Christopher Leinberger, a land use strategist from the Brookings Institution who champions the cause of pedestrian-friendly urban environments across America, really likes Boise.

Leinberger told a crowd of several hundred Boiseans at the Boise DBA's State of Downtown annual meeting this morning that Boise is on the right track in developing a vibrant downtown core. He also said “you’ve gotta have rail transit” to take downtown Boise to the next level.

As many people know, the Capital City Development Corporation and the Boise Mayor’s office are studying the feasibility of building a streetcar system in the downtown core. Drake Cooper is assisting with this project. In his brief remarks, Mayor David Bieter said, “It’s time in the next year to push (the streetcar project) over the finish line and move ahead.”

Leinberger pointed out that the new trend across America is to build “walkable urban” environments, in stark contrast to the “driveable suburban” craze.

Boise’s got a head start in creating a walkable urban zone because city leaders have planned it that way for some time. The streetcar project would further enhance downtown by removing the need for driving downtown, saving on the need for more parking garages and freeing up vacant land for business development.

The average American citizen spends $8,600 a year to operate and maintain one car, he said. Many Boise residents could eliminate one of the cars in the family fleet if a streetcar system is built.

Walkable urban environments add tremendous value to the tax base and resale values. Leinberger encouraged Boise to continue doing good things, focus on building more residential development downtown for “dinks” and retirees, try to raise more money for downtown investment, and try to grow the downtown area toward Boise State.

“You have the opportunity to create a transformable place,” he said.

At Drake Cooper, we’re all for it.

If you've been looking for a cool new job opportunity in the Boise Valley, you won't want to miss the speed-dating job fair being held by CBH Homes on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at CBH headquarters in Meridian. They're looking for 20 hard-working, uber-chic, fabulous sales associates.

CBH is the No. 1 homebuilder in Idaho. They're also a very innovative and creative company that knows how to sell homes under any circumstance. Successful applicants will earn up to $50,000 a year, depending on experience.

Always one to employ creative concepts, CBH is going to use a speed-dating type of format at the job fair. Applicants will need to be on their toes.

CBH also is hiring two loan officers. None of the applicants for the sales positions need to have a real estate license. CBH will train everyone who is hired.

Job applicants are encouraged to bring something with them to the job fair that symbolizes “home,” and go through a series of interview stations where they will present a resume, take a CBH quiz, engage in an one-on-one interview, discuss their personal motivations and inspirations in life, and more.

Starting on May 1, CBH Homes will be expanding its service hours at the valley’s five Square One Centers to 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, seven days a week, to accommodate Idahoans’ busy schedules and enhance convenience. That’s one reason they’re hiring more people. Another reason is that “it’s an amazing time to buy – with incredibly low interest rates, great home loan packages available, an $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers and many attractive homes available at very competitive prices,” said Ronda Conger, CBH Vice President.

“Come show us why you’re the right person to join our team,” she said. “With more than 15,000 people out of work in Ada and Canyon counties right now, we are expecting to meet some great people who are ready to hit the ground running.”

Despite the sluggish economy, CBH is continuing to build new homes ranging in price from $89,990 to the low $200,000 range in 45 communities throughout the Treasure Valley. With its expanded staff, CBH is gearing up for a strong summer season, which indicates at least one real estate company is anticipating that the economy is turning the corner towards improvement in the Treasure Valley.

The job fair will be held at CBH headquarters, 1977 E. Overland Rd., Meridian, ID 83642 – 6609. For more information, please call Ronda Conger, 208-288-5560.