A City Fit for Kids:
Boise Engages its Teens to Build a Youth-Friendly Community
Matt Oppenheimer says relationships drive his activism.
Story and photo by SUZIE BOSS
BOISE, Idaho—
Age matters.
Just ask the whiskerless 13-year-old studying the goatee on the 18-year-old seated at his side. Or listen to the self-assured 17-year-old who admits she was more shy “back when I was younger.” Like, two years ago.
In the life of a teenager, age determines just about everything: How you talk. What you wear. Where you can go. Where you can’t. Who you listen to. Who you tune out.
But for teens growing up in and around Boise, age is starting to take on a whole new meaning. In this fast-growing metropolitan region of more than 250,000, where corporate headquarters have sprouted against a high-desert landscape, teens are discovering that youth carries clout. Even though most are still too young to vote, they already have the mayor’s ear and a youth council to advance their agenda. The police chief wants to hear their views. Researchers have surveyed them about the issues that affect their well-being. Far from feeling ignored because of their age, young people are developing a strong voice in the life of their community.
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