Urban Renewal Legislation Update

House Bill 560, introduced by Representative Robert Schaefer (R-Nampa) would repeal Title 50, Chapter 20 of Idaho state law and eliminate urban renewal agencies. Currently H560 is held in committee, but several other bills dealing with urban renewal either eviscerate the abilities of this tool or have major technical problems.

The Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC), which manages the City of Boise’s urban renewal districts, opposes many of these bills as unnecessary and a threat to Boise’s ability to attract and retain businesses, generate economic development, promote job creation and encourage redevelopment of blighted areas.

Many of Boise’s best projects were funded through urban renewal, including The Grove Plaza, the Wells Fargo and One Capital Center buildings, BoDo, the 8th Street market, the Basque Block, the Convention Center and a long list of others.

Please inform yourself on this legislation and contact local area legislators and House Local Government Committee members to express your opinion as soon as possible.

PDF downloads:

CCDC Bill Positions 3-14-12

Report on Urban Renewal in Idaho

House Local Gov Committee

2012 Stakeholder Letter

Legislative Committee Testifying Tips

Legislative Committee Rules

2012 URA Bills

Urban Renewal in Idaho Talking Points

Last Year's Legislative Reforms (HB 95)

Urban Renewal Primer 2012

Downtown Boise Before-After Views