On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofton sit down with Ryan Head, Executive Director of the Ada County Highway District, to talk about why ACHD matters more than ever as the Treasure Valley continues to grow.
Ryan shares his story as a Boise native who worked his way up through ACHD, from writing grants and managing long-range planning to now leading one of the most important public agencies in Ada County. The conversation covers the history of ACHD, why its structure is unique, how road funding actually works, and what it takes to plan for growth years before the public ever sees pavement go in.
They also get into the real pressure points facing the valley today: impact fees, congestion, safety, Micron’s massive expansion, Highway 16, future growth to the south, and the importance of preserving right-of-way before it is too late. Ryan also explains why collaboration with cities, developers, and the business community is critical if the Treasure Valley wants to stay ahead of traffic instead of constantly reacting to it.
This episode is a practical look at transportation, growth, and the future of Ada County from someone who lives it every day.
