Boise · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Boise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
YMCA Halloween Run half marathon on the Greenbelt
The YMCA's Halloween run adds a half marathon this year, sending up to 1,700 runners onto the Greenbelt toward Glenwood and Veterans on October 24. Greenbelt users should expect two-way traffic on a short stretch and crossings at Broadway and the Pioneer Bridge.
Public art program growth
Boise's public art collection has hit 155 permanent works, with new pieces headed to West Boise, the airport's rental car facility, and Zoo Boise — funded by Percent for Art dollars, not new taxes.
Reopened public restrooms at Hyde Park
City restrooms in the park will stay open this year, made possible by a dedicated water trailer staffed by volunteers.
Boise Soul Food Festival 2026
The festival returns to Julia Davis Park on August 8 with a new Valley Transit shuttle to cut parking problems and an expanded rest-and-relaxation area. Agencies cleared the plan with minor follow-ups.
Boise Airport Centennial
The airport turns 100 this year, and Arts & History is helping: a big Chad Otis mural on the new rental car facility debuts April 6, plus a historical timeline wall, digitized archives, and vintage-style postcards from local artists.
Arts & History Website Relaunch
The redesigned Arts & History website went live in November after a years-long effort, with better navigation, integrated collections and archives, and more visibility for open calls. The James Castle House and Erma Heyman House sites get the same treatment next.
Selection Panel Signup Process
Commissioners now get a shared spreadsheet listing upcoming public-art selection panels so they can volunteer based on their own schedules instead of waiting to be asked — meant to spread the workload more fairly.