Government

Boise City Hall, a red brick, Romanesque Revival structure once located on the southeast corner of 8th and Idaho streets, built in 1893. Boise City Hall, MS097, Boise City Archives.

 

Boise’s government developed alongside the city’s growth from a remote settlement in the Intermountain West to today's vibrant state capital. 

Founded on July 7, 1863, Boise initially relied on informal governance, shaped by the needs of a small frontier community of miners, merchants, and settlers. In 1864, the Idaho Territorial Legislature designated Boise the territorial capital, paving way for its formal incorporation as a city in 1866.

As the city grew, its government grew more complex. Adopting a mayor-council system allowed citizens to elect leaders to guide the city’s development, manage public services, and oversee essential infrastructure projects. Twentieth century population growth prompted the creation of formal city departments to handle the demands of an urbanizing community. 

*This site is a living resource; while it provides valuable information, it is not exhaustive. New content and updates will be added regularly.

Boise City Charter

In 1866, the Idaho Territorial Legislature bestowed a charter on Boise, which described and defined the organization, authority, and powers of the city government.
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Early City Government

Discover how Boise established its city government in 1867, four years after the city was founded.
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City Halls Past & Present

City hall buildings are the tangible representations of a city government. They house government officials and staff who keep the city running and also provide access points for residents to reach the people who work on their behalf.
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