Boise businesses express support for Mayor-elect McLean

After 16 years, you get used to a person, but Boise businesses say they are looking forward to working with new mayor Lauren McLean.

It’s not like McLean, who soundly beat four-term Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, is a stranger. McLean has served on the Boise City Council since 2010, most recently as president. She was elected over Bieter in a runoff election on Dec. 4 after no candidate achieved a majority on Nov. 5. According to the Ada County elections website, she received 30,306 votes, or 65.5% of the total, while Bieter received 15,998 votes, or 34.5%. She was particularly strong in early voting.

Boise’s technology community

Technology and innovation were important parts of McLean’s platform, with her commitment to support Innovation Hubs throughout the city to increase access to the internet, continuing education and STEM skills for people of all ages, backgrounds and income levels.

“The Boise mayoral race shows how important the future is to Boise citizens,” said Jay Larsen, president and CEO of the Idaho Technology Council. “We are enthused to work closer with Lauren McLean, who has extensive history working on issues that are fundamental to the long-term success of Boise. As we continue to grow a knowledge economy in Boise, we need visionary leaders who can help grow innovative companies, a strong economy and take care of infrastructure regarding transportation and housing and help maintain the quality of life we enjoy. We look forward to working with Lauren to continue to build a strong, innovative economy, which will help Boise continue to be one of most livable cities in the U.S.”

McLean also said she plans to support Idaho businesses rather than courting out-of-state ones.

“I will encourage companies coming to Boise to invest in our people and resources, not race to the bottom with tax cuts and incentives,” she said on her website. “I will reward homegrown innovation and invest Boise tax dollars in Boise businesses.”

Bill Connors, president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber, said he has worked with McLean over the years and she has “always been ready to listen to the thoughts and concerns of the Boise Chamber.”

“I look forward to continuing that positive relationship,” he said. “We stand ready to help the new mayor in any way we can during this transition.”

“Idaho Power enjoys a good working relationship with the City of Boise, and we look forward to continuing that with the new mayor,” said Brad Bowlin, communications specialist for Idaho Power, in an email message.

According to McLean’s campaign website, she pushed the City of Boise to commit to 100% clean energy by 2035. She will continue her commitment to fostering clean energy innovation and jobs, she said.

Building a bridge

Organizations endorsing McLean’s opponents also expressed support.

“The Idaho AFL-CIO and the Boise Central Trades & Labor Council are looking forward to a strong and productive partnership with Mayor-elect McLean,” said Jason Hudson, government affairs director for the organization, which endorsed Bieter, in an email message. “We have always had a positive relationship with her in the past, in her role on the City Council, and we are confident that will continue as she transitions to the Mayor’s office. We applaud her commitment to working people who count on every paycheck, and we look forward to partnering together to ensure that everyone who works hard to help this City grow and prosper gets to share in that success.”

“Boise Regional Realtors are excited to work with all returning and newly elected officials,” said Soren Dorius, government affairs director for Boise Regional Realtors, which endorsed candidate Rebecca Arnold, in an email message. “Issues like housing, growth management, education and transportation are impacting the communities we serve in Ada, Gem and Elmore counties. After each election cycle, we strive to continue our role as a resource and collaborator with all our elected officials and community partners.”

Legacy Boise companies Albertsons and J. R. Simplot Co. also said they looked forward to working with McLean.