In her second State of the City Address, Mayor Lauren McLean spoke directly to the community about her priorities for housing, pathways, climate action and more. She also highlighted residents’ continued resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic, and honored community heroes who have stepped up during a challenging year.
Drawing from past periods of growth, change and pandemic in Boise, the mayor encouraged residents to continue doing what they have always done throughout our city’s history.
“From our earliest days, we are optimistic people who step up and care for each other,” said Mayor McLean. “We are creative, coming up with Boise solutions to challenges - which we see as opportunities. We work together to protect our residents and grow our economy all while addressing challenges, like climate, head on.”
Mayor McLean revealed to the community the City of Boise is on track to beat its city government 100% clean electricity goal well in advance of its 2030 target. The city is on track to meet the goal by 2023 – seven years early.
The mayor also announced several new priority projects, including the first pathway project stemming from extensive public outreach for the Boise Pathways Plan. The Tuttle lateral behind Milwaukee Park will open a connection between Milwaukee and Cole Road, thanks to a partnership with the Nampa Irrigation District.
Mayor McLean touted a partnership with the Pacific Companies to expand the impact of supportive services at New Path Community Housing by building 100 additional homes next door. She also proposed dedicating open land next to Fire Station 5 in downtown Boise for housing.
The City of Boise is launching an online engagement process for the investment of American Rescue Plan dollars. The mayor highlighted her own priorities for the funding including investing in housing, childcare, local businesses and food security programs.
Woven throughout her speech, Mayor McLean honored a variety of community heroes who stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the city’s healthcare workers to neighborhood organizers and restauranteurs who offer free meals for those in need, she thanked them for their commitment to our city and its residents. She also announced a key to the city will be permanently placed at Boise City Hall to honor the medical community’s perseverance and sacrifice, along with everyday heroes who have stepped up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, the mayor touched on the importance of memorializing our stories so future generations can understand how we weathered this period of growth and change, together. For this reason, the storytellers at Boise Contemporary Theater will serve as the city’s next Cultural Ambassador.
You can watch the mayor’s full State of the City Address online.