Livability. It’s a hot button word that Boise City has embraced – but what exactly does it mean?
Livability is Boise’s version of sustainability. It comprises what is commonly known as the “triple-bottom line of sustainability;” a framework that looks at the environment, the economy, and social justice as equally important to creating a thriving and sustainable community. For Boise these three pillars are Lasting Environment, Innovative Enterprises, and Vibrant Communities – LIV Boise.
In the recently published 2015 Livability Report you can read about what LIV Boise is, what projects the city has been working on and what their plans for the future are.
Here are some things we found interesting in the report:
- In 2005 and again in 2014 Mayor Bieter signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The city has set internal energy reduction goals with the intention to cut energy use in city buildings by 50% by 2030.
- To ensure that our families have clean air to breath the city is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of alternative transportation options like electric vehicles and planting more trees downtown.
- Boise set a national precedent through an innovative pollution removal facility to reduce the amount of phosphorus that enters the Boise River. They have also set ambitious goals to recover resources from wastewater, protect surface water and reduce water consumption.
- Parks and open space are a huge priority for Boise City. In November 2015, 74% of voters approved the Open Space and Boise River levy to generate $10 million to protect places like the Boise Foothills and Boise River.
CVI is excited to see Idaho’s capitol city take bold steps forward to create an even more livable city. We’ll be watching closely and partnering with the city and the community to ensure that we continue to work towards objectives that protect Boise’s environment and the people who depend on it.
Read the report to learn more about what has been done and what’s planned for the City of Boise.