City officials announced a major land exchange that will create new residential units, commercial development and public amenities in downtown Nampa, a move they say is essential to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth.

According to Idaho News, the exchange includes redevelopment of the iconic Lloyd Square Park. Steve Jenkins, the City of Nampa’s director of economic development, told CBS2/FOX9 that the city is working with planners and the Nampa Development Corporation (NDC) to preserve the area’s history while shaping the new project. “It was important for us to capture that history, to have it tied to what we were gonna create here in downtown Nampa,” Jenkins said.

Mayor Darl Bruner emphasized the goal of making downtown a place where people and businesses want to spend time. He highlighted concerns for future generations and younger residents, noting the city wants to ensure they are not forced out of the area because of rising costs.

The Nampa Development Corporation is preparing to issue requests for proposals (RFP) within the next month. Mitch Minnette, chair of the NDC, told reporters the organization hopes to select a development partner by early 2027. “This is just moving pieces of the puzzle around to be able to have a blank slate in Nampa for future growth,” Minnette said.

What’s next: The RFP is slated to be released next month, inviting developers to submit plans for the mixed‑use project. The city aims to choose a development partner by early 2027, after which detailed designs for new housing, retail space and park improvements will be finalized.

Sources: idahonews.com