Latest news with #BoiseCityCouncil
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Boise City Council might ask voters for $11 million tax increase. Here's why
The Boise City Council is set to vote Tuesday on whether to put an $11 million open-space levy on the ballot this November. Council members will decide on a resolution that asks Boise voters for a voluntary tax increase. Property owners would see just under $10 more on their tax bill for every $100,000 of property value, according to a city memo from Mayor Lauren McLean's office. Boise staff have used previous open-space money to acquire property at Table Rock in the Foothills and buy land within the city for new parks. '(Without a new levy) we would have very limited ability to expand our open space, conservation, and parks and pathways program,' Council President Colin Nash said in a phone interview Monday. 'Waiting on new developers to propose new parks that they would dedicate is not a realistic way to acquire new parks.' Only a simple majority of voters would need to approve the levy. Levies in 2001 and 2015 passed with 59% and 74% approval, respectively. As of June, there's only about $1 million of that funding left, according to Doug Holloway, the city's outgoing parks and recreation director. The 2015 levy originally raised $10 million, which the city used to acquire nearly 1,800 acres in the Foothills and purchase three future park sites, Holloway told the City Council on June 10. 'Dirt is hard to come by in this community,' Holloway said. Overall, since 2001, the city has used about $19 million to buy properties worth at least to $43 million, he said. The money has also funded carbon sequestration research and goathead mapping and removal, according to his presentation. People who live in Boise love the parks and trails, Council Member Kathy Corless said in a phone interview Monday. It's healthy not to have all parts of the city developed, she said. 'Once (open space) is gone, we won't have access,' Corless said. Part of the goal is to address a lack of parks in West Boise, according to Corless, Nash and Alexis Pickering, the executive director of Conservation Voters for Idaho. The group is supporting the levy, as it did with the previous tax increase in 2015. Idahoans have been loud in their support for public lands in recent weeks because of provisions U.S. Sen. Mike Lee kept trying to insert in President Donald Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Lee, R-Utah, proposed selling some public lands, stating the proceeds would help to address housing affordability. However, the bill did not include any language requiring such housing to be affordable. After public outcry, part of Idaho's congressional delegation opposed the bill. The provision was ultimately removed. Pickering said by phone Monday that she believes the widespread opposition to the provision makes it more likely people will approve this levy if the council puts it on the ballot. 'I also think it demonstrates to folks that we can't take these lands for granted,' Pickering said. 'We can't just assume that folks are always going to be looking out for what we believe are inherent values and interests, because clearly, that's not the case.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Harris Ranch could soon add businesses, shopping & food carts. What's the plan?
Southeast Boise's Harris Ranch has been a long-time coming. Nine days after the city first approved the development nearly two decades ago, Apple released the first iPhone. Low-rise jeans were still popular, the last Harry Potter book was about to hit bookshelves and Rihanna's Umbrella was the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, plans are finally inching forward for a central plaza and commercial district. Single-family homes, condos and town houses fill the 1,300-acre master-planned community, but there's a distinct and — at times for residents — frustrating lack of businesses in the area. The nearest grocery store is the Albertsons at Southshore Shopping Center, a roughly 45-minute walk from Boise Fire Station No. 15 on the western edge of Harris Ranch. Aside from a few food and coffee options on either side of Harris Ranch and a smattering in Bown Crossing, there are no restaurants, dining spots or cafes for neighbors to gather. That could soon change. The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area. A lawsuit has delayed some of the development in Harris Ranch, including the park and town center. That lawsuit came after some homeowners said that a special taxing district in the area requires them to pay about 40% higher taxes than homeowners outside the district, with the Harris family's property and some other older homes excluded from the district. The extra taxes go toward paying for public improvements like roads, parks and roundabouts. A district judge ruled in favor of the taxing district, but homeowners brought the case to the Idaho Supreme Court and are awaiting oral arguments. As the case simmers, the developers are proceeding with their plans. According to Gary Veasy, the president of the Barber Valley Neighborhood Association, the City Council's May 13 approval is likely the final design entitlement before construction can begin. Doug Fowler, the president of Barber Valley Development, previously told the Statesman that the town center and village green will be the highlight of the community. High Rhodes Investment Co., which is based in Irvine, California, is developing the town center and village green. '(It's) what everybody, including us, is waiting for,' Fowler said then. The approved plans offer three possible designs, including: A park running along Warm Springs Avenue with commercial buildings to the park's north and a park the width of a street extending in a line northeast to Wolf Tree Street. Commercial buildings along Warm Springs Avenue that would create a barrier between the busy road and a central park. A linear park would run through the center of the commercial district and end at Wolf Tree Street. A large green space taking up most of the land between Warm Springs Avenue and Haystack Street, with commercial and parking spaces taking up the two blocks to its north. Hethe Clark of Boise's Clark Wardle law firm, which represents Barber Valley Development, said the second option with commercial buildings along Warm Springs Avenue was the most likely option. 'The idea here is to try to accommodate areas that allow you to stroll, to dine, to get together, to meet, to play and to be entertained,' Clark said during the City Council hearing. 'And really, what that came down to was the idea of making a more pedestrian-friendly town center with a linear open space through the center.' Original plans for Harris Ranch called for a similar village green and town center, but Fowler said times had changed and that 'we have to be wise enough to recognize when we can make it better.' Those early plans called for a northern Main Street that would have included restaurants, offices and shops styled after Hyde Park, and a European piazza-style town square, according to prior Statesman reporting. That plan included a middle block with a pedestrian-only street, an outdoor dining area and food hall, according to prior Statesman reporting. The southern tip along Warm Springs Avenue would have included a community space with room for a farmer's market or food trucks. According to Clark, the new plans reallocate — but do not reduce — the amount of the open space, homes and commercial space previously proposed. Plans for Harris Ranch call for roughly 5 acres of open space, nearly 2,500 homes and almost 845,000 square feet of commercial space. City Council members were eager to see the project come to fruition and heaped praise on Harris Ranch and the developers. 'I really see it as what will hopefully be a crown jewel in that neighborhood,' said Council President Pro Tem Meredith Stead. 'I know the residents are eager to receive it and see it complete.' For a snapshot of changing Treasure Valley, visit this Boise-area city Want to buy a unique Idaho property? You could shoot your shot with a gun range An out-of-state developer has ideas for Boise's housing shortage. What's coming Tacos, lofts, art & cargo containers: SE Garden City is changing. What's next?
Int'l Business Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Red State Cities Troll Lawmakers by Adopting Official Rainbow Flags to Work Around Ban on Pride Flags
The capital cities of Idaho and Utah have approved new diversity-themed flags in a move to sidestep recently passed legislation banning the display of unofficial flags on government property. Salt Lake City's council voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt three new city flags: one styled after the rainbow Pride flag, one reflecting the pink, blue and white of the transgender flag, and another marking Juneteenth. All three designs include the city's signature sego lily, making them official and thereby legal under the state's new rules. "Our city flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City's values," Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement. "We value diversity, equity and inclusion... We are united as a city and people, moving forward together." Boise followed suit, officially designating both the Pride flag and a flag promoting organ donation as city flags. "This is our lawful expression of our dedication to ensuring all members of our community feel seen, respected, and welcome," Boise City Council President Colin Nash said in a statement. Utah's law, HB 77, bars public schools and government agencies from flying any flag not explicitly listed, which includes U.S., state and city flags, military and college flags, and a few other exceptions. Idaho passed a similar law earlier this year. Though LGBTQ+ flags aren't mentioned by name, the law's key backers openly admit their intent was to remove them. The Trump administration issued a similar directive in January, barring unapproved flags from federal buildings with its "One Flag Policy," part of a broader push to abandon DEI initiatives. Utah Republicans condemned the move, with State House Speaker Mike Schultz dismissing the new flags as "political theatrics," the Salt Lake Tribune reported. State Sen. Dan McCay mocked the city by posting photos of altered flag designs featuring a Trump MAGA logo and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' emblem. Under HB 77, cities can be fined $500 per day for displaying unapproved flags — but the new Salt Lake and Boise flags now fall under the law's narrow definition of permissible city flags. Originally published on Latin Times
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Two cities unveil new designs to sidestep states' pride flag bans
Two cities unveil new designs to sidestep states' pride flag bans Show Caption Hide Caption Pride flag colors, explained: Meanings behind the rainbow colors The rainbow Pride flag has become a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. Here's how the flag came to be and what its colors represent. City leaders in Boise and Salt Lake City on Tuesday, May 6 introduced new official flags to support LGBTQ+ rights, sidestepping laws in both states that prohibit the display of pride flags and other so-called "unofficial" flags. The western states' laws, both passed this year by Republican-majority legislatures, resulted in effective bans on the display of pride flags on government properties. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and city council members on Tuesday adopted three new city flags meant to 'most accurately reflect the values of the city and its residents,' a news release said. They include a rainbow pride flag, a flag recognizing Juneteenth and a transgender visibility flag. Visual Guide: All the pride flags and their meanings Boise City Council's Tuesday vote designated the rainbow pride flag as an official city flag, taking a similar approach to its southeastern neighbor to bypass the new flag restrictions. 'Our city flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City's values,' Mendenhall, a Democrat, said. 'I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity and inclusion − leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.' In addition to pride flags, Salt Lake City's new flags also include a 'Celebration Flag' recognizing Juneteenth and the city's Black and African American residents and a 'Visibility Flag' representing the city's transgender residents. Boise also added a flag promoting organ donation to its collection of official city flags. Utah's law, which went into effect March 27 without Republican Gov. Spencer Cox's signature, banned government agencies and public schools from displaying flags on public property unless explicitly named in the bill. This list of approved flags include the American flag, the state flag, city flags, flags of other countries and states, military flags and flags of universities and public schools. Idaho's law, which was signed into law by Republican Gov. Brad Little April 4, lays down the same bans and flag exemptions. In a statement released a few days ahead of the vote, Boise mayor Lauren McLean said the Idaho flag bill created 'division, confusion, and conflicts' in the capital city and across the state. 'The City of Boise will continue to fly the flags on City Hall Plaza that represent our community and speak to our values of caring for people and welcoming all,' McLean said. 'This resolution formalizes which flags are considered the official flags of our city.' Kathryn Palmer is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boise adds two official flags in latest jab at Legislature's new law
The Boise City Council made the Pride flag a city flag Tuesday to get around a new state law. The Legislature earlier this year banned most flags from flying on government property, but left an exception for 'the official flag of a governmental entity.' Cheers, boos and expletives erupted from the crowd during the rowdy meeting. Five of Boise's council members voted yes on the resolution — saying that everyone was welcome and safe in Boise. Luci Willits, the lone no vote, said she felt the city had to uphold the law and that constituents didn't want the change. 'I know that people who identify with this flag want to be seen,' Willits told the waiting crowd inside the meeting. 'I want you to know that I see you, even if I disagree with having this be an official flag.' The city also designated a National Donate Life Month banner as an official flag, meaning Boise now has three official flags. The resolution itself says an official flag is any one the mayor declares as official. Some council members focused on the economic and emotional benefits of having a pro-LGBTQ+ city. Council President Colin Nash said he empathized with people who are afraid of being open to the world. 'There are so many folks that live lives of quiet desperation, every single day in our community, who carry with them a secret,' Nash said. 'I hope just once that the city of Boise's flag, that someone will see that and know that they are not alone.' As the officials spoke, audience members interrupted and argued among themselves, including complaints that the city didn't take public comment on the change. The resolution was on the consent agenda, which typically doesn't include time for comments. Over an hour before the meeting, dozens of protesters and observers were filling up the spaces between police barricades in front of City Hall. Garrett Richardson, who said he identifies as gay, came to the meeting to speak in opposition. He said he has voted Democrat but feels politically homeless right now, and he views the flag as signaling support for liberal causes more than the LGBTQ+ community. He said Boise should focus on concrete actions to help LGBTQ+ Boiseans, like expanding sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment services. 'I was born and raised here and I experienced a ton of homophobia in school,' Richardson said. 'I don't think any flag could ever fix that.' Other people came to the event to show support for LGTBQ+ children. At least one other city in Idaho is trying to potentially find a way around the new law, which also allows for displaying the U.S. flag, flags of any state, flags of any U.S. military branches and units, the POW/MIA flag, flags of Indian tribes and flags of Idaho public schools, colleges and universities. An hour after Boise's city council meeting started, Bonners Ferry councilors gathered to discuss their longtime display of the Canadian flag. The flag is a 'sign of friendship' and a recognition of Canadian tourism's impact on the economy, Bonners Ferry City Attorney Andrakay Pluid wrote in a memo. Once the law was in place, the Idaho Attorney General's Office contacted Bonners Ferry asking the city to take down the Canadian flag, according to the online council agenda. The Attorney General's Office declined to comment. Pluid presented three options to the council: The two simplest options were to keep flying the flag and risk a lawsuit or stop flying it. However, the city also could use part of the law allowing flags to commemorate special occasions and declare a year-round 'special occasion' recognizing the relationship with Canada, the city attorney said. 'It's an untested issue,' Pluid wrote in a memo to the council. It was unclear at the time of publication what action Bonners Ferry would take. Cities have been grappling with the law since it went into effect April 3, in part because it has no enforcement mechanism. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador also sent a letter to the city of Boise warning of potential consequences. Recently, the city announced several lawyers had volunteered to represent the city pro bono if there's legal action about the flags. Thad Butterworth, chairman of the Ada County Republicans, told the Statesman he thought the bill was 'reasonable' in its attempt to eliminate partisanship from government entities. However, Butterworth said he was concerned that legislators hadn't included a way to enforce the law. Several Ada County Republicans were planning to attend the meeting unofficially, he said. Even as the council members moved on to more mundane business, protesters kept arguing outside. A local right-wing provocateur tried to burn a Pride flag on a cross, but ultimately left. People hurled insults as the police started taking down the barricades. Eventually the crowd dispersed. All that was left were chalk messages, reading 'Rainbows are 4 everyone' and 'love wins.' Earlier, Becky Prew had sat among the sidewalk designs, wearing a pride shirt. She came to support her LGBTQ+ son, who had moved away from Idaho because of homophobia. During the Legislative session, photographs given to legislators on the House floor included the Pride flags at Boise City Hall. 'I think it's unfortunate. I mean I don't think we're a city that should be so divided. We were never like this,' Prew said. 'I don't understand why (LGBTQ+ people) are the target of this.' Boise-area sheriff criticizes a new Idaho law he says police can't enforce Boise is still flying Pride flag. Citing new law, Idaho AG sends warning letter
