Boise: A Model of a Welcoming City

Imanol Galdos Irazabal

Introduction: A humble tribute to essential to understand the present, and my parents to structure the story of the future. Te reason I am here today talking about Te real and anonymous heroes are the the model of Boise as a welcoming city is, people who created the conditions for quite simply, because my parents (Miguel Boise to become an authentic reference and Tere) gave a great welcome to the for those of us who believe in spaces where group from Boise that came to Oñati people from diferent social, language, back in 1974. Tis is the image that best political, ethnical and religious back- represents my life cycle. It is the plaque grounds can construct authentic models placed in Boise’s Memorial Park two years of harmonious coexistence; forward-look- ago to coincide with the Jaialdi of 2015, ing visionary individuals who take risks, in gratitude for the great work my parents and – above all – very generous people. did by welcoming people from Boise Tose who courageously opted for this in difcult times. For many years my way forward in the past and now deserve home in Oñati was like a small hotel that a lot of respect. was the scene of the story I am going to Although everything seems to be called tell you now. Obviously, this story does into question nowadays, the future will not explain the whole model I want to surely involve models along the lines of show you today. However, it is clearly Boise. Tere is no other way. Tey are a central part of a wonderful story that the cities we all aspire to, hence their is being written now, in a very difcult enormous potential and attractiveness. context. A fner point and a rectifca- Homogeneous cities that turn their backs tion: Cities, towns, villages and countries on new energies are doomed. are not welcoming in themselves. Teir people are, although not everyone. Tey Te beginning: 1974 are usually courageous people who, in Pat Bieter, the father of the current Mayor difcult circumstances, and often on their of Boise, was a man ahead of his time. own against the opinion of the majority, Born in Minnesota, he was posted to Boise decide to take very tricky paths. We tend for military service, and that is where he to jump on the bandwagon of success too discovered the large Basque community easily, while in many cases we have been in Idaho. A university professor of Irish part of the problem. Historic memory is descent who was familiar with the reality 116 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018 of the Irish diaspora to the United States, was hostile. Many people in Oñati (in he understood how important it was for line with the majority opinion in Basque the new generations of Basque Americans society) thought that they were a cover to learn about the contemporary reality of for the CIA – that is, allies of Franco. Euskadi, now very diferent to the country Great courage was shown by my parents that their ancestors had left behind years and others (people involved in political before. Tis led to the academic program opposition to Franco and very committed aimed at North American university stud- to the defense of Basque language and ies that set out (beyond the learning and culture), and very few decided to welcome improvement of language skills in the the Americans who arrived in Oñati with Basque and Spanish languages as well as open arms. Tanks to their courage, I other teachings on diferent aspects of life am standing here today explaining the in Euskadi) to provide better knowledge of welcoming nature of Boise. Likewise, the the reality of the Basques at a time when strong commitment and courage of Pat Franco was still in power. Bieter should be highlighted. He was a Oñati, the town where I was born and man who knew how to anticipate events grew up, was chosen by the Universities in a conservative environment. Tose of Boise and Reno to begin the program young people who stayed in Oñati are that has changed the way relations between now community leaders in Boise: the Euskadi and the Basque diaspora that Mayor, judges, doctors, university pro- are understood, basically in the United fessors. Terefore, we should highlight States. A new paradigm of relations was the great impact the project had on the born. Everything that has happened since development of the city of Boise. cannot be understood without considering Everyone emerged as a winner from the importance of this program. It was that program. Oñati, a historically out- organized in Oñati for around seven years, ward-looking town (it is home to the making it possible for hundreds of North oldest university in the Basque Country, American students to get to know the real- where Law, Medicine and Philosophy ity of the Basques and, above all, enabling were taught in the 16th century), is now hundreds of relationships between people an even more open place, and the role from both sides of the Atlantic (marriages, played by the Boise program has been a divorces, families, some living here and key factor. Boise and Oñati are, as we shall others there). In 1982, the program was see in more detail later, isolated places, transferred to Donostia under the um- although in both cases far from being a brella of the University Studies Abroad drawback this has been a key factor in Consortium (USAC). their success. Tere was no resting on Franco was in power and Euskadi was one’s laurels; isolation has been a stimulus. a volcano waiting to explode, at a time Oñati has one of the lowest unem- of great political upheaval. In this con- ployment rates in the Spanish State, with text, that frst group of students headed companies like ULMA operating world- by Pat Bieter certainly did not receive a wide, the International Institute for the warm welcome. Tey arrived protected Sociology of Law that welcomes Doctorate by the Guardia Civil and the reception and Master’s students from all over the IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 117 world, and the Monastery of Arantzazu. it Right”. As they explain in their feature From that dark year 1974 to now, Oñati called Red-Hot Town, and Boise have grown and helped each other, thanks to those courageous people #1 Boise, Idaho: Once the gateway to who took great risks and decided that the remote mining camps, Idaho’s capital future of their hometown and their people has become a technic boomtown meant being open towards other cultures with a thriving cultural scene. An and other ways of thinking. Te commit- economy boosted by mega-grocer ment to diversity is the only driving force Albertsons, the multinational Micron that makes societies growing, and Boise Technology and the potato giant is a clear example. J.R. Simplot has helped jump-start a fast-growing real estate market. Boise: In the middle of nowhere My frst visit to Boise was in 1988. We From all perspectives and angles, Boise’s had to take quite a few fights to get there. ability to attract is undisputed. Te city As happens with a lot of other places in has become the incarnation of the Ameri- the world (Donostia and Husum come can Dream of the 21st century on its own to mind), being located outside the main merits. With a population of 676,929 routes with not particularly good com- (2015 Estimate), there are more than munications theoretically means greater 101,800 people employed in professional difculties. My frst impression was that is services occupations. One of the fastest a small city. Very diferent from the large growing regions in the country, the Boise city concept that seems to be imposing MSA ranked #3 (excluding Florida) for the itself nowadays. In the case of Boise, highest net domestic in-migration rate in however, what some consider a major 2014 behind Austin, TX and Charleston, drawback, with the often-repeated com- SC.1 As well as technology companies plaint about it being far away from where and North American citizens in search of things happen – “Boise is in the middle of new experiences or simply tired of living nowhere” – its unfavorable location, its dry in large cities (20% of new residents in climate, roasting sunshine in summer, and Boise have come from California), Boise’s quite a cold winter – what some consider rather isolated location has not stopped defects turn into undoubted advantages. thousands of refugees from starting a new In the middle of the desert, with vast life there. On paper, other destinations spaces around and infnite potential for might seem more attractive to those who growth, Boise has become home to state- have chosen Boise, or who arrived in a of-the-art technology companies, people little-known place as a result of established looking for new life experiences, refugees quotas. Tey all praise the city that is now and emigrants in search of freedom. Mi- their home. cron, Hewlett-Packard and White-Cloud Analytics have converted Boise into a Boise, Idaho, ofers a calmer perspec- ‘Techy Boomtown’, as TIME magazine tive. Here at the base of the Rocky described it. In March 2014, TIME Maga- Mountains, in one of the whitest zine featured Boise as #1 region “Getting of American places in one of the 118 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018

reddest American states, 13,000 River running through downtown. Te refugees from at least 53 countries climate is mild year-round, but still varied are rebuilding their lives.2 throughout the year. “Unless you don’t like Many diferent factors, causes and seasons,” Mayor Bieter says, “we’re a very reasons, and the need to overcome good place to live.” Te isolation can be major obstacles (location, stereo- a downside, too. Getting people to Boise types3), led the city authorities can be a challenge. Te city must be an to adopt a rather unconventional intentional destination. It is not really on project by discarding traditional the way to or from anywhere. But once approaches. Nowadays, however, people see it, they tend to fall in love and the project has all the elements to want to stay, Mayor Bieter says.4 become a model that transcends the frontiers of the USA. In an age of Why is Boise attractive? uncertainty, upheaval, doubts, ques- It is paradoxical that, at a time when there tions and generalized fatigue, Boise is a tendency towards retreat and the chal- proposes something very suggestive, lenging of open, integrating approaches unusual and attractive, despite its depending on the fow of events, the location in the middle of the desert. great driver behind Boise is its diversity. Proximity is important for many Without a doubt, this is what makes it so small to mid-sized cities. Not all attractive. Tere are also other elements amenities generally exist within the to explain the meteoric rise and growth city limits, which is fair. Not every of Boise. It is a city whose population city can be New York City. It’s rare has increased from 74,990 in 1970 to to hear a mayor say that one aspect 102,249 in 1980 and to 216,282 in 2014. that makes his city so great is how Its present population is 223,154, just a far removed it is from other cities. little bigger than Donostia. Te reasons that could explain this spectacular growth Yet, that’s exactly what Boise’s mayor lead us to analyze them one by one. It David Bieter suggested. “I think our is a long list, for sure. According to a isolation has been good for us,” he says. study made by Boise Metro: “Reasons “Salt Lake City, Portland and Seattle are for Growth? 1) Quality of Life – Live six to eight hours away. You can’t drive the American Dream, Own a Home; an hour and go the symphony or theater 2) Afordability w/ Premium Schools, in another town. You have to build it Recreation, Safety; 3) Quality of People; here”. Boise, therefore, needs to provide 4) Vibrant Downtown.”5 Quality edu- for itself. It has the Boise Philharmonic. cation is another key factor in the major It has a theater. It has a state capital and immigrant fow into Boise that is taking a military base. Its university has added place. Mayor Bieter says: “football powerhouse” to its already-im- pressive resume. Te natural amenities are Many of the schools in town are perhaps even more impressive than the highly rated, which helped Boise cultural ones. Boise sits at the intersection rank on our Top 10 Best Cities for of desert and mountains with the Boise Kids list. In our discussion with IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 119

business that is looking to relocate, travaganza to the San Inazio Festival they always ask about the educational or Deli Days, to ongoing activities system. Our advantage is that our and programs at the Black History public-school system is the default Museum and the Hispanic Cultural school. We have private schools that Center, the Boise Valley celebrates are quite good, but you choose them our residents’ diversity year-round. if you want to, not because you have In any event, the favorable position to. Te classrooms are diverse, due to held by Boise in most rankings is a a large population of refugees from clear sign of: all over the world.6 1. A Getaway: Boise was ranked as one of the top fve “Best Travel-Wor- Seen from the outside, and in the light of thy State Capitals” by USA Today stereotypes, nobody who is not from the for 2016. Boise Valley could imagine diversity as its 2. A Recreation Paradise: Boise was main feature when it comes to describing named one of the 10 “Best Big Cit- the place:7 ies for Active Families” by Outside Magazine. More than 90 diferent languages are 3. A Cultural Hub: Boise recently spoken in the Boise School District. nabbed the #2 spot as one of the Te Boise Valley is home to one of “Most Artistic Mid-Sized Cities in the oldest synagogues in the west- America”. ern United States. 800 new citizens 4. An Economic Powerhouse: Boise seeking refuge from circumstances in was named on the top ten lists of their homeland are welcomed to the cities with job growth potential. Boise Valley each year from over 20 5. A Downtown Trendsetter: Liv- foreign countries. Idaho is home to ability ranked BoDo as #6 in their the second largest Basque population list of “Top 10 Downtown Scenes”. in North America. Over 70% of the 6. A Growing Market: Boise has population has some college training been repeatedly named as one of the or above (12.7% above the national “Hottest Housing Markets” for 2016. average). 7. A Caring Community: Not only Te Boise Valley is home to the was Boise recently chosen as the fastest-growing community college “Most Caring City in America”, it in the country, College of Western also ranks 2nd in the nation for vol- Idaho, which is currently servicing unteerism and community outreach. over 20,000 students. Te Boise 8. A Green Oasis: An analysis of Valley maintains a wealth of cul- thirteen different eco-conscious tural, spiritual and ethnic diversity metrics ranked Boise in the “Top throughout the area, and is proud to 20 Greenest American Cities”. actively promote and foster a spirit of 9. An Educational Leader: Boise has inclusion that embraces the diversity been repeatedly ranked as a top ten found in the valley. From cultural college town, among other accolades. events such as the Soul Food Ex- 10. 2017’s Best -Worst-Run Cities 120 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018

in America.8 Seattle, Portland, and Salt Lake City. 11. Best cities for raising a family9, But Idaho’s capital is making a name with Boise in second place. for itself for much more than its 12. Boise also ranks #2 as an “Up beauty and convenience. and Coming City for New Grads”, With the goal of becoming the most and as one of TIME Magazine’s “Best livable city in the country, Boise is a Towns for College Football”. bustling metropolis that has changed dramatically in the past decade or Regardless of any classifcation, Boise rep- so, rising from a “bait and bullet” resents the future. It is a new city without town, as it was called by the New prejudices or baggage, a unique energy York Times, to a thriving center for and a natural setting that is an essential art, green initiatives, and community element in a very attractive project. Its development. But it is in its uniquely inhabitants show much greater pride in isolated setting that Boise has truly the city than those from other places.10 found its niche as a hip, urban hub What used to be an insignifcant city is that is being praised by nearly every now seen as one of the great benchmarks nationally published top ten list. for the future. It has found its place despite Idaho is a one-of-a-kind haven all on all the difculties that it has experienced its own, but Boise as a blossoming (and still does). In this process, a clear, metropolis ofers everything you generous and unequivocal commitment could ask for in a modern commu- to the enthusiastic welcoming of diversity nity – superb dining, quality educa- has been, without doubt, what has placed tion, entrepreneurial initiative, and it in such a favorable situation. Its suc- so much more. cess is based on a set of intangible values But Boise does so without the high that comprise a unique model: pride, cost of living, over-development, an outward-looking approach, diversity, or pollution that one fnds in its happiness. Tat is where we need to look more populated urban counterparts. to carry out any analysis: Whether it is the City of Trees’ unique festivals, incredible art scene, or vibrant nightlife, Boise is a fan- Te Best City in America is Actually tastic place to visit or call home.11 Right Here in Idaho Te old adage of “location, location, location” is just one reason why Idaho A long history of welcoming: Ref- as a whole has been recently making ugees transform the City of Trees headlines as a blossoming national It would be wrong to say that the path icon. Te Gem State’s idyllic inter- has been strewn with fowers. Resistance section of desert, mountains and has existed, and still does in places. Te river oases creates an environment polarization that western societies suf- that ofers something for everybody, fer nowadays does not help to create a while also quietly resting in close calm debate. Te natural, necessary and proximity to the urban centers of desirable diversity of opinions is often IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 121 replaced by exaggeration, manipulation have pursued similar paths through and over-generalization.12 Tere is an- hard, unpopular work on the road other important nuance: the deliberate to better lives in the Boise Valley. confusion of the terms ‘refugee’ and Like Basque immigrants to Idaho, ‘immigrant’13 does not help to mark out Latinos have not always faced an and clarify the debate. easy road. As late as the 1950s, signs History repeats itself, as Dave Bieter posted outside some doors in the area reminded us in an article published in warned “Mexicans, Negroes, Jews, December 201614, in which he strongly Indians and dogs” to stay out. Again, defended his position. From a historical fortunately, most Idahoans ignored perspective, he highlighted the benefts that. Te Latino contribution to our that the presence of immigrants and ref- lives is unmistakable. Without them, ugees has represented in Boise’s growth. many of Idaho’s most important Mayor Bieter, who considers himself an industries would have collapsed long outsider, a Catholic in a Protestant city ago. and a Democrat in a Republican state, is And so it is today with refugees. a good example of a typical life journey Boise is home to Bosnians, Somalis, in Boise today: Iraqis and Syrians. Our city govern- ment reaches out through nearly I’m the mayor of Boise, where im- all departments ‒ police to ensure migrants have played a signifcant refugees know they are safe; parks role since before statehood. and recreation programs help refugee My own life is an example of how children enjoy our outdoors, like all the immigration experience in the our children do; library programs United States has worked. My grand- help with access to computers and father immigrated to Boise from the other learning tools; our arts and Basque region of Spain in 1912, history programs help with cultural along with thousands of others. activities. We ofer these same pro- He herded sheep ‒ tough, solitary grams to all Boiseans. We do not work that few native-born Americans debate about who is more worthy wanted. He met my grandmother, or where they’re from. We are a wel- another Basque immigrant, here in coming city. We all have work to do. Boise and they built a life for my Refugees enrich our city. Tey are mother and her two sisters. some of the hardest working Boi- Teir story was similar to those of seans. Tey give vibrancy to our thousands of Basques who succeeded schools. Some have even opened new in Idaho. Today, it is easy to forget businesses in older parts of Boise. that in 1909 a local newspaper de- Our city gets back many times over scribed Basque immigrants as “flthy, what it gives. treacherous, and meddlesome, clan- Boise does not welcome our new- nish and undesirable”. Fortunately, comers just out of goodwill and the most Idahoans ignored that. bottom line. We also do so because Tousands of Latino immigrants we understand that the constant 122 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018

addition of new and energized people the hooded marchers expose their faces in from many places around the world honest daylight. In 1948, when an Idaho is this country’s oxygen. Tat does senator shunned “whites only” and was not mean things are easy. arrested in Alabama, Boiseans applauded But the United States has never taken the rebuke of Jim Crow. Today, like a the easy route, through wars and hundred years ago, diferent visions and depressions and the shifting world – approaches exist on the issue, as Professor and that’s why we are the United Todd Shallat points out: States. From our city’s beginnings in the 1860s, Boise has benefted Idaho’s governor had previously from the energy and hard work of its joined two dozen others in de- newcomers from all over the globe. It manding a halt to “rubber-stamped” would be a mistake to shut that of.15 immigration/refugee programs. No matter the confusion between refu- Te journey has been a long one and not gees (who are forced to migrate) and without its difculties, similar to those that in-migrants (who are not). No matter still prevail, far from unanimity, and that that refugee issues were far removed gives the present scenario even more value. from the governor’s jurisdiction. Opposing stances that have propitiated a “Frustration runs high in Idaho”, process that has always been alive: said Otter. Te narrative seemed to confrm that strangers were evil and Both an in-migrant city and an that refugee resettlement was a top anti-in-migrant city, Boise, histor- spun out of control. ically, had shunned prejudice but Two blocks from Otter’s State- also endorsed it depending on what house – shouting distance but po- was at stake. In 1893, the Japanese litical light-years from the governor`s laborers who laid rails to the 10th ofce – Mayor David H. Bieter Street depot were confned to shiver ignited his own fery headline by in box cars when threatened by mobs drafting a defant response. “When it downtown. In 1901, a Bavarian comes to immigration and refugees,” in-migrant mayor named Moses wrote Bieter to his fellow mayors, Alexander allied with a British sher- “Presidents and Congress get to say, if to roughly remove the Chinese. but mayors have to do”. Tat same immigrant built an ornate Boise´s mayor rejected the notion synagogue and became the nation´s that people from distant places posed frst elected Jewish governor. Boise a threat to public safety. Boise was beckoned, but Boiseans sometimes live-and-let live, said Bieter. It was the repelled.16 kind of place where artists painted the utility-boxes, where an overpass Pitchfork nativism, even so, never played sheltered a skate park, where motor- well in Boise. In 1924, when the Knights ists allowed people to merge so long of the Ku Klux Klan rallied on Boise´s as they waved back to acknowledge Main Street, the city council insisted that the kindness. “We are nationally IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 123

known as a welcoming city”, Bieter recent years. Very few of them could tell continued, “We can all be proud”.17 you where Idaho was on the map. Around 3,500–4,000 people21 (mostly Bosnians, Te debate is ongoing, but the commit- with small communities of Serbians and ment has been made in Idaho for a long Croatians) make up a highly vibrant and time. Tere is a deeply-rooted culture enterprising community, particularly in that is interiorized and assumed by its the construction sector and as university institutions, civil society, and citizens: professors. Te story of Refk Sadikovic shows the importance of an experience In Idaho meanwhile, an informal that has allowed him to work a personal refugee program began at Boise State miracle that has enriched Boise. Mutual University in 1975, and Governor enrichment and beneft: “Chosen to Sur- John Evans formally established a vive. A Bosnian, cut down by shrapnel, state-level refugee center in 1979. sees his life as a miracle”.22 Te program later passed to Idaho´s In Donostia, the city where I live, the Department of Health and Welfare in number of Bosnians arriving in the city 1997, to a private nonproft, Jannus can be counted on one hand; not even a Inc., named in tribute to the Roman dozen. Tey have integrated wonderfully, god of new beginning. It houses and I often wonder why our ability to the resettlement agency. Te Idaho attract people like that is so low. With just Ofce for Refugees (within Jannus) a quarter of those who arrived in Boise, receives federal grant money and Donostia would undoubtedly have been a administers statewide programs.18 much more enriched city. Boise’s example should make us sit up and think. At the end of each war, given its status Regardless of the particular circum- as a sanctuary19, Idaho is one of over 200 stances and the (worthy) opinions that resettlement communities across the U.S. exist on the subject, Boise continues on providing safe haven to refugees from war- its way. Tere will be turbulences, quota torn countries across the world; Boise has reductions, some hiatus, but it will be welcomed citizens from all over the world, difcult to stop something that belongs most of whom did not know it existed. to the DNA of the city and its citizens.23 People from Indochina, Vietnam, Korea, Somalia, the Congo, Syria or Iraq20 are In 2014, Full Circle Exchange among those who have rebuilt their lives launched a new “Job Readiness” in Boise and Idaho. Let’s mention only a program in Boise. It assists local few countries of origin and numbers for refugees and women in transition Idaho refugees from 2016: Democratic by providing immediate income and Republic of Congo (602), Syria (148), developing daily hands-on skills such and Iraq (122). as team-building, problem-solving, Te war in the Balkans led to the arrival language acquisition, and vital en- of another large wave of refugees from richment opportunities needed to Bosnia, possibly one of the communities overcome barriers to employment; with the greatest impact on the area in creating a new future – for them- 124 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018

selves, their families, our community welcoming and integrating immi- and our economy. [...] Nearly 6,000 grants. New American Economy people from 35 countries call Boise also provides tailored research on their home.24 the contributions of immigrants and matching grants to select communi- ties as part of the Challenge. A shared public-private initiative Tis year’s Gateways for Growth Te community of Boise, Idaho has made awardees demonstrated a strong a commitment to welcoming refugees commitment from local government, through its impressive Refugee Resource business, and civil society partners Strategic Community Plan. EMM’s af- to recognize and highlight the con- fliate partners at the Agency for New tributions immigrants are making – Americans have partnered with city agen- by bolstering population growth, cies, transportation ofcials, health care increasing the tax base, starting new providers and many other stakeholders businesses and creating jobs, and to adopt a model of communication and adding vibrancy and culture to our creative problem-solving that is benefting social fabric ‒ and to develop con- the entire community. A program that crete strategies and recommendations teaches refugees how to drive is just one to maximize these contributions. of many positive ofshoots to emerge from “While Congress debates the value this collaboration. What has given Boise of immigration, in city after city, the its undisputed status as a benchmark? evidence is already in ‒ immigrants revive neighborhoods and drive 25 Communities Selected for Gateways economic growth,” said John Fein- for Growth Challenge Round II blatt, President of New American Building on the increasing demand Economy. “Te Gateways for Growth from local government, business, Challenge ofers local leaders blue- and civic leaders who aim to de- prints for attracting immigrant talent velop concrete strategies to integrate and jump-starting their economies.” immigrants and foster economic “Tese communities are leaders in growth, New American Economy the broader and growing trend to be (NAE) and Welcoming America are more inclusive, ofering an alterna- pleased to announce the 25 commu- tive to the divisive rhetoric around nities who will receive Gateways for immigration and showing how in- Growth award in the second year of clusion is good for our economy, the initiative. neighborhoods, and future,” said Launched in December 2015, the David Lubell, Executive Director Gateways for Growth Challenge are of Welcoming America. “Inclusive a competitive opportunity for local economic growth strategies that communities to receive direct tech- take into account both U.S. and nical assistance from New American foreign-born communities make Economy and Welcoming America cities more vibrant, attractive places to develop multi-sector plans for for all residents. IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 125

Following a rigorous application pro- and economic characteristics that Boise cess, 25 communities were selected: and Idaho show have enabled a highly Alexandria, VA, Austin, MN, and noteworthy model: Boise/Ada County, ID [...]. Tis year, the Gateways for Growth Challenge Jan Reeves, 71, the longtime director will again ofer resources to commu- of the state´s refugee ofce, leans nities that demonstrate a public-pri- back from piles of printouts in the vate commitment to the development Jannus building behind a North End of a community-wide strategic plan. strip mall. “We have a receptive com- Tose resources include: – Custom- munity”, says Reeves in response to ized quantitative research reports the question as to why refugees come from NAE on the demographic and to Boise. “We have resources. Tere economic contributions immigrants are opportunities here. Tere are their communities; – on-the-ground many community partners that are technical assistance from NAE and engaged in the resettlement process. Welcoming America to help com- Refugees have an opportunity here munities draft, execute, and com- to start their lives on a solid footing municate a multi-sector immigrant with a positive future ahead of them. integration strategy; – planning And that’s what we want.” 26 grants from NAE that local partners have committed to match. NAE and Welcoming America also Transcending to the political maintain an interactive map out- sphere lining initiatives across the United To try and explain this phenomenon States that support immigrant and according to the logical of political party U.S.-born entrepreneurs promote lines is a waste of time. Undoubtedly, citizen ship and fnancial empow- the two dominant ideological currents erment, improve public safety and in Boise or Idaho generally mark out the access to services, and advance two main approaches to the subject. In education and workforce goals to between, however, there are many nuances help regions compete in the global to take into account that escape this rigid economy. Te map provides detailed political framework. information about and examples Donostia City Council is made up from the communities that have of 27 councilors belonging to political embraced this work, as well as guid- parties, and all of them work full-time. ance for those seeking to replicate Boise is headed by a Democrat mayor successful programs and policies.25 in a Republican area, as we mentioned earlier. He is assisted by a team of fve Te reasons behind this approach and councilors, none of whom work full-time positive action vis-à-vis the arrival of for the city council. Four of them can be refugees (the case of immigrants has to considered close to the Democratic Party, do with other reasons) are diferent in while the ffth, Scot Ludwig, is close to the nature. Te particular geographical, social Republican Party and recently presented a 126 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018 resolution to condemn the acts of violence and social life.” in Charlottesville.27 “We urge all residents of Boise to do their part in reaching out and “Racism is an afront to the ideals welcoming all those who live in of our nation and the conscience of and visit our great City,” states the our residents,” the resolution reads. resolution.28 “Te Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups Tere is, therefore, a clear will to point do not represent the opinions and out a route map unequivocally supporting values of the people of Boise.” Lud- the arrival of immigrants and refugees, wig, the rare Republican at City Hall, particularly to Boise. Boise is an island said he wanted to bring the resolu- inside a deeply Republican state, but a tion forward earlier, but planned to city where the Mayor received the support wait until after Mayor Dave Bieter’s of Pat Cenarrusa, the former Secretary State of the City address, which was of State and a Republican.29 Pat Cenar- scheduled for late August. rusa enthusiastically supported Obama. Ten Bieter’s address was delayed Tese are signs of a political pluralism that until November because of the death many Basques fnd difcult to understand, of former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus. for example, the fact that most of the Te resolution echoes a proclama- Basque community in Idaho are Repub- tion the City Council unanimously lican sympathizers. It is a state where approved in January declaring that Democrat-oriented Sun Valley coexists Boise welcomes refugees and other alongside a North that has changed from immigrants. Councilwoman Lauren being a traditional Democrat area to a McLean was that proclamation’s pri- mainly conservative one with the arrival mary author. of many Californians (many of them from Te City Council unanimously ap- the Orange County Police Department). proved Ludwig’s resolution Tuesday Ten there is the strongly Republican Twin night. Falls, but where clear initiatives emerge Indeed, in January 2017, the proc- in favor of tolerance and diversity from lamation of Boise as a city that wel- religious organizations such as the First comes refugees and immigrants was Presbyterian Church.30 It is worthwhile, unanimously approved. therefore, getting out of one’s comfort On Tuesday, though, Mayor David zone and trying to fnd references that Bieter allowed a crowd of a few dozen help to complete any analysis. Te role to rise to their feet and clap after the played by civil society in general is also a council unanimously passed a resolu- key factor here: tion proclaiming that Boise is “com- mitted to being a Welcoming City Boiseans extend hands and open and creating a community where all their hearts through soccer leagues, of our residents feel welcomed, safe, churches, and charitable founda- and able to fully participate in, and tions. A clearinghouse called united contribute to, our city’s economic links 16 government ofces and 30 IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 127

nonprofts. Te Agency for New zation is imposing itself more and more: Americans provides case workers fuent in 12 languages. Te Interna- Marla Olsen of Boise credits this tional Rescue Committee has worked church at Maple Grove and Ustick tirelessly to help refugees become as the model for programs she co- self-sustaining. Te Boise School ordinates for eight congregations of District coordinates translation ser- Latter-Day-Saints. “When it comes vices in 84 languages. Global Talent, to service,” says Olsen, “we are not a Jannus afliate, smooths the path to Mormon or Catholic or Jewish. We employment for skilled professionals. are all just trying in the gaps”. Global Gardens help Somali Bantu Recently she encountered a Rabbi farmers’ plant community roots.31 while tutoring a refugee in a class- room provided by Boise`s Temple Tere is no doubt that a range of stake- Beth Israel. “Here,” said the rabbi, holders and institutions of diferent color smiling, “we have a Mormon in a guarantees the solidity and across-the- Jewish synagogue teaching English board nature that makes Boise a model to a Muslim.” very distant from the usual stereotypes: Te teaching goes two ways, says Donald Batubenga, the Congolese Welcome the Stranger pastor of New Christian Church. Boise’s embrace is proof that right “Tey (the refugees) have shifted and left, secular and religious, can the social life of this community”. share common goals for diferent Batubenga alternates sermons in political reasons. Secular pluralism English and Swahili, his parishioners can fuse with the evangelist sense of are Zambian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, service when people of every stripe Nigerian, Rwandan, Caribbean and yearn to connect with the world. Idahoan. Church music plays in Lin- Cole, a humanitarian pioneer, rises gala, Bemba, Zulu, Creole, English above denomination with a family and French... mentoring service. Mentors meet “Red or blue, victory or not, we need families once a week to teach the each other,” says Rev. Sara LaWall, a Boise basics: how to list in Muslim Boise Unitarian. Her voice was strong shops, pay bills, barbecue, and bike in December 2015 at a rain-soaked to the zoo. Annually the church vigil on the stairs of the Idaho State- sponsors hold an ecumenical “peace house. Singing “Tis Land is your feast”. Half the guests are Muslims. land” and waving bike lights and Lamb killed by hand is blessed and glow sticks, there was no mistaking prepared according to Islamic halal the political message. “Faith calls us practices. 32 to value love over fear,” said La Wall. “All of our faith teachings have a Te diversity of voices does not prevent strong presence of refugees.”33 unusual joint action in other places and areas of societies, where extreme polari- Exclusivity in the characterization of a 128 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018 strongly interiorized policy in Boise is goes beyond its status as the center of one certainly not its main feature. In each of the great Basque communities abroad. analysis we fnd data, that express desire And there is no doubt that, in the story that is taken on by diferent leaders in of Boise as a welcoming city, the Basque diferent felds. Patrick Hunter, PR & community has also played a key role. Te Strategic Engagement Manager in Hewl- things that Boise continually teaches us ett-Packard, says: need to be taken very much into account. I live in a region and a city with one of the Our commitment to diversity lowest birthrates in Europe. Europe, and through hiring is seen through key western societies in general, are facing one partnerships with the Society of of the greatest challenges to their survival. Women Engineers (SWE), National Russia and Italy, to mention two examples Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), that the media have highlighted, are facing Society of Hispanic Professional En- up to historic challenges in this respect, gineers (SHPE), and Universities and Euskadi is not unafected by this very around the country. Tese partner- worrying scenario. From this perspective, ships provide opportunities to attract it would even be good if Euskadi could top talent from around the world elaborate some kind of strategy. Beyond representing diversity of geography, the restrictive quotas imposed by Europe, gender, age, sexual orientation and Euskadi is at a historic crossroads. Our ethnicity to Boise. Combined with survival as a people is on the line. Either employee resource groups such as our we improve the birthrate or we start to vibrant Young Employee Network, welcome new energy from outside. Some we are able to retain the talent that people in our country see risks to our we attract.34 identity in the arrival of other identities, cultures and languages. New sensibilities, new perspectives, new energies. Boise Conclusion: Boise is not paradise shows us that these fears are unfounded. In a turbulent world that lacks references, Boise is showing us that a commitment there are no paradises. Boise does not to welcome this great diversity is the best aim to be one, but a magnifcent experi- option that any city can make nowadays. ence is emerging that ofers highly useful Beyond the statistics and responding to teachings. From the Basque perspective, structural defcits, Boise has gone for Boise is one of the great references in creating a happier, more attractive and the universe of Diasporas. It occupies a more diverse society. Tat is the great unique position there. Work well done has attraction of cities like Boise or Toronto. meant that it has become a benchmark In Donostia, the city I live in, apart for many Basques, a kind of Mecca, the from this serious demographic problem place that all Basques would like to visit that we need to face up to, we may even once in their lives. However, we should be facing a bigger one. Living in a city not forget about our other diasporas, all that is close to perfection, with an almost of them are worthy of our respect. unbeatable quality of life, with top-level However, I feel that the interest in Boise cultural, sports, health and educational IMANOL GALDOS IRAZABAL 129 facilities, with people who believe they live explain the great teachings that Boise in the best city in the world; this can be ofers us as a model for society. Like all a serious obstacle. Te lack of incentives societies, Boise is faced with the same to get out of one’s comfort zone could problems and similar challenges in the be the beginning of the end. Boise, with context of uncertainty that afects us all. everything still to be done and isolated It is, however, marking out an interesting from the world, understood the need to way forward for other societies. Tat said, call on many people who wanted to start it has been able to – and still does – turn out on a new life; preferably people who difculties into opportunities. Boise has were a depository of cultures, languages, made a strong commitment, fearlessly and religions and diferent races. Tat is the without complexes. It can still improve grandeur of Boise, and its great attrac- enormously and continues to do so. tiveness. I come from a city that borders on In my city there are sectors of the pop- perfection, one in which many of its in- ulation that feel fear of the arrival of new habitants are terrifed by any change. Te energies, whether they would be tourists or risk this mentality holds is very great, and visitors. Te anti-tourist campaign we have above all it jeopardizes the future of our seen this summer is the best example of children. Te egoism of a generation could that sector of the population that defends ruin our children’s future. Boise gives us closing borders. Some communiqués, or a fne lesson in solidarity, generosity and opinions expressed by ‘spokespersons’ of broad vision. On a daily basis, Boise ofers some of the city’s neighborhoods are poles us a great lesson in hope and enthusiasm. apart from the Boise model. What is so Above all, it is a breath of fresh air. Open contradictory is that people belonging societies survive and prosper. Boise has to those who consider Boise as the great assured its future. We have a mirror to hope of the Basque people are acting look at ourselves in. precisely oppositely to the criteria that have taken Boise to the levels of excellent it Notes has reached. Te admiration Boise arouses 1. http://bvep.org/. among us is a complete package, you 2. Shallat, T. (2017), “Half the world. cannot just cherry pick. Tat is cheating. Refugees Transform the city of Trees”. Fortunately, there are many among Investigate Boise Community Research us who welcome the arrival of diferent Series, BSU. Boise State University School people and cultures. When we visit the of Public Afair. 3. In ibidem, p. 10. Historic Quarter of Donostia and hear 4. Carmichael, Matt, “Why Boise, Idaho diferent languages and people that give is a top 100 best place to live”, www. us hope for the future. Euskadi will have liability.com. a future if it follows the path taken by 5. http://bvep.org/sectors/. Boise. Boise is not only one of our refer- 6. Carmichael, Matt, “Why Boise, Idaho ences in the Basque diaspora. Two years is a top 100 best place to live”, www. ago, I gave a talk in a congress in Boise liability.com. titled “Boise: the future of the Euskadi 7. http://bvep.org/living-here/diversity.aspx. of the 21st century”, in which I tried to 8. wallethub.com/edu/best-run-cities. 130 AEMI JOURNAL 2017–2018

9. www.forbes.com. 10. NRC, “Boise 2016 citizen survey. Report of results. March 2016”. 11. http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/idaho/ best-city-in-id/. 12. Dickerson, Caitlin, “How fake news turned a small town upside down”. NY- Times.com. 13. Shallat, Todd, ibidem, p. 13. 14. http://www.idahostatesman.com/ opinion/readers-opinion/article. 15. Idem. 16. Shallat, T., ibidem, p. 14. 17. Shallat, T., ibidem, p. 13. 18. Idem. P.16 19. http://bvep.org/living-here/diversity.aspx. 20. Shallat, T., ibidem, p. 20. 21. Idem, p.82. 22. Idem, p.48. 23. www.fullcircleexchange.org. 24. http://bvep.org/living-here/diversity.aspx. 25. http://www.newamericaneconomy.org/ press-release/25-communities-selected- for-gateways-for-growth-challenge- round-ii/. 26. Shallat, T., ibidem, p. 16. 27. http://www.idahostatesman.com/ news/local/community/boise/ article172930211.html. 28. http://www.idahostatesman.com/ news/local/community/boise/ article129963079.html. 29. Stapilus, Randy “Paradox Politics. People and power in Idaho”. 30. https://us.eventbu.com/twin-falls/ upstanding-in-twin-falls-words- matter/5828251. 31. Shallat, T., ibidem, p. 17. 32. Idem. 33. Idem. 34. http://bvep.org/living-here/diversity.aspx.