New director named for Boise's planning and development

The City of Boise has chosen a new director to lead its Planning and Development department, picking someone with an extensive background in capital and facilities projects.

After being confirmed by the city council on July 16, Shawn Wilson will officially take on the lead role on July 17, taking over for Steve Burgos who has been holding the interim director position while the city sought a permanent hire.

Wilson was among three final candidates the city had been interviewing for the director role. Also considered for the position were , who is the current director for Land Use and Building department in Elmore County, and , who is the director for Community Development in Post Falls.



“Shawn is a trusted and respected leader at the city with a proven ability to get big jobs done,” said Mayor Lauren McLean in a statement. “We worked hard to modernize our zoning code so that Boise gets to decide how Boise grows. I wanted to find someone who will lead us through implementing the new rules with a calm and steady hand. Shawn brings that and more.”

Wilson currently leads Boise’s facilities team which maintains the city’s assets. According to the city, Wilson, who has an education in chemical engineering, has led the “strategic and facilities planning for the water renewal program, Boise Fire, the Boise Police Department and the Boise Public Library.”

“It is an honor to be selected to lead the Department of Planning and Development Services as we implement the modern zoning code and see our city create more housing at Boise budgets, incentivize more transit-oriented development and ensure we’re growing in a sustainable, climate-ready way,” Wilson said.

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