It depends on the vantage point. It's true that the highest ground is government owned, but more than 7,000 acres belong to the state endowment fund and could conceivably be developed. Efforts to restrict development, grazing and off-road vehicle use and to minimize damage from fire and erosion have the Foothills in better shape than 50 years ago. The proposed levy is one of several steps the city has taken to address concerns about preserving open space and the effects of development in the Foothills. Portions of the Foothills are in the city's future expansion zone, while there is little agricultural ground within the city's limits.
City officials acknowledge the loss of ag land, but say that is a separate issue.
A number of developers including the Dakota Co., Clark Development Co. and Hidden Springs Community LLC also support the effort. Environmental groups supporting the levy include the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, Idaho Smart Growth and the Idaho Conservation League. Micron Technology Inc. and a few other interests have chosen to remain neutral. The board of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce voted by a one-vote margin in April to oppose the levy. The chamber board called the levy premature and argued that critical issues regarding transportation and the city's working relationships with Foothills property owners must be addressed first.