Boise Lusk District Project Secures $2.5M for Geothermal Heating

Micron Technology awarded $2.5 million in gap funding to the Lusk Housing District project today. The money will help build more than 300 new affordable homes in Boise. The development will use clean geothermal heat to warm the units. This marks the first time a U.S. city has used geothermal systems to serve multifamily affordable housing.

The project is a partnership between J. Fisher Co. and the City of Boise’s Housing Land Trust Program. Earlier this year, the city received a $1 million grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge. That grant supported the pilot expansion of Boise’s geothermal system. The new Micron funding is part of a wider financing strategy for the development.

Mayor Lauren McLean said the investment brings the city closer to delivering clean heat to hundreds of homes. She noted that the project requires public, private, and philanthropic partners to work together. “Building more homes that Boiseans can afford takes partners who are willing to roll up their sleeves and invest in solutions,” McLean said.

Jake Wood, managing director of affordable housing development at J. Fisher Companies, said Boise is leading on clean heat. He stated that no other U.S. city has attempted this specific approach. Wood expressed pride in working with the city and Micron to build the project.

Additional funding for the redevelopment includes tax credits and private activity bonds through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. The City of Boise, the Capital City Development Corporation, and J. Fisher Co. also invested in the plan. The design aims to complement the character of the Lusk District while adding new housing options.

Ten percent of the homes will be designated for residents exiting homelessness. The site plan includes retail space, improved streetscapes, and better access to public transportation. A partnership between the Capital City Development Corporation and J. Fisher Co. will add a public parking garage to the site.

April Arnzen, executive vice president and president of the Micron Foundation, said Boise has been Micron’s headquarters for 48 years. She described the project as a way to build homes that working families can afford. Groundbreaking for the development is expected in spring 2027.