The City of Boise has launched an update to its Historic Preservation Plan, a move prompted by significant growth and demographic shifts within the city since the plan’s original adoption. The update aims to align preservation efforts with current community values and address emerging challenges, according to city officials.
The initiative receives partial funding through a grant from the National Park Service, administered by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This funding will support a “comprehensive, community-informed approach” to evaluating and strengthening Boise’s historic preservation policies, city planners stated.
The updated plan will focus on several key areas, including incorporating updated best practices in preservation, integrating feedback from Boise residents and highlighting the value of the city’s heritage and built environment. A central goal is to define future preservation priorities for Boise, and to demonstrate the connection between historic preservation and broader city objectives such as housing availability, sustainability initiatives, equity concerns, and economic development.
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, established in 1907, plays a crucial role in encouraging the preservation and documentation of Idaho’s cultural resources. The SHPO also provides guidance on navigating the National Historic Preservation Act, particularly Section 106, which requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. According to the SHPO website, this guidance is intended to facilitate consultation with the office on preservation-related matters.
The National Park Service oversees the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of properties deemed worthy of preservation nationwide. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorized the creation of this register and established a national program to support preservation efforts at all levels.
City officials have not yet announced a timeline for the completion of the updated Historic Preservation Plan, but have indicated that community engagement will be a significant component of the process. The Idaho State Historical Society, which houses the SHPO, is available as a resource for information regarding Idaho’s history and cultural heritage.
