Boise Mayor And City Council Work Session Highlights

Press release from the City of Boise:

May 26, 2021

Boise Mayor and the Boise City Council heard budget presentations from each city department on Tuesday. They will evaluate department priorities to ensure that city services continue at the high-level residents deserve while also being good stewards of taxpayer money.

The proposed budget will take advantage of the 3% allowable property tax increase, account for significant changes to tax policy made by the Idaho legislature, and add 39 employees to keep up with growth. With help from additional staff, continued innovation, and automation, city services will be better equipped to work alongside Boise as a growing city.

This proposed budget incorporates many of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and creates hybrid work models incorporating telework into the city work week.

The proposed budget will focus on the priorities residents have asked for. It will create more affordable housing, meet ambitious goals on our climate roadmap, invest in clean, safe transportation alternatives, and continue to help local businesses in the aftermath of the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Watch the entire presentation here.

Departments highlighted several achievements and plans during their presentations:

• The Boise Library announced a 70% increase in digital services last year. They also highlighted curbside pick up, grab and go kits, services for those experiencing homelessness.
• Parks and Recreation talked about the new trail at the Hawkins Range Reserve and an afterschool program at Hillcrest Elementary School.
• Boise Fire presented its plans to address growth and looked ahead to remodel Station 6 later this year.
• Boise Police also highlighted growth and discussed plans to continue community policing. They gave an update on Training and the mental health team.
• Arts and History highlighted three new public art pieces and restoration plans at the Erma Hayman House.
• Planning and Development Services Highlighted the growing permitting demand, and the new staff recently brought on to help with a 180% increase in permitting compared to before the pandemic.
• Public Works previewed their Climate Action Road Map and several clean city initiatives in the works for the coming year.
• The airport discussed several upgrades, including a new public parking garage and a possible new concourse.

The proposed budget document will be released on June 18th, followed by a detailed budget workshop on the 22nd. The proposed budget will have a public hearing on July 13th.

This press release was produced by the City of Boise. The views expressed here are the author’s own.