Whether it's the boulevard that connects the two, or the railroad that helped build their rich history, there's no doubt Nampa and Caldwell have a very interesting and unique relationship. Both mayors are aware their rapid growth is directed toward urban development and how that is the key to responsible growth.
One mayor is a seasoned city leader; the other is an optimistic newcomer. Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling added, "When I look at downtown and where we're going, I try not to look at where we are, but where we are going." Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas was convinced the rebirth of downtown would start with rediscovering Indian Creek. "It was not a popular concept at first, but there was a group of individuals and business owners that saw the vision of what this was."
Nancolas knows it's a bit of a moot point if the city cannot attract new businesses and bring more workers to town. "We have had so many new businesses -- American Food, Johnson Thermal, Fresca. All these bring in hundreds of new jobs."
And don't think for one minute that Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling hasn't taken notice. "Do we compete for industry? Yeah, sometimes we do. But Caldwell has this downtown, and we're going to be right there with them. I like to say the downtown is the living room of the community."
But make no mistake about it, this friendly competition is well defined. Mayor Nancolas added, "We want to be Caldwell. We don't want to be Nampa, no offense. We don't want to be Meridian. We want to be Caldwell."
And that's what friendly rivalries are all about.
