CCDC Executive Director John Brunelle to retire after 13 years

BOISE ― John Brunelle, the longest-serving executive director in the history of the Capital City Development Corporation, will retire at the end of September after 13 years leading Boise‘s urban renewal agency.

Brunelle will step down when the agency’s fiscal year concludes Sept. 30, 2026, CCDC announced. His departure caps an 18-year career tied to Boise’s economic growth and redevelopment, making him the longest-serving executive director in CCDC’s 62-year history.

“John’s vision and actions have helped shape Boise during one of the most pivotal and transformative periods in our history,” said Latonia Haney Keith, chairperson of the CCDC board of commissioners. “Under his leadership, the agency has catalyzed billions of dollars in public and private investment and expanded the thriving downtown that residents and visitors experience today.”

During Brunelle’s tenure, CCDC established three new urban renewal districts ― Gateway East, State Street and Shoreline ― while also guiding the completion and closeout of three others: the Central District, River Myrtle–Old Boise District and the Westside District. The agency’s parking system was also rebranded as ParkBOI and expanded into a resource now serving more than 1 million visits annually.

CCDC advanced dozens of public-private partnerships supporting mixed-use buildings, hotels and site improvements under Brunelle’s watch, and earned local and national recognition for its work in housing, placemaking and historic preservation.
Brunelle credited the agency’s staff and commissioners for its record of achievement.

“CCDC’s success is due to the dedication of the employees and commissioners who care deeply about our community,” he said. “I’m grateful to have been part of the team.”

He said collaboration remained central to the agency’s approach throughout his tenure.

“CCDC’s role is to bring partners together to create the conditions necessary for high-value projects and meaningful economic opportunity,” Brunelle said. “When the public and private sectors work together with a shared purpose, we can achieve outcomes that strengthen our entire community.”

Before joining CCDC, Brunelle worked in the private sector in Seattle and Portland. His 25 years of industry experience included work in financial services, professional sports and educational publishing with Tribune Inc., a then-Fortune 500 company.
CCDC has retained an executive search firm and will conduct a national search for Brunelle’s successor.