John Brunelle

Background

About John Brunelle

John Brunelle is a Boise-based urban development executive recognized for his leadership in downtown redevelopment, infrastructure planning, and public–private investment strategy. He plays a central role in shaping modern downtown Boise through his work with the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC), where he guides long-term redevelopment policy, capital financing structures, and catalytic project implementation.Brunelle’s work focuses on building systems for growth, not isolated projects. His leadership emphasizes infrastructure-first development, using tools such as tax increment financing, parking revenue systems, bond financing, and public-private partnerships to create platforms to enable sustained private investment. Under his strategic direction, redevelopment efforts strengthen Boise’s downtown core through structured urban renewal districts, integrated transportation planning, and coordinated public realm improvements.He is instrumental in positioning parking, streetscape, and land assembly as economic infrastructure, aligning capital investment with long-term urban density goals, walkability, and mixed-use development. His approach shifted downtown Boise from incremental growth to a coordinated redevelopment model that balances financial discipline, civic planning, and private-sector participation.Brunelle, former president and co-owner of the NBA Development team Idaho Stampede, believes his athletic background shaped his leadership philosophy—centered on discipline, team development, performance culture, and strategic execution.John Brunelle is widely regarded as a connector between policy, capital, and community, known for building durable development frameworks that outlast individual projects and political cycles. He was born and raised in Boise, and descends from a family with ties to Idaho (yes, many generations) and also, Montana, Minnesota, and Quebec, Canada.