Idaho Smart Growth

Creating Quality Infill

Infill development can create vibrant, healthy communities, preserve air quality, provide affordable housing, and promote economic vitality. Infill takes advantage of existing infrastructure, therefore minimizing additional costs to taxpayers. Infill can create the kind of density needed to support public transportation and strong local economies.  On the other hand, poorly designed infill can burden neighborhoods and gives density a “bad name,” making it increasingly difficult to create strong, vibrant communities  , while outdated policies and regulations can make infill difficult and expensive.

In 2009, Idaho Smart Growth and the Urban Land Institute (ULI)  produced a report including model ordinance language and recommendations ranked by priority and hold public workshops. You can download the report here , the executive summary here, and the powerpoint presentation here.

In 2011 and 2012, Idaho Smart Growth will be implementing the quality infill recommendations through Project Incentive.  Project Incentive's first two areas of focus are:

• Clarifying ex parte guidelines in Idaho; and
• Piloting a priority area incentive project in Boise.

Volunteer committees have formed for each of these focus areas.  If you are interested in joining one of the committees, contact rachelATidahosmartgrowth.org or call 208-333-8066.

Click here to read about our work clarifying ex parte guidelines in Caldwell and piloting a priority area incentive project in Boise.

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