“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” Lao Tzu
In many ways, the ancient Chinese philosopher and Boise’s new mayor share a similar perspective in their sense of community. After all, a community is more than a zip code or the location of the local post office. A community is a collective of shared concerns and connections, a way to draw upon our strengths and character to best serve our mutual needs. Communities also define many of our local customs and culture. And whereas the father of Taoism branched off to teach the ways of virtue and harmony, newly-elected Mayor Lauren McLean brings her focus to where it fits best to serve the community; city leadership.
“I have a strong love of place, response, and shape of community.” McLean says, “I am here to bring a voice to shared values.”
After a hard fought campaign, she beat perennial incumbent Dave Bieter in a nail-biting run-off race. And with this victory, she also gained the title of Boise’s first elected female mayor, a role that she takes with great pride but also mindful responsibility.
Says McLean, “[Having] women in leadership, in all levels of government and business, is important. When you have the people that reflect the community in those positions, the solutions will be different, and the processes used will also be different.”
Though McLean has lived in Boise since 1998, her formative years were spent thousands of miles away from the sage and bitterbrush of the Treasure Valley. She was born in Boston, but shortly afterwards her family moved to Texas. During high school, her family left the sprawling city of Houston behind, moving to a small town in upstate New York.
“I was a kid in a giant city and a high school student in a small village.” Says McLean, “So I was able to experience both [places] growing up. Moving to Boise as a young adult felt like a perfect-sized city.”
Her interest in politics and civic events also manifested at a young age. “There were some elections that were very important to me.” Says McLean. ”When I was in kindergarten, I remember being with my mother during the Reagan/Carter election while she was voting. I also remember when I was leaving Texas, Ann Richards was running for governor and seeing a woman running in a state and position where men dominated, really was impactful.“
While intrigued by politics and observing a changing tide in America’s traditional landscape, there was one person who really shaped that inner wellspring of community service.
“I met Mother Theresa when I was in high school and how she talked about service and community was a direct connection. Talking with her about service, compassion, and purpose left a mark.”
McLean understands first-hand at the importance of her own mark and service to others in Boise’s history. “Young girls and women in this community can now see themselves in this role…and it is really important that our sons see the same thing, as it will be upon them to create a more equitable workplace together with their female counterparts.”
McLean’s vision for Boise’s future is one that is seen through this lens of community. “As a community we need to address affordable housing, local and regional transportation, and build an economy that creates opportunity for everyone so that our kids and grandkids can build a life in a way that we were able to, as our city continues to grow.”
Each and every day that the mayor rides her bike to work, this sense of common purpose and passion helps fuel her drive to further Boise’s role in the state. Says McLean, “Boise’s strength lies in her people, our connection to each other, and the place we have chosen to live. And that is important, because it brings a strong sense of community.”
And challenges? “It’s actually been so fun because to meet all the different employees that work here. To see their commitment to helping me guide our city into the future has been an incredible experience and to be out in the community and recognizing challenges as we continue to grow,” says McLean. “That there are so many people in this community who are committed to helping our city progress and to do it in partnership with me.”
What prompted the foray into politics?
“Commitment to this place,” says McLean. “Where every day I feel grateful that I found this community, when I was so young. With that love of place and gratitude that we have been able to build a life here has always had a sense of responsibility to it. When an opportunity existed to shape a community, I felt drawn to do that.”
And though Mayor McLean finds herself seated as the highest ranking official in the city of Boise, she insists her role is to bring a spotlight on issues that best serves the community’s needs.
“For me it’s not just about politics as the way to do that, it just happens to be the way I’m doing it right now. What’s most important to me is that I am involved with my community and that I give voice to the values that I have.”
Being an Idaho resident for the last twenty-two years, McLean has already carved deep roots, raising two children and embracing a very Idaho lifestyle. In the winter months, her outdoor passions include hitting the back country with her family and skinning around Idaho City, Brundage, and Stanley. As an avid trail runner, McLean has also covered much of the local foothills. When it comes to local cuisine, she’s a big fan of Boise’s downtown food truck scene and some of Idaho’s lesser known haunts and hangouts. One of her favorites? The Knotty Pine Supper Club in Victor, Idaho.
“Every time we drive by, I have to stop there.”
With all of her busy responsibilities as mayor – and also a parent – McLean has found a sense of purpose in her civic duties, something that resonates in both her professional and personal life. This sense of leadership and community can be summed up in one of her favorite Lao Tzu quotes.
“Go to the people. Live with them. Love them.”
“Boise’s strength lies in her people, our connection to each other, and the place we have chosen to live. And that is important, because it brings a strong sense of community.”