“I have the privilege of leading an agency that does only good things for Boise, and that’s an honor I eagerly embrace. Public service is in my DNA—my grandparents, my parents, and my entire family have worked on behalf of their communities—and for me this job is personal because it’s my hometown. My own children and grandchildren will be here for decades to come, so I see it as my responsibility to make great things happen while I have the opportunity to do so.”
For more than a decade, John Brunelle has played a central role supporting the economic success of downtown Boise. As executive director of CCDC, John oversees investments in downtown’s built environment, including creation of infrastructure, construction of public facilities, and development of public-private partnerships. John and the team at CCDC are dedicated to a lively, well-designed and sustainable urban plan that fosters thriving businesses, engages the community, and supports a strong element of arts and culture.
Since 2013, the year John took the lead position at the agency, CCDC has assisted the private development of nearly $700 million in financial investment in downtown. Partnerships with local, regional, and national development firms have led to new hotels, a surge in residential buildings, and enhancements to the city’s streetscape, stormwater, fiber, and geothermal infrastructure. In 2018 John accepted the prestigious Gold Award for Public Private Partnerships, the highest honor given annually by the International Economic Development Council.
Career stops in Portland and Seattle highlighted John's 25-year career in the private sector, including a stint as president and co-owner of the Idaho Stampede NBA Development League team. He has served on the boards of the Downtown Boise Association and Boise Valley Economic Partnership, is involved in several community and professional organizations, and is a founder of the Bishop Kelly Alumni Association and of the Loaves & Fishes Banquet, held annually the benefit Catholic Charities of Idaho.
MEMBERSHIP & ACCOLADES
- Board Member, Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho
- Board Member, Boise Valley Economic Partnership
- Board Member, Downtown Boise Association
- Leadership Advisory Board, Urban Land Institute of Idaho
- Founder, Bishop Kelly Alumni Association
- Advisory Group, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Founder, Loaves & Fishes Political Banquet