Beyond the Bike Lane: Navigating ACHD
In January, we announced that we are expanding our efforts into bicycling advocacy, and this is something I am so excited to do. With the amount of bicycles we provide to vulnerable road users, it is time we step up and help nonprofits like Treasure Valley Cycling Alliance, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and SWIMBA to create safer streets, places and trails for all.
One way we can support other organizations in this effort is helping individuals (like you!) know about important meetings, ways to show up and speak up. It can be intimidating to jump into, which is why I want to use our platform to help others navigate the maze of bureaucracy in the Treasure Valley!
Lets start with ACHD.
Boise is a unique city in that we do not own our streets. Most cities elsewhere control, maintain and improve their own streets, but in 1971 due to poor road conditions throughout Ada County, the citizens overwhelmingly voted to create an agency to oversee the roads, a.k.a., ACHD.
Fast forward to now, ACHD plays a major role in the development and improvements of streets. If it isn’t a state highway or interstate (owned by ITD) or 8th St (owned by CCDC/City of Boise) it’s likely an ACHD owned street.
So… how can you stay in the know of ACHD road projects?
First, there are three major documents that help ACHD prioritize road improvements to budget for: the Integrated Five Year Workplan (IFYWP), Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and their Annual Budget.
ACHD will be hosting an open house on the three documents on March 12th from 5:30-7pm. More information here.
This is a great opportunity to attend, learn more about how ACHD functions and see what issues are ahead that safe street advocates can strategize for in the future. We will host a ride to this open house, leaving BBP at 5pm.
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Second, attend their weekly meetings! They are every Wednesday at Noon or at 6pm on the fourth Monday of the month. Although attending the meeting to see the discussion is great, many seasoned advocates have expressed the importance of attending the pre-commission meeting as well, either at 11:30 or 5:30pm. This meeting is informational and has less discussion, but provides citizens insight to the projects up for discussion that they otherwise wouldn’t receive.
You can find information on their meeting here, and you can subscribe to agenda updates for the Commission, Bike Advisory Committee and more.
Attending these meetings will help you get a better understanding of what ACHD Commissioners rule on, and their relationship with the city and state on future projects.
Click the photo for an enlarged map!
Finally, know which commissioner represents your district!
There are 5 districts, 5 commissioners. Check out the map to see which district you are in, and click here for information on that commissioner!
There are three seats up for election this November, seat 1, 2 and 5. Read up on information for each, who has a good track record for safer streets and potential contenders for the seats!
All of these opportunities will help introduce you to how ACHD functions. From knowing when meetings are coming up, keeping up on agendas and familiarizing yourself with the commissioners, you will be a ACHD Pro.
Interested in learning more about upcoming advocacy efforts for building safer streets? Sign up for our Newsletter below and select Advocacy Efforts to get emails for specific upcoming meetings!