Events

Engaging across the state

Communicating information to broad audiences across the state in an accessible manner stimulates public discourse and informs public dialogue and policy. The McClure Center’s public engagement includes Policy Pub, formal events in the State Capitol and presentations to governments, businesses, community groups and others. Many of our events have strong connections with democracy, law, civics and civil discourse.

Public dialogue can take place in many formats and venues. The McClure Center hosts events that are intentionally large or intimate, formal or informal.

Since 2017, the McClure Center has partnered with the University of Idaho Rangeland Center to co-host the annual Rangeland Fall Forum. We frequently partner with the University of Idaho College of Law and Boise State University’s Andrus Center for Public Policy.

Events calendar

Collaboration Summit 2026

The James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research, Rangeland Center at the University of Idaho and the Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State University are hosting a one-day Collaboration Summit.

The summit will:

• Highlight Idaho partnerships formed around wildland fire — across boundaries and dynamic landscapes — both human and natural.
• Be guided by collaboration practitioners to set the stage for engagement.
• Connect participants with frameworks that can help navigate natural resources challenges.

Join us for Collaboration Summit 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 22.

The Summit will be held at Boise State University’s Stueckle Sky Center, 1200 W. University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83706.

Registration closes Friday, April 10.

Policy Pub

Public policy dialogue takes place in the halls of government buildings and in gathering places for communities. Public houses or pubs have played an important role in addressing community questions, fostering relationships and even building nations.

In 2018, the McClure Center launched an informal event series aimed at bringing policy experts to community hubs, Policy Pub. The first Policy Pub was inspired by celebrations to mark 100 years of women’s suffrage. Policy Pub: Women in Policy brought to the stage three Idaho legislators from both parties to talk about being a policy leader and how women may bring unique perspectives to policy construction.

Over the years, Policy Pub events have been held across the state, at various Idaho public houses. Community members spend an hour with local and state policy leaders in a moderated discussion with the McClure Center director.

Each year, Policy Pub events facilitate important community conversations that connect those who make, administer and analyze policy and local communities. Held around the state, topics included:

• America 250
• The bench: Idaho’s judiciary
• Fire in the West
• Foreign policy and Idaho
• Future of food
• Housing
• Invasives
• Local government
• Public lands
• Waste
• Water
• Women in policy

Policy Pub: America 250

America 250 is the topic of the next Policy Pub at 5 p.m. Mountain time, Monday, March 2. The event will be held at Pengilly’s Saloon, 513 W. Main Street, Boise, Idaho 83702.

This year, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Panelists will share perspectives on principles and foundational ideas in U.S. and Idaho history. A brief discussion will be followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with the audience.

Panelists are:

• Steven Hatcher, State Folklorist, Idaho Commission on the Arts
• HannaLore Hein, Idaho State Historian, Idaho State Historical Society
• Phil McGrane, Secretary of State

The panel will answer several questions provided in advance by the McClure Center. Then, the floor will open for a facilitated question and answer session with the audience. McClure Center Director Katherine Himes will moderate the discussion. Attendance typically ranges from 50 to 90 attendees.

Rangeland Fall Forum

The annual event has strong connections to policy conversations about rangelands in Idaho and the American West. In 2017, the McClure Center formed a partnership with the University of Idaho Rangeland Center to co-host the Rangeland Fall Forum. This dual focus on policy and rangelands formed the basis for a longstanding partnership that continues today.