Boise Names Andrea Cantor as New Economic Development Director

Cantor, a Boise native, aims to attract businesses and drive growth in the city

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:12pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a polished metal model of the Boise skyline, architectural blueprints, and a small potted plant, symbolizing the city's urban development, community planning, and sustainable growth.Boise's new economic development director aims to attract businesses and investment to the rapidly growing city.Boise Today

Andrea Cantor, a Boise native with experience in real estate, business support, and economic development, has been named the new director of the city's Economic Development department. Cantor, who previously worked on projects like the Micron expansion, will focus on business attraction, community partnerships, and supporting local entrepreneurs.

Why it matters

Cantor's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Boise, which has seen rapid growth and changes in recent years. As the new economic development director, she will play a key role in shaping the city's future, attracting new businesses, and supporting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The details

In her new role, Cantor will be responsible for leading the city's efforts to attract new businesses and investment to Boise. She plans to focus on strategic planning, setting goals for business attraction, and representing the city on trade missions, such as an upcoming trip to Japan to promote Boise's semiconductor industry. Cantor's background in real estate, business support, and economic development, as well as her deep ties to the Boise community, make her well-suited for the position.

  • Cantor was recently named the director of Boise's Economic Development department.
  • She will be leading an Idaho delegation to Japan next month for a trade mission focused on supplier attraction related to Micron and the semiconductor industry.

The players

Andrea Cantor

The new director of the City of Boise's Economic Development department, who was raised in Boise and has experience in real estate, business support, and economic development.

Mayor Lauren McLean

The mayor of Boise, who praised Cantor's leadership and community focus in appointing her to the economic development role.

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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.”

— Mayor Lauren McLean

“When I have friends and family come visit, I'll say, 'Let's go downtown. You won't believe what's happening down there.' It's been cool to see the change, for sure.”

— Andrea Cantor, Director of Economic Development, City of Boise

What’s next

Cantor will be leading an Idaho delegation to Japan next month for a trade mission focused on attracting suppliers to the state's semiconductor industry, particularly related to Micron's expansion.

The takeaway

Cantor's appointment as Boise's new economic development director highlights the city's focus on driving growth, supporting local businesses, and positioning itself as an attractive destination for new investment and economic opportunities.