Boise Declares Itself a Welcoming City to Refugees

Passed by a unanimous 5-0 vote, the resolution declares “that the City of Boise is committed to being a Welcoming City and creating a community where all of our residents feel welcomed, safe, and able to fully participate in, and contribute to, our city’s economic and social life.”

“Our city is known as a leader for welcoming all people.  We have a responsibility to welcome, speak up for, and stand with all of our residents regardless of where they are from,” said Council President Pro Tem Lauren McLean. “Boise is a special place and that is because we strive to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to share their unique contributions within our community.”

The resolution specifically mentions that Boise “has welcomed refugees seeking new homes, safety, freedom, and opportunity” since the 1970s and highlights the work done by the City of Boise, Neighbors United, the Idaho Office of Refugees and others to help refugees become contributing and valuable members of the community.

“We have been working hard to make Boise the most livable city in the country,” said City Council President Elaine Clegg. “We want our residents and visitors alike to know that these are our values and encourage them to join us in demonstrating how we as a community can put those values into practice.”

The resolution also talks about the importance of maintaining trusting relationships between immigrant communities and local law enforcement as part of the city and Boise Police Department’s community policing efforts.

“We find ourselves in times when, unfortunately, we must underline our commitment to fairness, rule of law, compassion and human decency,” said Mayor David Bieter of the resolution. “My applause to the members of the city council for affirming our city’s commitment to those principles”