The Ada County Historic Preservation Council was established on August 25, 1988 (Ordinance 192).  The Council seeks to preserve Ada County's heritage, mainly by educating property owners and the general public of the economic and intrinsic value of preserving historic sites. The Council is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers seeking to make a difference in the quality of life in and around Ada County. They serve in an advisory role to the Board of Ada County Commissioners and rely heavily on volunteer efforts and a small amount of support from Development Services staff.

The Council is a Certified Local Government under the National Historic Preservation Act. This makes us eligible for a limited amount of National Park Service grant funds every year. These grant funds are required to be matched with County and/or private funds.

The Council has authority to conduct a survey of local historic properties, cooperate with outside agencies toward historic preservation objectives, make recommendations and participate in local planning processes, and promote awareness of the importance of historic preservation through education and outreach.

Members

Al Bolin (208) 342-1298 balein@msn.com	Jack Clark (208) 287-7266	Curt James curtisljames44@hotmail.com
Kelly Mitchell (208) 389-7848	Bryan Nickels (208) 395-8500	Jessica Shine
Jake Putnam (208) 333-7090	Brian Tandrow	Vacancy
Click on the individual pictures for a biography of each Council Member.

Current Officers

Curt James, Chairman
Vacant Position, Vice-Chairman
Jack Clark, Secretary

Volunteers

	Steve Malone (208) 287-7920

Purpose Statement

• To preserve significant historic structures and sites within unincorporated Ada County by identifying and documenting those structures and sites;
• To adopt ordinances that will require the Council to review all development applications that might impact an identified historic site or structure;
• To engender a sense of stewardship throughout Ada County for these historic sites;
• To educate the public on the importance of preserving historic structures and sites through seminars and interactive and/or outreach programs; and
• To be advocates for responsible historic preservation.

Memberships and Affiliations

The Council is a member of the following organizations:

American Association of State and Local History

Dry Creek Historical Society

Eagle Historical Society*

Idaho Community Foundation*

Idaho Military Historical Society*

Idaho Oregon-California Trails Association*

Idaho State Historical Society*

Meridian Historical Society*

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions

National Council on Public History*

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Preservation Idaho*

* = budgeted for October, 2006

Staff Support

Staff support is provided by Ada County Development Services.  Leslie Toombs (287-7920 or ltoombs@adaweb.net) is currently assigned this responsibility.

Staff's role is to facilitate the work of the Council by routing correspondence, preparing grant requests, ordering equipment and supplies, setting up for monthly meetings, assisting with preparing budget requests, requesting services from legal staff and other tasks that require direct interaction with County staff.  Development Services budgets an average of eight hours per week for this purpose.