mayor McLean is helping families facing hunger. This project develops a local food system where a lead agency works with service providers. Non-profits can apply to take part this summer/fall.
$2 million for Mental Health:
The mayor is improving access to mental health, which has become a bigger issue for Boiseans after the pandemic. This project supports mental health providers and programs that target underserved and uninsured people, and it also grows group therapy opportunities. Non-profits and local providers are invited to apply.
Apply
