It’s time to embrace an inclusive zoning code.

Dear Boise City Council Members,

We, the undersigned community and faith leaders of Boise, are writing to express our united support for the City of Boise’s Modern Zoning Code. Our support is rooted in our commitment to the dignity and worth of all members of our community, and our belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.

Too many of our fellow residents are struggling to afford a home, with many just an emergency or missed paycheck away from homelessness. This is not just an economic issue, but a humanitarian one. A secure, affordable home is a foundation for a stable life and, truly, any thriving neighborhood. Accessible, inclusive neighborhoods allow for young families to put down roots, for children to learn, for people of every economic background to find work close to home, and for older adults to age in place with dignity. It supports mental and physical health, and it creates a sense of belonging and community.

As faith leaders, we firmly believe that the measure of a society's morality is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable members. By embracing an inclusive zoning update, Boise has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to justice, fairness, and compassion while making a bold and much-needed step towards a more affordable city. We applaud your efforts thus far in addressing the affordable housing crisis, and we stand ready to support and collaborate with you as you undertake this important endeavor.

Any change is often met with apprehension, and some folks may have concerns about how this will impact their neighborhoods. We believe that education and open dialogue can address these fears, and we commit ourselves to participate in these conversations and to help build understanding and consensus. 

In conclusion, we strongly urge you to pass the proposed zoning code rewrite. Let us together create a city that reflects our shared values of compassion and justice.

Sincerely,

Sara LaWall, Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Dr. Joe Bankard, Senior Pastor Collister UMC
Pastor Duane Anders, Cathedral of the Rockies
Rev. Dr. Andrew Kukla, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Bruce D. Ervin, retired, Disciples of Christ
Rev. Jenny Hirst, associate pastor, Collister UMC
Rabbi Dan Fink, Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel
Rev. Rob Tulloch, Boise First United Church of Christ
Rev. Irene Laudeman, Cathedral of the Rockies
Pastor Christie Dahlin, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship
Pastor Robert Frazier, Redemption Hill
Pastor Josh Cramer, Resurrection Covenant
Pastor Matt Hyde, Discovery Church
Pastor Kent DelHousaye, the Pursuit
Reshma Kamal, Islamic Center of Boise
Judy Cross, the Interfaith Alliance of Idaho
Pastor Renee McCall, Liberating Spirit Metropolitan Community Church
Father John Worster, St. Mary’s Catholic Church