Leadership in Motion Award Winners

Each year, we ask our community to nominate businesses/nonprofits, individuals, and projects that have demonstrated leadership in supporting Communities in Motion – the regional long-range transportation plan for Ada and Canyon Counties.

Specifically, we want to see instances in which exceptional leadership and commitment have been applied to further the goals and vision of Communities in Motion.

This year, we received a collection of commendable nominations from members of the community, and, after a careful selection process, chose seven submissions.

As I’ve noted in previous years, it seems that a common thread often runs through the nominations provided, and 2018 was no different. Among the various businesses, individuals, and projects, we noticed a theme of connection and accessibility. For example, the Boise State University Bronco Shuttle provides a connection between the campus and downtown, the rebuilding of greenbelt sections creates regional access and connected pathways, and individuals have used their skills to foster regional connections through collaboration.

So without further ado, here are this year’s exceptional winners:

Warm Springs and Penitentiary Canal Greenbelt Pathways, Ada County Parks and Waterways 

• The Warm Springs and Penitentiary Canal Pathways project rebuilt the Boise River Greenbelt between Warm Springs Golf Course and the East Park Center Bridge and between Shakespeare Way and Diversion Dam. These new paths allow regional access to the greater greenbelt pathway system for commuters, while providing connections to regional recreation and open space areas and promoting increased public health and quality of life.

Bronco Shuttle, Boise State University, Department of Public Safety

• By providing students, staff, and the public free circulator routes connecting Boise State to downtown Boise and St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Boise State has enhanced the transportation system and improved accessibility and connectivity to jobs, the university, and key services.

CBH Homes, Syringa Valley

• The Syringa Valley subdivision by CBH Homes is a multi-generational community, offering diverse and competitively priced housing options linked together by pathways and recreation facilities to encourage physical activity and social engagement for all residents. In addition, the two-mile extension of Lake Hazel Road and Orchard Road, constructed through a cooperative effort between CBH Homes and the Ada County Highway District, will connect Syringa Valley residents to the broader Treasure Valley community.

Dana Ard, National Federation of the Blind

• Dana Ard has been involved with public transportation and improving access in the Treasure Valley since 1975, when she began riding the city bus to her job. Over the past 43 years, she has made it her life’s goal to improve accessibility and connectivity for all Treasure Valley residents.

 Sara Baker, Commission President, Ada County Highway District (ACHD)

• In 2018, Commissioner Baker led the charge for ACHD’s low stress bicycle network, multiple neighborhood master plan initiatives, ACHD’s largest capital construction effort in the organization’s history, the development of ACHD’s Strategic and Single Integrated Operations Plans, their most aggressive Integrated Five Year Work plan to date, and continued Commuteride growth.

Amy Revis, Idaho Transportation Department, District 3 Engineer

• Through her leadership, vision, and collaborative style, Amy Revis was the driving force behind securing the largest transportation grant Idaho has ever received – a $90.2 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant. The money will be used for the expansion of I-84 in Canyon County - the #1 priority in Communities in Motion 2040.

Amy Schroeder, Idaho Transportation Department, GARVEE Program Manager

• Amy Schroeder led the team of engineers and grant writers who applied for and received the $90.2 million INFRA grant. Amy’s tireless efforts and attention to detail guaranteed no stone was left unturned to ensure the application was accurate, meaningful, thorough – and successful.

The leadership exemplified by each of these individuals, agencies, and businesses has helped encourage collaboration throughout the region, accomplish community goals, and develop real solutions to transportation challenges.

We are honored to be able to present them with Leadership in Motion awards for their dedication and unrelenting efforts to keep the Treasure Valley thriving.

To learn more about the winners and to see full description of their accomplishments, click here.