The Meridian City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive rezoning plan for the Ten Mile Road corridor Tuesday night, clearing the way for up to 1,200 residential units and 350,000 square feet of commercial space in what city planners are calling a new “town center” concept for Idaho’s fastest-growing city. The decision represents one of the largest single land-use approvals in Meridian’s history.
The Ten Mile Road corridor between McMillan Road and Ustick Road has been the subject of planning discussions for over three years. The 180-acre area currently consists primarily of agricultural land and scattered commercial properties. Under the approved plan, it will transform into a walkable, mixed-use district with apartments, townhomes, retail shops, restaurants, office space, and public parks connected by pedestrian-friendly streets and paths.
What the Ten Mile Development Plan Includes
The approved master plan includes several components that Meridian officials say distinguish it from typical suburban development. The plan requires a minimum of 15 acres of public parks and open space, including a central plaza that will serve as a community gathering point. A network of multi-use pathways will connect the development to the existing Meridian Pathways system and provide non-motorized access to nearby schools and the planned transit hub.
Commercial space will be concentrated along Ten Mile Road frontage, with residential density increasing toward the interior of the development. Building heights will range from two to five stories, with the tallest structures located near the central plaza and transit hub. The plan also includes requirements for affordable housing, with 10% of residential units designated for households earning below the area median income.
“This is how we manage growth responsibly,” said Meridian Mayor Robert Simison during the council meeting. “Rather than sprawl that eats up farmland mile by mile, we’re creating a place where people can live, work, and shop without always needing to get in their cars. This is smart growth that respects both our community’s character and our taxpayers’ infrastructure investments.”
Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns
Transportation was the dominant concern raised during the public comment period, with several residents questioning whether the existing road network can handle the additional traffic. The Ada County Highway District presented a coordinated improvement plan for the corridor that includes widening Ten Mile Road to five lanes, adding a new traffic signal at the main entrance, and constructing a roundabout at the Ten Mile-McMillan intersection.
ACHD Commissioner Kent Goldthorpe said the road improvements will be funded primarily through impact fees paid by the developer, with additional funding from ACHD’s capital improvement budget. Construction on road improvements will begin before the first residential units are occupied, according to the phasing plan.
Valley Regional Transit is also planning a new bus route to serve the Ten Mile corridor, with stops at the development’s transit hub. The route would connect to downtown Meridian and the broader Treasure Valley transit network.
Impact on Meridian’s Growth and Ada County Economy
Meridian has been Idaho’s fastest-growing city for much of the past decade, adding approximately 5,000 new residents annually. The city’s population now exceeds 130,000, making it the second-largest city in Ada County behind Boise. The Ten Mile development is expected to add approximately 2,500 residents at full buildout, along with an estimated 1,800 permanent jobs in the commercial and office components.
The Meridian Development Corporation estimated the project will generate approximately $4.5 million in annual property tax revenue for the city and other taxing districts once fully developed. Construction spending is projected at $380 million over the five-year buildout period.
What Comes Next for Ten Mile Road
The developer, Treasure Valley Development Partners, must submit detailed site plans for each phase of the project before construction can begin. The first phase, which includes the central plaza, initial commercial buildings, and approximately 300 residential units, is expected to break ground in fall 2026. Residents can review the full master plan and submit feedback through the City of Meridian’s planning department website at meridiancity.org/planning. The next public hearing on Phase 1 site plans is scheduled for June.