BOISE – Today, Mayor McLean will present a resolution to Boise City Council aimed at protecting Boise’s Foothills from further development. This historic move seeks to safeguard both the foothills and residents from increased wildfire and safety risks.
"We've seen the challenges that other cities face when they develop into foothills. From increased risk of wildfire to slower emergency response times to expensive infrastructure investments that costs our community—we are choosing to reduce those risks as our city grows," said Mayor Lauren McLean.
Under the new guidelines, new development would be limited to land already annexed by the city, restricting Boise’s foothills from any further zoning for development. The resolution cites that any additional building in the delicate landscape would increase wildfire risks, public health and safety concerns, and the lack of supportive infrastructure.
“The resolution presented today is another step towards our efforts of both protecting one our most precious natural resources and creating a safe city for everyone,” Mayor McLean continued. “It ensures that our foothills will remain in public hands in perpetuity and it’s an example of how we invest in our city’s future—creating and sustaining a safe community our kids, and theirs, will want to call home.”
Boise City Council will consider this proposal during the meeting at 6 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, January 27. Boise City Council meetings are free, and open to the public. You can attend in person at Boise City Hall or view the live stream here.
