Last week, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced the formation of a Climate Action Division, a part of the Public Works Department. This is a way for the City of Boise to accelerate climate action, with the hopes that Boise will be recognized as a resilient city in the face of climate change.
“The formation of Boise’s first-ever Climate Action Division places climate solutions and innovation at the center of our efforts to create opportunity for everyone, take steps to ensure our community recovers economically, and prepares us for the future ahead”. - Mayor McLean
The City of Boise wants the community to be heavily involved in crafting solutions that reflect the energy, transportation, economic, and environmental values of residents and businesses. The Climate Action Division will seek innovative practices to create economic opportunity, ensure Boise leads and residents benefit. The plan will emphasize health and equity for all Boiseans as a focal point for developed actions and will include an environmental justice and health equity baseline report.
The team will be tasked with coordinating ongoing climate efforts including Boise’s Energy Future, which commits the city to 100% clean electricity by 2035. Efforts will include strategic water resource planning, the Transportation Action Plan, waste reduction, open space, and a forthcoming goal around methane and geothermal energy in the city.
Current Work and Future Efforts:
Energy
Target: 100% clean electricity for municipal operation by 2030 and 100% citywide clean electricity by 2035.
Current Actions: Geothermal, Solar, Net Zero Building, Boise’s Energy Future
Waste Reduction
Target: Reduce per capita waste sent to the landfill
Current Actions: Recycling, Composting, Plastics Challenge
Water
Target: Maximize water renewal in alignment with citizen feedback
Current Actions: Water Renewal Planning, Pure Water Brew, Water Renewal Services, Dixie Drain
Open and Green Space
Target: Protect and preserve green and open space in Boise
Current Actions: Open Space, Open Space & Clean Water Levy, Expansion of Hillside to Hollow Reserve, Boise Greenbelt Celebration
Food Systems
Target: Increase local food production and security
Current Actions: Boise Urban Green School, Spaulding Ranch, Twenty Mile South Farm
Transportation
Target: Prioritize alternative transportation modes and achieve a 10% reduction of drive alone trips by 2029.
Current Actions: Keep Boise Moving, Community Conversations on Transportation, State Street Project
Community in Action
Target: Continue to actively engage Boiseans for a better future
Current Actions: Livability Ambassadors, Environmental Education, Volunteer Opportunities, Giving Back
To learn more about the City of Boise and the Climate Action Division: City of Boise