NAMPA, Idaho — The City of Nampa and the College of Western Idaho are seeking public input as they look into transferring the Ford Idaho Center and its properties to CWI.
The Ford Idaho Center is one of the Treasure Valley's largest and most popular venues in the area, attracting major events and artists. Advocates say that transferring control to CWI could ensure its continued role as an economic driver while also fostering educational development.
Click here to hear more on what each head representative has to say:
While the proposal awaits approval from the Nampa City Council and CWI Board of Trustees, officials say that the change could significantly benefit the community.
"The role of the city is not necessarily to provide entertainment so it would be good with our very tight budget to be able to focus what our citizens have asked us to do and that is public safety and transportation and streets," said Debbie Kling, the city of Nampa mayor.
That's why they are proposing to transfer the Ford Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho.
"The city and CWI said what could be here, what's possible when a community college that is focused on serving the community and can focus resources," said President Gordon Jones, College of Western Idaho.
The operating cost for the Ford Idaho Center increased by over $4 million ($4,131,682), bringing the total cost to $10.7 million which Mayor Kling says allows the city to free up resources for essential services.
"So CWI is growing fast 31,000 students but you also have to think, imagine and design for a school that will see growth around us in Idaho. [There's a] good likelihood we are gonna be larger," said President Gordon Jones, College of Western Idaho.
CWI President Gordon Jones sees the potential acquisition as a strategic opportunity for the rapidly expanding college.
Jones tells Idaho News 6 the college would maintain popular community events while creating new educational programs and career pathways, emphasizing that the transfer would not raise property taxes or increase student tuition.
"But also that locking of planning flexibility as we grow is really important and helpful to us so we can design smartly to serve this community," said President Gordon Jones, College of Western Idaho.
A town hall where residents can learn more and ask questions is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at the Ford Idaho Center's Les Schwab Corral. Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling and President Jones will both be in attendance to address community concerns.
RELATED: Ford Idaho Center creates unique backstage experiences for visiting performers
For more information and to submit questions, visit the city’s website.
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