Urban renewal doesn’t just happen; it requires vision, planning, and community collaboration. In Boise, the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) has been spearheading this effort since its inception in 1965, then known as the Boise Redevelopment Agency. Today, CCDC’s work touches nearly every corner of downtown Boise and its six Urban Renewal Districts across the city, creating spaces and infrastructure that prioritize accessibility, community connection, and long-term economic vitality.
Trailhead’s collaboration with CCDC is central to our mission of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Boise. Since our founding, CCDC has supported Trailhead through rent assistance and funding initiatives such as Boise Entrepreneur Week. This partnership is formalized through a service agreement that aligns our shared goals: increasing the number of successful local businesses and driving economic development in Boise’s urban renewal areas.
Under this agreement, Trailhead develops entrepreneurship programs, mentors aspiring business leaders, and provides resources such as workspaces and administrative support. Additionally, we report to CCDC on key benchmarks like startups launched, jobs created, and collaborations formed with local institutions. This partnership enables Trailhead to amplify its impact and serve as a vital hub for Boise’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Their impact is broader than many realize—they even run the PARKBOI garages around town, ensuring that Boise’s parking infrastructure supports the city’s growth and accessibility needs. But their work goes far beyond parking, encompassing projects that shape the city’s character and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
The agency’s multifaceted approach to building a better Boise was highlighted in a recent conversation with Lana Graybeal, Director of External Affairs at CCDC. From innovative infrastructure improvements to unique public art installations, CCDC is working to make the city more livable, accessible, and connected for all.
CCDC’s Mission: Intentional Urban Renewal
At its core, CCDC is Boise’s urban renewal agency, tasked with addressing challenges and fostering growth in key areas like economic development, infrastructure, mobility, and public art. According to Lana, CCDC doesn’t work in isolation. “We collaborate with public and private partners to ensure that projects reflect the community’s needs and values,” she shared.
One notable example of this collaboration is the neon gallery on Grove Street, a project that brought together CCDC, the city’s Department of Arts and History, and Vangie Osborn from Signs of Our Times to celebrate the area’s rich history. The gallery preserves and showcases iconic neon signs from Boise’s past donated by Signs of Our Times, adding a nostalgic and artistic touch to the urban landscape.
Community-Driven Development
One of CCDC’s guiding principles is to involve the community in every step of the development process. From the initial planning stages to ribbon-cutting ceremonies, feedback and collaboration are key. “We rely on community input to guide our projects,” Lana noted.
Projects like the Cherie Buckner-Webb Park and the rebuilding of 11th Street highlight this approach. Both developments were shaped by public feedback and coordination with local agencies, ensuring they met the needs of Boise residents while minimizing disruption.
Making Boise Accessible for Everyone
Accessibility is central to CCDC’s mission. By incorporating features that cater to people of all ages and abilities, the agency ensures that Boise remains a welcoming place for everyone. A prime example is the expanded sidewalks along Grove Street, designed to accommodate more pedestrians, wheelchairs, and strollers.
CCDC has also implemented enhancements on 8th Street, focusing on improving navigation for individuals with low vision. “Accessibility is about more than compliance; it’s about creating spaces where people feel safe and included,” Lana emphasized.
A History of Impactful Projects
Over the decades, CCDC has left its mark on Boise through transformative projects like the Grove Plaza, which has become a central gathering space for the city. Their focus extends beyond physical infrastructure; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the community.
One of Lana’s favorite projects was the neon gallery lighting ceremony, a celebration that drew over 150 people to the Linen District. “Seeing the community come together to honor our shared history was incredibly rewarding,” she reflected.
Future-Focused: What’s Next for CCDC
Looking ahead, CCDC is committed to continuing its work in intentional, community-driven development. Projects like the upcoming 521 Grove St public space will incorporate public art to create a sense of place and identity for our city.
Another priority is improving communication with the public to ensure more people understand the breadth and impact of CCDC’s work. “We want the community to see the value in what we’re doing and how it benefits everyone,” Lana said.
A City That Works for Everyone
Through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to helping the Boise community thrive in a sustainable economy where an exceptional built environment and excellent business opportunities are in perfect balance, CCDC is shaping Boise into a city that reflects the values and needs of its residents. Whether it’s through investments in quality development, public art, expanded mobility, and transportation, or preserving pieces of the city’s history, CCDC’s projects remind us that urban renewal is about more than buildings—it’s about building connections.
As Boise continues to grow, CCDC’s work ensures that progress is intentional and sustainable. Residents and visitors alike can see CCDC’s influence everywhere, from the neon signs on Grove Street to the bustling activity in the Grove Plaza. It’s not just development; it’s Boise, reimagined.
This blog is written by Liz Raphael, a writer, actor, and producer in Boise, Idaho.