Trailblaze Programs & Partnerships

From a purely government affairs standpoint the idea that one day five years ago the university was going to let loose academics across Idaho to engage with community, public, private, non-profit and political leaders inspired some concern. The smarty-pants professor version of ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’ It seems insane that I ever thought that. From day one our Idaho Policy Institute researchers showed up with eyes and ears open, sincerely ready to support Idahoans in their communities. Not only was IPI proof positive of what this university could do under our broad Public Service mission, it was perhaps the thing that did the most to familiarize (or re-familiarize) Idahoans with what Boise State had become. Community leaders suddenly had access to profound expertise they could bring to bear on meaningful projects, tailored to their budgets, regions and needs. It has been a joy to watch and it’s become an absolute engine of opportunity for all involved. The Treasure Valley and Idaho public policy surveys, which handle the sensitive, the political, and the potent issues confronting our state, have become events unto themselves. Not only are the surveys greeted with enthusiasm, they are emblematic of IPI’s integrity in action: We’re from Boise State and we’re here to help.