“Nothing Happens Until People Start Talking”

A Streetcar for Boise? Two Views

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
The Grove Hotel

In 2008, Mayor David Bieter proposed a downtown streetcar system and formed a Streetcar Task Force to study its feasibility. Chaired by former Albertsons CEO Gary Michael, the 35-member group of civic and business leaders will submit recommendations to the City Council­ in early 2010.

Propelled by federal stimulus fund deadlines, in 2009 the city applied for a $40 million grant to begin the 2.3-mile project, estimated to cost up to $65 million; recipients will be announced in late January. The speakers will discuss the project’s practicality, affordability, benefits and drawbacks.

Cece Gassner, an assistant for economic development to the mayor, is an attorney with 10 years in private practice and as a Deputy Attorney General. She holds a B.S. degree from Duke University and a J.D. from Boston University. Gassner co-authors “Divas for a Difference,” seen in the Idaho Statesman and heard on Boise State Radio, and staffs the Task Force.

George Iliff, managing principal of Colliers International, Idaho, began his career in commercial real estate in 1970. A member of the Task Force, he chaired the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce and Boise Valley Economic Partnership, and serves on the executive committee of the Urban Land Institute Idaho District Council. His B.S. degree is from San Diego State University.

Chair: Sue Reents, Rachel Winer

Moderator: Marcia Franklin

Underwriter: Exergy Development

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