Boise confronts growth: 7 articles examine housing, hazards and public needs
Boise is tackling complex challenges as its population grows and needs intensify. A Boise State study shows supportive housing like New Path has saved $9 million in emergency services, but homelessness is rising as affordable housing remains scarce. Residents have voiced concerns over dense developments like the 200-apartment building on Federal Way and worry about safety in fire-prone neighborhoods with only a single road for evacuation.
Climate change is also taking a toll, with extreme heat and wildfire smoke halting road maintenance projects. Amid these pressures, the city weighs historic preservation against redevelopment, as seen with the threatened demolition of the Nathan Smith House and approval of new infill apartments.
NO. 1: FIRES IN A GROWING PART OF BOISE COULD TRAP RESIDENTS. WHY IS THERE ONLY ONE ROAD OUT?
Hundreds of residents of three subdivisions in Southeast Boise near Micron have only one escape route: Columbia Road. Developers have plans for more homes. | Published November 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger
NO. 2: A STUDY SAYS BOISE’S APARTMENTS FOR THE HOMELESS WORK. SO WHY IS HOMELESSNESS STILL RISING?
January count shows 14% jump in homelessness in Ada County since last year. Official says rising housing cost, lack of housing stock drive the increase. | Published November 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Cutler
NO. 3: CLIMATE CHANGE TAKES AN UNEXPECTED TOLL ON ADA COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE. THIS IS HOW
2024 was an “abnormal” year, but it may become the new normal, a top Ada County Highway District official says. | Published November 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Cutler
NO. 4: THIS HISTORIC BUILDING WILL CHANGE AS A POPULAR CORNER OF DOWNTOWN BOISE GETS A MAKEOVER
The Cabin, a long-running literary arts nonprofit that has attracted national and international talent, is expanding near the Boise River Greenbelt. | Published January 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger
NO. 5: BOISEANS OPPOSED THIS 200-APARTMENT BUILDING. THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVED IT ANYWAY. WHY?
Neighbors argued the building was too tall, was too dense and didn’t fit the character of the neighborhood. It could start going up near Boise State University soon. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger
NO. 6: HOW THE BOISE SCHOOL BOARD JUST SURPRISED NEIGHBORS ANGERED BY A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Hundreds of Boiseans opposed the project, saying it could expose children to asbestos, cause traffic headaches and change the neighborhood. The Boise School District voted to buy it instead. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger
NO. 7: A HISTORIC BOISE HOME COULD BE DEMOLISHED OVER SAFETY CONCERNS. WHAT HAPPENED?
Fire damage makes it “impossible to justify the financial implications,” according to a Boise construction company. But “with enough money anything … can be repaired.” | Published May 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger…