If you could envision and implement one transformative infrastructure project for Ada County, without any constraints, what would it be?

Patricia Nilsson: "While others have been working toward the big ideas, such as regional commuter rail, I would like to bring new energy to the idea of constructing a linear park along the north side of Alpine Street between the Boise Depot and Orchard Street. It has been more than 10 years since this idea was first discussed, but there hasn’t been a champion for it due to turnover at various agencies. This would be a transformative project for the Bench, where public green space is limited."

Alexis Pickering: "If there were no constraints, including funding not being an issue, building a bike/ped bridge over Chinden connecting the Boise Bench to Garden City and the greenbelt would be the project I would dream of. There is so much need to provide safe and comfortable access from the Bench down to the river and it is a huge issue for my district. With the deaths, severe crashes along Chinden (and it being an ITD facility), the hill(s), and investments coming online across the bench, we desperately need something of this scale to connect our community. Having something innovative, artistic, and functional would lead the way, not only in Ada County, but across the state."

Rebecca Arnold: “IF unlimited funding from sources other than property taxes was available and IF there were no statutory constraints on the agency's authority (and there are many), the one transformative infrastructure project for Ada County would be the creation of a regional multi-modal transit hub that connects key areas of the county through rapid bus routes, bike lanes, commuter rail, and pedestrian pathways—while still prioritizing motor vehicle lanes to reduce congestion. This project would focus on optimizing roadways for smoother vehicle traffic, while providing alternative transportation options for those who prefer biking or public transit. By maintaining and expanding vehicle lanes where needed and integrating smart transit solutions, we could reduce congestion and offer residents more efficient, flexible commuting options, ensuring smoother travel across the county as we grow.

Realistically, funding is limited and ACHD's authority is constrained by state law so elected ACHD commissioners should focus on efficiently using taxpayers' funds to implement practical solutions. One project that immediately comes to mind is the rebuild of the Five Mile overpass over the I-84 freeway (which currently has 2 narrow vehicle lanes, no sidewalks, and no bike lanes) to include 4 vehicle travel lanes, elevated bike lanes on both sides, and sidewalks on both sides. This is a much needed project to improve safety for all users by adding sidewalks and bike lanes, and to decrease congestion by eliminating the current bottleneck.”

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Why should community members who want to see Ada County streets and neighborhoods become more walkable, more bikeable, and more accessible by public transit vote for you? 

Patricia Nilsson: "I have been a tireless advocate for investments in the region’s bicycle and pedestrian network both personally and professionally, through my career as a land use planner. I was a member of the first Safe Routes to School committee at ITD and have seen the tremendous need for investments in creating basic mobility needs of citizens, as well as how relatively small interventions as streets are designed and maintained can vastly improve safety for all users."

Alexis Pickering: "We've been able to make a tremendous amount of progress in the last four years, and we have a lot of work still to do. With my presence on the Commission, we've been able to build some of the most comprehensive and progressive multimodal transportation projects we've ever done. I've demonstrated that I'm committed to listening, learning, and responding quickly when we need short term and long-term solutions and not willing to compromise on safety. I'm the candidate the walks the walk and will continue to make our streets and neighborhoods safe for all users."

Rebecca Arnold: “I have a proven track record of listening to the public and addressing community needs, of efficiently using taxpayers' funds to implement projects that reduce congestion and improve safety for all users, and of working collaboratively with the legislature and other elected officials and agencies. During my tenure at ACHD, I focused on keeping property taxes down, on eliminating bottlenecks to improve traffic flow and improve safety for all users, on improving safety for pedestrians and school children through the Safe Routes to School Program and Community Programs, on improving bicycle safety by adding bicycle lanes where appropriate and instigating the Low Stress Bicycle Network. I also have an excellent relationship with members of the Idaho legislature which is critical to obtaining funding for our county to implement projects with less reliance on property taxes and critical to maintaining local control of our transportation facilities.”

What is your position on implementing Vision Zero strategies to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Ada County?

Patricia Nilsson: "Yes."

Alexis Pickering: "Yes."

Rebecca Arnold: “This isn’t a simple yes or no question. I support the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries but I also recognize that factors other than road design are the primary cause of fatalities and serious injury and those other factors are not within the authority and control of ACHD.”

What past or present community efforts have you been a part of (ex: volunteering, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, initiatives, other clubs or organizations)?

Patricia Nilsson: "I have been a Southeast Boise Neighborhood (SENA) board member for over a year and help communicate SENA’s transportation priorities to ACHD and Boise City. I have been a member of the Boise Sunrise Rotary for 19 years and am active in our major fundraiser that provides grant funding to Life’s Kitchen, the YMCA Everyday Leadership Program in several Boise elementary schools, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Silver Sage Girl Scouts. I am also a charter member of Women United, an affiliate of the Treasure Valley United Way, and, until recently, co-managed the Basic Needs pantry, which supplied food and hygiene products to schools throughout Southwest Idaho. I am also a board member of the Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association."

Alexis Pickering: "Former member of the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance board of directors (4 years), volunteered and participated on the ACHD Pedestrian Advisory Committee (prior to me running for ACHD Commissioner) and was elected Chair by my peers for two years, initiated the Winstead Park Neighborhood Association to be reestablished, participated on the COMPASS Active Transportation workgroup and Rails and Trails workgroup (evaluating using the existing UP rail corridor for a multiuse pathway), former member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials Public Health Law Workgroup, and member of the Idaho Public Health Association. I also serve on the Valley Regional Transit's Board of Directors and Executive Committee."

Rebecca Arnold:

“COMMUNITY SERVICE - IDAHO:

Ada County Assessor – elected as Assessor in 2022.

Ada County Highway District – elected Commissioner in 2004 and re-elected in 2008, 2012 and 2016: one of 5 elected Commissioners who make policy decisions and who oversee an agency with 300+ employees and an annual budget of approx. $138 Million for the maintenance of 2,500 miles of roadways, the construction of new infrastructure projects and the coordination and planning of regional transportation system; Vice President 2007-2010; and 2017-2018; President 2011, 2012 and 2019

Ada County City Emergency Management Council – Jan 2005 to Feb 2013 and 2019, served as an executive committee member making policy decisions and administering emergency preparedness funds, including funding from Department of Homeland Security

Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program/CASA - 1990 to 1995 - provided free legal services to court appointed special advocates/guardians ad litem in child protection cases.

Junior League of Boise - 1990 to Present, currently serving as an active volunteer in various community service projects through the JLB, including 1 year as chairperson of Second Time Around retail shop. Received 2006 Community Service Award. For JLB’s 80th anniversary in 2008, chosen as one of 80 honored women over the 80 year history of the JLB that exemplify the spirit and values of the JLB.

Idaho Association of Highway Districts – November 2007 to February 2019, served as board Member, President and Past President of the association representing 62 highway districts in Idaho. Honored as Commissioner of the Year for 2014.

Community Planning Association – Jan 2008 to Jan 2020, served as an executive board member making policy decisions and administering funding for two-county Metropolitan Planning Organization; 2010 to Jan 2020 Chairman Finance Committee

Ada County Boys & Girls Club – January 2012 to Present, currently serving as a board member

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation – Boise, Idaho Affiliate,
Board of Directors October 1999 through October 2005; Affiliate Treasurer – 2 years; Volunteer - October 1999 to 2012, served as a volunteer for fundraising and education projects. Race for the Cure sponsor

Kare For Kids Project – May 2007 through December 2011, served as a committee member of K4K project, a project of the Junior League of Boise providing support services for children in foster care and foster parents in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Idaho Business Review Women of the Year Award Chosen for award in 2006

Idaho Child Abuse Prevention Coalition January 2006 to 2008, served as a coalition member for planning and conducting awareness and prevention activities to reduce child abuse cases and to direct parents and children to appropriate agencies for assistance.

The Bridge Committee – May 2005 through May 2007 - committee member of The Bridge project, a joint project of The Children’s Home Society, the Junior League of Boise, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Coalition for a Healthy Idaho – 2003-4, served as a coalition member and an advocate for legislation pertaining to health issues”

What current transportation initiatives or plans are you interested in being a part of (these could exist at ACHD, City of Boise/Eagle/Meridian/Kuna/Garden City, COMPASS)?

Patricia Nilsson: "I have been tracking the completion and adoption of the Regional Safety Action Plan by COMPASS, and I am interested in being the ACHD representative on the Valley Regional Transit board. As stated previously, I want to ensure that the CIP and neighborhood bicycle and pedestrian plans are updated."

Alexis Pickering: "I'm very supportive of VRT and their vision for BRT along State Street as well as partnering with our regional stakeholders to evaluate and ultimately build commuter rail across the Treasure Valley. I also helped establish and co-chair the Fatal Traffic Review Taskforce Committee along with Boise City Councilmember Jimmy Hallyburton."

Rebecca Arnold: Not answered.