About Us
Together, we can create great places.
Idaho Smart Growth is a statewide, independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit offering expertise and tools to keep our communities vibrant and our lands healthy. Since 2000, Idaho Smart Growth has collaborated with partners throughout the Gem State to maintain and create great places to live. As the state continues to grow, the urgency of smart growth and the desire to preserve and enhance quality of life here becomes more apparent. Idaho Smart Growth offers a range of programs to help make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and safer for everyone, and it depends on the generous support and community spirit of volunteers and donors to pursue its mission.
Our Mission
The mission of Idaho Smart Growth is to bring people together to create great places to live.
What we provide
Education
Workshops, presentations and trainings on smart growth strategies including planning, design and transportation principles.
Advocacy
Bringing together proponents of well-managed growth and helping them shape policy and impact their communities.
Assistance
A rich library of books, manuals, and articles as well as technical help to citizens, leaders and planning officials.
Why Idaho Smart Growth?
Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the country, and it shows no signs of slowing down. We will see even more growth in the coming years. This presents a rare moment of opportunity. Our communities can uniquely benefit by applying smart growth principles based on the lessons learned elsewhere and success already demonstrated right here at home. Idaho Smart Growth is a nonprofit, nonpartisan team offering expertise and tools to keep our communities vibrant and our lands healthy.
Testimonials
We collaborate with all three main groups involved in smart growth decisions; owners and developers; government entities; and neighbors and citizens. Here are a few examples of what people are saying about us.
Michael Keyes
COUNCILMAN, CITY OF STAR, IDAHO
“I recommend the Citizens Planning Academy series to anyone who is interested in how urban areas are planned and managed. The information I receive is timely and valuable in helping me in the planning and code updates my city is currently taking on. Additionally, the networking is invaluable.”
Kathy and Len Corless
LANDLORDS AND DEVELOPERS
“We went to Idaho Smart Growth to get a review of our idea, we got so much more. Meeting with Idaho Smart Growth was the best decision we made! They guided us to think of development with a 20+ year vision, keeping community feel and preserving open space and large growth trees for enjoyment by current and future residents.”
Deborah Mullner
BOISE NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER
“I attend the Citizens Planning Academy to learn more about smart planning and community growth. I have the opportunity to listen to experts of various backgrounds, which is very enriching. I learn more about Boise when I listen to the comments and questions of other attendees. It is encouraging to meet others who are interested in more inclusive city planning.”