Mayor Lauren McLean
I want to thank you for your patience, Boise. I am deeply grateful for all of you who have been staying apart to benefit the entire community. The physical distancing that has been so difficult for us all is working. Central District Health and the State of Idaho have been assessing data about the spread of the virus, healthcare capacity and our public health system’s ability to test, trace and isolate rapidly. We are carefully balancing public health with the reopening of our economy and have been cautiously optimistic we can ease restrictions and move with care toward recovery.
Governor Little announced today that the State of Idaho will move to Stage Two in his Idaho Rebounds plan. I support his cautious approach to how we safely re-open our state and community. It is important that we open slowly so we don’t suffer a spike in cases, resulting in shutting things back down. Our economy will rebound more quickly and stay strong for the long term if we are measured in our approach. I want to get everyone back to work so we can work together toward a resilient city for everyone.
Based on the state’s orders, and in consultation with Central District Health, we will adopt the Stage Two plan with some additional safety measures. I signed public health orders today, coinciding with the state’s plan, that will:
- require businesses to follow the business safety protocols as outlined by the state.
- provide for additional protection at our airport, allowing only travelers and essential workers and assistance aides be allowed in public areas;
- require physical distancing of six feet unless protocols have been issued by the state; and
- limit group gatherings to 10 people or less.
As we plan to get back to our lives, as we plan to reopen our businesses, we must do it in a safe and responsible manner. The City of Boise has been working diligently throughout this crisis on plans to reopen City Hall, city facilities and businesses throughout our community.
As we led in how we shut down operations, we are thoughtfully starting back into City Hall, requiring physical distancing, face masks and staff screenings. A list of openings and services is below.
I’m deeply grateful to our state, county and city partners collaboration and applaud everyone’s tireless work to keep everyone safe. In moments like these, people and community are our strength. We know we will pull through this together to become a stronger and more vibrant community.
What does Idaho Rebounds Stage Two Mean for Boise?
We ask, that as city facilities begin to open, that you practice good sense, keep a six-foot distance from those not in your immediate family and wear face coverings to continue keeping our community safe and healthy. Social ambassadors will continue to patrol our popular recreation areas and will be reminding people about staying safe and being a good neighbor.
Regular updates on all services and facilities can be found at the City of Boise’s COVID-19 Resource website or by calling (208) 608-7000.
City Department Openings
- City of Boise staff will increasingly be back in City Hall in phased reopening across city departments.
- City Council, Planning and Zoning, Design Review and Historic Preservation will continue to meet remotely, and remote public testimony will be facilitated.
- Maintenance and restoration will be operating at full-service levels.
- Department of Finance and Administration
- Code Enforcement: Limited follow-up on nuisance complaints with no public interaction required.
- Business Licensing: Processing for Security Personnel, Vendors, Solicitors, Security Company. Licenses are on-line application only. Fingerprinting by appointment only.
- E-Scooters are allowed.
- Abandoned Vehicles: Ramp up as complaints increase, no public interaction.
- Boise Fire Department – high-risk inspections and operational permits as needed.
- Public Works
- Waste Water Pre-Treatment: Significant Industrial User inspections (onsite inspections.)
- Stormwater: Resume response/field inspection to illicit discharge and pollution complaints.
- Water Renewal Utility Planning: Resume remote outreach efforts (public and Mayor and Council)
- The Library will begin curbside service at all locations and will be rolling this out in slow stages. Customers who already have items on hold will be served first. Tech appointments and computer access will be offered the Main Library by appointment.
- Parks and Recreation Openings - People can now:
- Ride the dirt trails at the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Bike Park. Pump tracks remain closed due to distancing concerns.
- Play a round at Quail Hollow Golf Course or Warm Springs Golf Course. Single rider cart rentals are also available.
- Use fenced dog parks in the City of Boise: Together Treasure Valley Dog Island, the Military Reserve Dog Park, Morris Hill Dog Park, Mariposa Park Dog Park, and Pine Grove Dog Park.
- Use trailhead restrooms and restrooms in our Ribbon of Jewels Parks: Ann Morrison, Quinn’s Pond, Esther Simplot, Julia Davis, Kathryn Albertson, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park and Marianne Williams Park. Restrooms at the Boise Bike Park and Camel’s Back Park are also open for use.
- Play tennis or pickleball at a park in Boise and play singles or doubles.
• Make a reservation for a City of Boise park shelter or picnic site for dates on or after June 1. - Visit the ponds and swim, fish or paddle at Quinn’s and Esther Simplot Park.
- Take a walk or ride your bike on the Greenbelt.
- Visit a park or use a trail in the Boise Foothills.
- Surf or kayak at the Boise Whitewater Park.