In 2025, the City of Boise initiated the creation of a comprehensive Youth Roadmap by engaging the community and developing recommendations for City and community partners to strengthen outcomes for young people across Boise. This research during spring and summer of 2025 included conducting focus groups, key-informant interviews of leaders in city departments and youth-serving organizations, and surveys of over 1,000 youth, parents, and community members.
The roadmap inventories the robust ways city programs support youth wellbeing, learning, creativity, safety, and career exploration. Together, these departments deliver thousands of enriching experiences each year through classes, camps, field trips, free community events, grant opportunities, inclusive programs, mentorship, internships, and seasonal employment. The roadmap also identifies gaps in community support and details a foundational plan to coordinate city and community efforts around a shared framework for supporting youth wellbeing, expanding access to opportunities, and improving the infrastructure that enables young people to thrive. The roadmap also provides strategic recommendations where City departments and youth-serving organizations can address these gaps by leading, convening, and collaborating to reduce barriers and improve access for all families.
The roadmap recommendations revolve around the following identified need areas:
Boise's Youth Roadmap
The City of Boise Youth Roadmap is a strategic initiative designed to:
- understand the experiences, needs, and aspirations of Boise’s youth by listening to the perspectives of teens, parents, city departments, and community stakeholders;
- evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of current youth services; and
- develop strategic recommendations and policy improvements that strengthen youth participation and well-being. These recommendations serve as a shared vision and long-term strategy for supporting Boise’s next generation.
Create a safe and healthy city for all by ensuring all Boise youth have access to prevention, early intervention, and recovery supports that promote mental wellbeing.
Create opportunities for all by expanding access to youth enrichment, recreation, arts, social connection, and workforce development programs across all Boise neighborhoods.
Create movement and connection for all by improving transportation, neighborhood amenities, and third spaces so that every young person can safely and reliably reach programs, services, and supportive environments.
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