Local Leaders Institute: Building Connections through Built Environment

Land use can seem like a nebulous subject at first. But once we understand how development decisions impact nearly every facet of our lives, it becomes fertile ground for us to explore what we value as a community. From housing and schools to parks and sidewalks, Idaho's future is being shaped by people who get involved in the process.

If you struggle to understand how to get involved or what is important to know about the process, you are not alone. Taking a first step can open up a whole world of opportunity to shape the neighborhood you want to live in- and it's even easier together. Join Idaho Smart Growth and one local leader to learn about how our values can be reflected in our development decisions, how the process works, and how you don't need specialized training to make an impact. Building connections that shape our built environment starts with you, and we look forward to learning more together.

Our Guests:

Alexandra Monjar | Senior Project Manager, Capital City Development Corp

When urban planners talk about the built environment, they’re describing the places people have created for all of us to live, work, and play. As CCDC’s project manager in property development, Alexandra’s task is to collaborate with private entities to ensure Boise’s built environment is attractive, accessible, and sustainable.

Before joining CCDC, Alexandra was manager of ULI Idaho, the state’s chapter of the global non-profit Urban Land Institute. It was a perfect training ground for her current role, as she brought together developers, government agencies, and individuals to share best practices and build thriving communities. Her previous experience also includes stints with Idaho Smart Growth, PCS Edventures, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Alexandra earned her bachelor’s degree in arts administration (cum laude) from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. She holds certificate in commercial real estate from eCornell.

With her usual pastimes of enjoying downtown restaurants and attending concerts and drag shows on hold during the pandemic, Alexandra has taken up new hobbies: mountain biking, skate skiing, and phone banking for political campaigns. She also enjoys crocheting toys for her nieces and nephews; training her cats to sit, stay, and give high-fives; and learning how to keep house plants alive.

About the Local Leaders Institute

Idaho has been one of the fastest-growing states in the nation for several years running. The way we grow has a direct impact on our quality of life. Right now is our opportunity to get ahead of the growth to preserve our open lands, create effective public transportation, and create spaces where Idahoans can feel safe, have fun, and live rewarding lives for generations to come.

More people are moving here to enjoy all the Gem State has to offer- beautiful open space, increasing economic opportunities, tight-knit communities, and so much more. While this growth opens doors to assets we might not otherwise have, it also strains our cities and towns as we work to manage the challenges that follow. Smart growth principles are proven tactics to ensure growth doesn’t get ahead of us. By sharing our challenges, strategies, data, and values, the Local Leaders Institute equips professionals, policymakers, and residents with the connections, knowledge, and confidence they need to promote smart growth principles in their communities.

The Local Leaders Institute aims to equip neighbors like you with the connections, knowledge, and confidence to promote smart growth practices in your communities. The LLI is a monthly opportunity for leaders in communities all across Idaho to engage in learning, conversation, and application of smart growth principles. Each session is led by experienced professionals to introduce a topic, highlight an example, or dissect an experience of smart growth in action to contribute to shared knowledge.

About Idaho Smart Growth

Idaho Smart Growth is a statewide, independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit offering expertise and tools to keep our communities vibrant and our lands healthy. Since 2000, Idaho Smart Growth has collaborated with partners throughout the Gem State to maintain and create great places to live. As the state continues to grow, the urgency of smart growth and the desire to preserve and enhance quality of life here becomes more apparent. Idaho Smart Growth offers a range of programs to help make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and safer for everyone, and it depends on the generous support and community spirit of volunteers and donors to pursue its mission.