Nampa Votes to Transfer Idaho Center to College of Western Idaho

The Nampa City Council has made a significant decision by voting to transfer the Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho (CWI). In a dramatic move to break a 3-3 deadlock, outgoing Mayor Debbie Kling cast the tie-breaking vote, allowing the center’s transfer to move forward.

The transfer empowers CWI to potentially enhance the center’s success and utility. There is optimism from stakeholders, including CWI President Gordon Jones, who highlighted the educational opportunities this move would foster. The transfer would provide hands-on learning experiences across various programs and grant CWI access to the 100-acre land splitting its Nampa campus.

Nonetheless, the decision has faced criticism from several Canyon County legislators and others who have criticized the move as a ‘giveaway’ while raising concerns over the implications.

As the next steps unfold, all eyes are on CWI’s trustees, who are scheduled to deliberate and potentially finalize the decision by December 11, 2025.