Boise Mayor Names Andrea Cantor as Economic Development Director

Cantor succeeds former director Sean Keithly, bringing experience in land use, planning, and community development initiatives.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Boise Mayor Lauren McLean has appointed Andrea Cantor as the new director of Economic Development for the city. Cantor previously served as McLean's senior policy advisor on land use and planning, and has worked on key projects like Micron's expansion and downtown Boise's 8th Street development. She comes from a background in market research, real estate, and economic development, and has been praised for her dedication to the region's growth.

Why it matters

Cantor's appointment to this key leadership position signals Boise's continued focus on economic development and community growth initiatives. As the city navigates challenges like business expansion, urban planning, and supporting local businesses, Cantor's experience and collaborative approach will be crucial.

The details

Andrea Cantor was recently appointed as the new director of Economic Development for the city of Boise, succeeding former director Sean Keithly. Cantor previously served as Mayor Lauren McLean's senior policy advisor on land use and planning, where she worked with stakeholders to support business growth and community development projects. During her time in this role, Cantor contributed to policies around small business licensing, Micron's expansion, and the 8th Street project in downtown Boise. She also supported the creation of the city's Five-Year Economic Development Plan.

  • Cantor was recently appointed as the new Economic Development director for Boise.

The players

Andrea Cantor

The new director of Economic Development for the city of Boise, previously serving as Mayor Lauren McLean's senior policy advisor on land use and planning.

Lauren McLean

The mayor of Boise who appointed Andrea Cantor as the new Economic Development director.

Sean Keithly

The former director of Economic Development for the city of Boise, whom Cantor is succeeding in the role.

Clark Krause

The executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, who expressed enthusiasm for continuing to work with Cantor in her new capacity.

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What they’re saying

“Andrea has been a key team member on many of Boise's development projects. Time and again she has shown a willingness to take on difficult projects, a dedication to finding solutions that serve the broader community and has prioritized building trust with our partners as we grow. I look forward to her leadership in this position.”

— Lauren McLean, Mayor of Boise

“On behalf of [the Boise Valley Economic Partnership] and our stakeholders, we are thrilled to continue working with Andrea in this new capacity. Andrea's dedication and hard work have been evident throughout our partnership, and we look forward to supporting her continued success as Economic Development director.”

— Clark Krause, Executive Director, Boise Valley Economic Partnership

The takeaway

Cantor's appointment as Boise's new Economic Development director underscores the city's commitment to sustainable growth and community-driven initiatives. Her experience in land use, planning, and collaborating with local stakeholders positions her well to lead Boise's economic development efforts and continue building trust with the region's business community.