Events | Idaho for Good

February 17th 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Inspiration Alley in Downtown Boise.
In communities across the United States, a shortage of “missing middle” housing — walkable, diverse, and affordable mid-scale housing options between single-family homes and large apartment complexes — has shaped who can live near jobs, schools, and services. This panel brings together local leaders and practitioners deeply engaged in housing, policy, and development to explore actionable solutions and share insights from Boise’s evolving housing landscape.

Made possible by the generosity of Inspiration Alley, Saalt, and the City of Boise’s Arts and History Grants program, this conversation benefits from voices that shape housing at different points in the system — from how rules are written, to how markets respond, to how projects actually get built.

Ali Rabe: Ali Rabe is a Boise-born attorney, community leader, and Idaho State Senator representing District 16. She is the founding executive director of the Gem State Housing Alliance, a statewide advocacy organization focused on expanding housing supply and shaping equitable policy in Idaho. Prior to this, she led Jesse Tree, a non-profit helping prevent eviction and homelessness in the Treasure Valley.
Margaret Carmel: Margaret Carmel is Senior Reporter at BoiseDev, where she covers the City of Boise, Ada County, housing, homelessness, growth, and local government. With journalism degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and Syracuse University, she has been reporting on housing and urban issues in the Treasure Valley since 2018.
Shellan Rodriguez: Shellan M. Rodriguez is the CEO and owner of SMR Development, a Boise-based consultancy specializing in housing development, urban renewal, and actionable community planning. With nearly two decades of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors — including roles with Capital City Development Corporation and the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority — she works on workforce and affordable housing strategies and public-private partnerships. She also recently served on the board of the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority and on housing advisory committees in Boise.

Together, these perspectives move the conversation beyond opinion and toward alignment. Housing isn’t just an economic issue, a policy issue, or a development issue — it’s all three at once. This panel helps connect the dots between intent, impact, and implementation.

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Learn more

The Do Good Conversation Series is a volunteer led initiative and is currently a free event as we want to ensure that good information is accessible. If you have the means, please consider supporting our efforts.

$15 - Suggested Admission
typical cost of admission

$30 - Pay It Forward
you + another admission

$50 - Sponsor Snacks
shout out from the stage

$100 - Partner for Impact
stage + logo placement

$500 - Event Sponsor
stage + logo + CTA

The Do Good Conversation Series with Crispin Gravatt offers sharp questions, quick wit, and a knack for turning complex issues into something you can actually wrap your head around.

This is a local initiative to inspire meaningful conversations and practical solutions for a better world.

We bring different industries to the table to reconsider what it means to Do Good. We’re committed to offering fresh perspectives by featuring cross-industry guests and amplifying voices that aren’t typically at the table together.

Made possible by the generosity of Inspiration Alley, Saalt, and the City of Boise’s Arts and History Grants program.