Boise, Idaho – The Micron Foundation announced a $2.5 million gift that will fund geothermal heating for over 300 new affordable‑housing units in the city’s Lusk Housing District. The donation makes Boise the first U.S. city to install geothermal heat in a multifamily affordable‑housing development.
Local partnership drives clean‑energy progress
Mayor Lauren McLean praised the partnership, saying, “Building more homes that Boiseans can afford takes partners who are willing to roll up their sleeves and invest in solutions. Thanks to Micron’s investment, we are one step closer to bringing clean geothermal heat to hundreds of affordable homes in Boise.”
Micron, a Boise‑based semiconductor company, has called the city its home for 48 years. April Arnzen, executive vice president, chief people officer, and president of the Micron Foundation, added, “Investing in this community means investing in the people who call it home. This is an opportunity to build homes that working families can afford, and the Lusk Housing District will add more than 300 of them.”
Building on earlier support
The project already received a $1 million grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge earlier this year, aimed at expanding Boise’s geothermal system. Idaho News 6 reporter Brady Caskey covered that grant in March.
Jake Wood, managing director of Affordable Housing Development for J. Fisher Companies, said, “Boise is showing that affordable housing can lead on clean heat, not wait for it. No other U.S. city has tried this, and we’re proud to build it alongside a city willing to go first and partners like Micron willing to back it.”
Project timeline and impact
Groundbreaking is slated for next spring, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter. Once completed, the geothermal system will provide a reliable, low‑carbon heat source for the new homes, reducing utility costs for families and supporting Idaho’s broader clean‑energy goals.
Local officials see the initiative as a model for other municipalities seeking to combine affordable‑housing development with sustainable infrastructure. By leveraging private‑sector generosity and public‑sector grants, Boise aims to demonstrate how faith‑based and family‑focused communities can benefit from modern energy solutions.
Community response
Residents and community leaders have welcomed the announcement, noting that lower heating bills will help families stretch their budgets and keep more money for essential needs. The project aligns with Boise’s ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing while preserving the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
As the first geothermal‑heated multifamily affordable‑housing district in the nation, Boise’s Lusk project may inspire similar initiatives in other cities across the country.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
