Boise on the Block

Boise on the Block is a program that was created to help Boise businesses and restaurants remain open as our community was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Boise partnered with businesses and others, including the Downtown Boise Association and Capitol City Development Corporation, to expand restaurant patio seating to allow for appropriate physical distancing.

8^th Street

In the summer of 2020, the City of Boise did a pilot modification in the downtown Boise core along 8^th Street where we have more ownership of the streets and sidewalks.

See maps for location details:

• 8th Street - Idaho St. to Bannock St.
• 8th Street - Main St. to Idaho St.

With the success of this pilot, we are pleased to announce more concepts now available for businesses.

Boise City Council recently approved a concept redesign to keep the street closed to car traffic to enhance safety for disabled and vision-impaired community members. The redesign would also allow for expanded patio space for businesses.  

More Concepts

Boise on the Block has been well-received by the community, businesses and property owners. The City of Boise is currently in the process of refining the program to inform future decision-making. In partnership with a consultant, we are working to:

• Identify and prioritize improvements that will allow 8^th to be accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all members of our community.
• Identify design improvements that will benefit use of 8^th as a vibrant public space and create a supportive environment for adjacent businesses.
• Ensure improvements do not unduly hinder the operations of adjacent and nearby businesses.
• Provide recommendations to City of Boise leadership to make decisions regarding priority improvements (particularly about accessibility) and long-term configuration of the street.

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Sean Keithly
Economic Development Director
(208) 972-8528