Future of The District
About the District
The Greater Boise Auditorium District’s mission is to develop spaces for community engagement that facilitate the greatest economic benefit to our community. The District is authorized by Idaho statute to build, operate, maintain, market and manage public auditoriums, exhibit halls, convention centers, sports arenas, and similar facilities.
The District built Boise Centre in 1990 and completed a convention center expansion in 2017 to accommodate larger groups and multiple events simultaneously. The additional space has provided Boise Centre the opportunity to accommodate more conventions, conferences, tradeshows, and local events, resulting in greater local economic benefit. Today Boise Centre operates near full capacity.
Growing the Local Economy
Attendees of events at Boise Centre create a strong demand for local lodging, restaurants, breweries, bars, entertainment, transportation, retail, and recreational activities. In 2024, visitors attending events held at Boise Centre boosted the local economy by $50.8 million dollars and supported 23,000 jobs. *
*Calculated using the (EIC) Event Impact Calculator, Destinations International.
Future Vision
In recent years several parties have expressed interest to the District about prospective projects and investment opportunities. In April 2024, the District board of directors created an exploratory committee tasked with evaluating any potential investment opportunities.
In April 2025, the District commissioned a market and feasibility study to better understand what opportunities there are in our community for a potential convention center expansion or future investment. The latest research and findings will better prepare District board members to determine their future vision for community benefit and economic growth.
Timeline
April 2024 Exploratory Committee Formed
District Board of Directors created an exploratory committee tasked with evaluating potential investment opportunities.
April 2025 Market and Feasibility Study
District Board of Directors selected Johnson Consulting to conduct the study.
Spring/Summer Stakeholder Engagement
Johnson Consulting conducted key stakeholder engagement and interviewed 38 groups with 70 – 90 people participating. Those interviewed included, local officials, community and business leaders, customers, event producers, hoteliers, and other event venues.
Sept. 25, 2025 Market and Feasibility Study Findings
Johnson Consulting presents report to District Board of Directors during their Sept. 25, 2025, monthly meeting. Link to Presentation Document . Link to 2025 Market and Feasibility Study.
Oct. 16, 2025 Presentation of Findings
Johnson Consulting presented key findings of the 2025 Market and Feasibility Study to stakeholders including local officials, community and business leaders, hoteliers, customers, event producers and other event venues. Presentation Slides
A Q & A session followed the presentation with John Fleming, Project Manager and Ryan Johnson, Principal Johnson Consulting and Cody Lund, Boise Centre Executive Director and Kristin Muchow, District Board Chair.
Presentation and Q & A Session Watch Video
Nov. 2025 Strategic Plan Update Process to Begin
Nov. 2025, the District Board of Directors will begin the process to update their Strategic Plan, which includes determining their priorities for future investments and potential projects. The Strategic Plan is anticipated to complete in January 2026.
Jan. 2026 Strategic Plan Update Anticipated Completion
The District Board of Directors is set to update their Strategic Plan between November and December 2025. Once the update process has been complete the Strategic Plan will be presented and approved at the January 2026 Board Meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the District?
The District is a public or governmental entity. In 1959, the Idaho Legislature passed legislation allowing for the creation of auditorium districts in Idaho. Upon passage of the legislation, a district was formed in Boise by voters for the purpose of building a civic facility for the community.
What does the District do?
As a governmental entity the District’s mission is to develop spaces for community engagement that facilitate the greatest positive benefit for our community. The District is authorized by Idaho Statute to build, operate, maintain, market and manage public auditoriums, exhibit halls, convention centers, sports arenas, and similar facilities.
The District built Boise Centre, Idaho’s largest convention center in 1990. In 2024, Boise Centre generated $50.8 million in local economic benefit by drawing thousands of visitors who spend monies in hotels, restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, transportation, recreation activities and entertainment.
Through a public-private partnership in 2021, the District invested $9.6 million to purchase the land and building for the Idaho Central Aquatic Center.
How is the District funded?
The District receives its revenue from a 5% room tax paid by travelers and collected by hotels, motels and other lodging properties within the District’s boundaries. Residents inside the District do not pay any taxes or fees to fund the District and its entities unless they choose to stay in a hotel, motel or other lodging property.
Why did the District commission a Market and Feasibility Study?
The District commissioned a study to better understand opportunities for future investment— whether through expanding existing facilities or developing new spaces. These findings will help board members articulate their vision for the District’s future and identify priorities for investment.
With limited resources, the District must be prudent in balancing current business and operations needs with future programming.
Are District board meetings open to the public?
Yes, the public may attend District board monthly board meetings either in-person or via Zoom. Note, the meetings are open to the public but are not considered public forums; public comment is not usually taken at these meetings. Meeting schedule.
Contact Us
Future of the District Contact Form
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Note: this form is intended for questions and comments about the Future of the District and does not take the place of a Public Records Request, which can be submitted here.