Derek James Smith’s Vision for Boise

I propose pragmatic and innovative solutions to address housing affordability, repair the city's relationship with the county and state, and oppose any tax hike in order to keep money in YOUR pocket. 


The difficult financial decisions should be made in city hall, not at your kitchen table.  I will not raise taxes, because we cannot afford it.

Derek focuses eliminating political red tape to streamline housing development and reduce bureaucratic delays and costs. His approach emphasizes pragmatic policies that increase housing supply and introduce innovative transportation options to ease congestion and enhance mobility.

About Derek James Smith

As a proud Ohio native and an adopted son of Boise, I am deeply committed to ensuring that my two daughters can afford to live in this beautiful city when they grow up. Having overcome the challenges of addiction, I am dedicated to providing real solutions to our community's issues, not just temporary fixes. My background in manufacturing and sales equips me with a business-minded approach to city governance, focusing on cost reduction while maintaining essential services. Together, we can create a brighter future for Boise.

Strategies to Expand Affordable Housing

Reforming building codes and cutting bureaucratic delays will increase housing supply and lower costs, making homeownership more accessible for Boise residents.

Reducing Government Overhead with AI

Streamlining City Operations

Implementing AI solutions to handle administrative tasks reduces the need for new hires, improving efficiency and controlling government spending.

Practical Solutions for Boise’s Housing Crisis

By fostering cooperation between city, state, and county, and embracing technology, Boise can address housing affordability without expanding bureaucracy.

Smart Transit Solutions for Boise’s Future

Advancing Public Transport and Cutting Congestion

Boise’s traffic challenges require targeted improvements in public transit that prioritize efficiency and accessibility. Integrating autonomous ride-hailing services like Waymo and Tesla’s Cyber Taxi can offer reliable, on-demand rides that reduce the need for private car ownership.
Expanding car-sharing options such as Zipcar will provide residents with flexible vehicle access without the costs and responsibilities of ownership. This approach helps lower parking demand and traffic volume in busy areas.
Upgrading infrastructure to support electric and autonomous vehicles is essential for a modern transit network. Coordinated efforts with state and county agencies will ensure seamless implementation and sustainable funding.
By embracing innovative transit technologies and fostering regional collaboration, Boise can improve mobility, decrease congestion, and create a more sustainable urban environment.

Voices from Boise

Community views on Derek's practical policies

Derek’s focus on cutting red tape and increasing housing supply gives me confidence that owning a home here will soon be achievable.
Angela Martinez
1 week ago
Mark Reynolds
3 weeks ago

His plan to replace bureaucratic roles with AI technology is a smart way to reduce costs without sacrificing service quality.

I support Derek’s approach to transportation—bringing in car sharing and autonomous taxis will ease traffic and offer real alternatives.
Samantha Lee
2 weeks ago
Addressing homelessness with treatment-first policies rather than temporary fixes is the responsible path forward for Boise.
David Kim
5 days ago