Ada County adopts America 250 proclamation and outlines county employee events for 2026

The Ada County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 21 to endorse the America 250 in Idaho commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and to support county‑level programs and outreach in 2026.

A commissioner read the proclamation into the record, noting Governor Brad Little’s July 2024 proclamation establishing the state commemoration and calling for local engagement. The board resolved to appoint an America 250 in Idaho ambassador to coordinate local efforts, display an exhibition in county facilities through 2026, and forward a copy of the proclamation to the state advisory council.

Chief deputy clerk (Speaker 5) described planned county activities for employees and county facilities: timed red‑white‑and‑blue exterior courthouse lighting, themed plantings on the courthouse grounds, a large lobby banner, a traveling kiosk/exhibition to visit county facilities, newsletter features with elected officials' reflections on the Declaration of Independence, and a county employee gathering in June 2026 where staff will wear red, white and blue and take a large group photo. County employee signatures will also be collected for inclusion on a statewide commemorative scroll assembled by the advisory council.

Board members thanked staff and encouraged employees and the public to read the Declaration of Independence as part of the commemoration. The board approved the proclamation by motion and voice vote; staff will publish event details in the county newsletter and coordinate with the state advisory council on the signature scroll.