Boise City Council presents new youth roadmap aimed at mental health and engagement

The Boise City Council is taking significant steps to empower its youth through the introduction of a comprehensive Youth Roadmap, aimed at addressing the pressing needs and aspirations of young residents. During a recent council meeting, Garrett Lamb, the new director of community partnerships, presented the initiative, which seeks to create a strategic framework for youth engagement and support in Boise.

Council member Halliburton emphasized the importance of this roadmap, likening it to the city's Climate Action Roadmap, which serves as a guiding lens for city projects. He highlighted the need for a plan that ensures Boise is a nurturing environment for youth, particularly in light of rising concerns about mental health and the lack of structured opportunities for engagement. The roadmap aims to empower young people, giving them a voice in shaping their community and ensuring their needs are met.

The initiative will involve extensive community engagement, utilizing surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews to gather insights from youth, parents, educators, and city leaders. The research will focus on understanding the well-being and challenges faced by youth aged 5 to 20, with the goal of identifying gaps in existing services and developing actionable recommendations.

The timeline for the Youth Roadmap includes several phases, starting with research and community input through mid-2025, followed by analysis and reporting. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive report and a community engagement strategy to ensure ongoing youth involvement in city planning.

This initiative is not just about creating a document; it aims to foster lasting change in how the city supports its youth. By integrating youth perspectives into city planning and decision-making, Boise is positioning itself to better serve its younger population and create a more inclusive community for all. The council's commitment to this roadmap reflects a proactive approach to addressing the needs of its youth and ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.