Nampa, Idaho City Council President Steps In as City Searches for New Mayor Following Rick Hogaboam’s Death
NAMPA, Idaho — Nearly four weeks after the sudden death of Mayor Rick Hogaboam, the city of Nampa is pressing forward with daily operations while the City Council works to appoint a new mayor. City Council President David Bills has taken on a portion of mayoral duties since an emergency council meeting on March 19, and city staff continues to carry out essential services as one of Idaho’s largest municipalities navigates an unexpected transition.
Background: A City in Mourning, but Still Moving
Hogaboam passed away unexpectedly at a regional town hall in Eagle, leaving Nampa without its mayor and prompting an immediate response from city leadership. The Hogaboam family has received an outpouring of community support in the weeks since his death, and the impact of his loss continues to be felt across city hall and throughout the broader Treasure Valley community.
Bills, speaking to reporters on Monday, April 13, acknowledged the weight of the moment while emphasizing that city government has not skipped a beat. “Anybody’s passing adds a little bit of change, both emotionally, as well as doing the work,” Bills said. “City staff, obviously, has stepped up and continues to perform duties. The ship’s still moving, and life has to go on. But it’s not without remembrance of Rick and his contributions to the city of Nampa.”
The City Council passed a resolution on March 19 authorizing Bills to assume certain mayoral duties, a process governed by Idaho Code 50-608. As of April 14, that resolution has been in effect for 25 days. Under its terms, it remains in place until 90 days have elapsed or a new mayor is appointed, whichever comes first.
Bills Takes on Additional Mayoral Duties
Bills described his expanded role as manageable but time-consuming. His added responsibilities include leading council meetings and executing documents as needed — tasks he compared to covering for a mayor who might be ill or traveling, though he acknowledged this situation is longer-term in nature.
“Work-wise, city business continues. As any business would need to continue, work still goes on,” Bills said. “Folks have been very due diligent in keeping the work side moving ahead. Directors are leading their departments. Mayoral staff has taken on a little extra load in assisting.”
Bills noted that the council president role still occupies the bulk of his time, with the added mayoral functions representing only a modest increase in workload. Still, the human element of the transition has weighed heavily on staff and council members alike.
“I think it’s been rather difficult,” Bills said. “I think it’s difficult for staff, who had the opportunity to work with Rick. It’s been difficult for several council members, who knew him well and had a personal friendship. We’re trying to walk that through, to be respectful in all avenues. We’re trying to diminish the politics.”
Mayor Appointment Process Underway
The City Council holds the authority to appoint Hogaboam’s replacement, either from within the council or from outside it, as deemed in the best interests of Nampa. As of April 6, the council had not officially identified potential candidates, according to city communications director Amy Bowman.
Bowman confirmed that the city is not currently seeking or accepting public nominations to fill the vacancy. “If applications or nominations are sought, an announcement will be made,” she said.
Bills has been working on the appointment issue for several weeks. “I’ve been working on the issue since a week after Rick’s passing,” he said, adding that the council has been “due diligent in exploring our options as far as mayoral replacement (and) appointment.”
What Comes Next for Nampa City Government
On Wednesday morning, the City Council will hold a budget workshop from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the council chambers, with department updates from the Nampa Public Library, Nampa Civic Center, and the Nampa Family Justice Center. Following that workshop, the council will hold a special meeting to discuss a mayoral appointment. Bills declined to share details about the special meeting, citing ongoing discussions.
The city is also in the midst of its fiscal year 2027 budget approval process. Council members will hear department updates each Wednesday morning through May 20, ahead of a full budget workshop scheduled for July.
Bowman emphasized that city staff remains committed to serving Nampa residents throughout the transition. “The city of Nampa staff continue to faithfully carry out the day-to-day operations and essential services our community relies upon,” she said.
Canyon County residents looking for broader statewide government coverage can visit Idaho News for ongoing updates. Meanwhile, as spring arrives across the Treasure Valley, Lake Lowell is set to open for boating on April 15, offering area families a reminder that life in Canyon County continues in full.