Idaho Smart Growth

Rachel Winer - Executive Director, served as the Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Conservation League from 2000-2007 and was deeply involved in the successful 2001 Boise Foothills Levy. Rachel was the campaign manager for Neighbors Protecting Idaho, the group that defeated Proposition 2 and it’s efforts to eliminate land use planning in Idaho. She began her organizing career in Idaho in 1998 at United Vision for Idaho working with Idaho Rivers United, Snake River Alliance, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, Idaho Smart Growth, and Idaho Conservation League.

Rachel graduated with a B.A. in 1995 from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and in 1998 with a J.D. and Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Rachel is a graduate of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Boise program and is a member of the Boise Young Professionals. Rachel is a member of the City Club of Boise board of directors and the executive committee of the Urban Land Institute Idaho District Council.   The Idaho Business Review honored Rachel as a 2009 “Idaho Women of the Year” and  2007 “Accomplished Under 40” Award recipient and United Vision for Idaho awarded her 2006 “Environmentalist of the Year”. 

Elaine Clegg is our Special Projects Manager. She became Idaho Smart Growth Co-Director in May 1998 after serving on the project’s advisory committee. Elaine was elected to the Boise City Council in 2003 and served as Council President in 2007. An Idaho native, she has been an activist in growth management issues in the Boise area since 1984. She was a leader in the establishing the Hull 's Gulch Nature Preserve. Elaine has served as a director on many boards and currently serves on COMPASS, Valley Regional Transit, and the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership Boards of Directors and on the Idaho Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee. She has a B. A., Painting and Drawing from Boise State University, and is a professional graphic designer.

Deanna Smith, Community Organizer, joined the Idaho Smart Growth staff in 2006 after serving on the Board of Directors since the organization’s inception in 2001. She served five years as the President of the East End Neighborhood Association. She has been actively involved in community activities since moving to Boise in the 1980's, working in numerous staff positions in the non-profit community.  Deanna served as the Field Director for Neighbors Protecting Idaho, managed two successful city council candidate campaigns, and served as staff on several other electoral campaigns.  Deanna serves on the Blueprint for Good Growth Steering Committee in a volunteer capacity for Idaho Smart Growth. United Vision for Idaho recognized Deanna as 2008 “Administrator of the Year.”

Volunteers and Interns
Idaho Smart Growth has many opportunities for interns and volunteers.

Our 2009 summer interns are Karla Nelson, Kendelle Vogt, and Tim Wilcox. 

Current 2009 volunteers include:  Marilee Fuller, Danielle Hurd, Matt Brookshier, Eric Schuler, Zack Herzfeld, Lisa Semmler, Paul Cunningham, Ken and Lyn Winer, Sarah Martz, Meryl Lingard, Jane Rohling, Carmen Thomas, Donna Sullivan, Miguel Gaddi, Jill Giese, Sandra Breuer, Merritt Salathe, Cali Bogatko, and Sandi Perkey.  If we are missing your name here, please let us know by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).