Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Boise City staff outline update to 1979 historic preservation plan; consultant near contract
Summary
City staff told the Boise City Historic Preservation Commission that a consultant contract with Northwest Vernacular is expected in early October and that the update will include data collection, public outreach and a multi-step plan adoption process with public meetings in October and November.
Boise City Historic Preservation Commission members heard an update on an effort to replace the city's 1979 historic preservation plan and strengthen the Boise Historic Preservation Program. Richard, a Boise City historic preservation staff member, said the city expects to be under contract with the consultant Northwest Vernacular by early October and plans public meetings in October and November.
The update matters because the existing plan dates from 1979 and staff told the commission the update will "strengthen Boise Historic Preservation Program, update policies based on current trends and best practices, integrate sustainability and equity such as unrepresented communities, guide city departments, city council, and historic preservation commission on preservation activities, and provide public engagement and educational opportunities," according to Richard.
Staff described the project in three phases: (1) data collection and analysis to establish a baseline; (2) public and stakeholder outreach to shape goals and vision; and (3) plan development and adoption integrating findings and community input. Richard said the timeline calls for a project start in early October, public meetings in October and November, deliverables for phases 1 and 2 due on 12/31/2025, a draft plan due in March, a second draft due in June and a final plan due September 1 (dates as stated in the presentation).
A commissioner on the Historic Preservation Commission said calendars fill quickly and urged staff to schedule commission work sessions as soon as dates are available. Richard said staff planned the outreach in October and November specifically to complete public engagement before the winter holiday season, noting that waiting would likely push substantive engagement to the new year.
Staff and commissioners discussed public engagement methods; Richard said the outreach approach will be finalized with the consultant but will likely include design charrettes, questionnaires and public meetings and that neighborhood associations (including the East End and other historic neighborhoods) and under‑represented communities will be invited. He said commission participation is expected during work sessions, hearings and other activities.
Richard reminded the commission that the final preservation plan will follow the city's adoption process: the Historic Preservation Commission will provide a recommendation to City Council for formal adoption. No formal vote or final policy action on the plan was taken at this meeting.
Next steps: staff expects to finalize the consultant contract, post public meeting dates, and begin data collection and outreach in October and November as described.
