Boise’s Vision 2025: Shaping Legislative Directions for the Future

Addressing Geothermal Infrastructure Demands

The City of Boise oversees the largest municipally operated geothermal heating system in the nation, providing heat to more than 90 structures across downtown Boise. With the rising interest in this system, fueled by business proprietors and housing developers, the city recognizes that the expansion of our geothermal system is a vital resource to fulfill the community’s energy requirements and enhance public access to a critical natural resource. To address these increasing demands, the city is advocating for a modification to the existing Low Temperature Geothermal regulations to facilitate higher volume use without necessitating a corresponding water right. The elimination of the water right stipulations would solely be approved if the Low Temperature Geothermal water is utilized exclusively for heating purposes and is reinjected back into the aquifer, reflecting the City’s practice. We seek legislative backing for this essential alteration so that more enterprises can utilize this significant, regional and natural energy source. 

Affordable Housing

The City of Boise’s continues dedication to resolving housing affordability, with a specific focus on creating more homes within Boise’s budget and safeguarding existing affordable residences for both homeowners and renters alike. We aim to collaborate with the State to jointly tackle the housing needs of the state. 

• State Investments: Maintain allocations in the State’s workforce housing trust fund to provide essential gap financing for developers pursuing the creation of affordable housing in any community across the state.
• Tax Incentives: Explore the introduction of further tax incentives – either tax credits or exemptions – that would equip developers with another vital resource to participate in the affordable housing sector and expand available units across numerous Idaho communities.
• Tenant Protections: Implement additional tenant protections within state law to guarantee clear cost and fee details in leases, as renters continue to navigate a costly and competitive rental market.

Enhancing City Services

In our city, we strive to deliver dependable public amenities largely influenced by the input and requirements of our residents. Thus, we will be monitoring legislation that seeks to affect crucial city operations or services, such as: 

• Municipal budget authority and property tax permissions to guarantee the city can adequately finance all its public programs, such as personnel in public safety, wastewater systems, and well-maintained parks.
• Investment in transportation to assure safe streets, accessible public transit, and a renewed focus on infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Community initiatives and partner organizations that contribute to vibrant neighborhoods and diverse businesses, ensuring Boise is a city for all.