BOISE, Idaho — A proposed state law could soon override a City of Boise ordinance designed to help more people afford rentals. If Idaho Gov. Brad Little signs House Bill 545, a new section of city code would be no more.
“You know, I was really disappointed, because I've knocked on thousands of doors and had so many conversations in the last year and know that Boiseans want the City of Boise to innovate,” Mayor Lauren McLean said.
McLean said she is proud of the work her office, city council and the people of Boise have done to create affordable housing.
“Making sure that regardless of where your income comes from, is it a voucher? Is it an agreement from a divorce? Is it from your parents? People can't discriminate against you because of where the money's coming from for your rent," McLean said. "It also makes sure that a landlord can't retaliate against you if you let them know that, you know, you need a little paint fix up, or your pipes are making some noises."
Rep. Brandon Mitchell (R-Moscow) sponsors House Bill 545. He broke down the legislation pretty simply during debate in the House.
“This is designed to say that we're not going to force that on any small businesses,” Mitchell said.
To borrow a phrase, it’s a simple bill. Idaho property owners can’t be forced to participate in an optional federal housing assistance program or any other program or law that would otherwise regulate rent, fees or deposits.
McLean details the impacts she sees from the pending law.
“Think about working people in the city, they aren't going to be protected anymore,” McLean said. “Prevent homelessness. Keep people housed. It means that if the governor signs this bill because the legislature targeted people in the city of Boise, that there's a little less protection for folks that live here.”
So, are lawmakers trying to just target a Boise ordinance? Mitchell said that's not the case.
“We've heard a lot about Boise. This is to protect property owners throughout the state, not just in Boise,” Mitchell explained earlier in the session during committee debate.
According to Boise State University's 2024 Idaho Public Policy Survey, cost of living and affordable housing are the two top priorities. McLean takes that as a sign to do more on the topic, not take away tools and resources.
“Not only in Boise, but the entire state," McLean said. "Affordability is a most important issue to Idahoans in Boise and the legislature, rather than doing the people's work, are targeting people and playing politics on the back of people."
McLean hopes to work with lawmakers to create solutions in the future. For now, work continues for her in the City of Trees.
“What we're seeing right now are grabs at local solutions when instead of, you know, we need the state to fund our housing trust fund to allow cities more tools to address the needs of their residents, rather than taken away the good ideas we've come up with,” McLean said. “It doesn't mean that I'm any less committed to making sure that people that call this place home can afford to live here, that we take care of people, because that's the role of government is to put people first, rather than targeting people and playing politics.”
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