Mayor

Mayor's Message

Welcome to Caldwell, and thank you for visiting your city’s home online.

Caldwell has always been a place where people look out for one another. Our strength comes from families who have planted deep roots here, from the generations who built our agricultural heritage, and from the new residents and businesses who add energy and opportunity to our community. We sit at the heart of some of the most productive farmland in the country; just minutes away are mountains, rivers, and open spaces that remind us why Idaho feels like home.

Inside the city, you find a community that is proud of its identity. Indian Creek, our neighborhoods, our schools, and our local businesses create a setting where life moves at a welcoming pace. Caldwell is growing, but we remain committed to the qualities that define us, safety, fairness, transparency, and a genuine respect for the people who call this place home.

As Mayor, I carry forward a simple belief: public service begins and ends with the people. Every decision we make should strengthen the city you live in, work in, and trust us to safeguard. That means responsible growth, strong public safety, accessible government, and a renewed focus on preserving what makes Caldwell unique while preparing for the future with care and intention.

I was born and raised here. My wife and I are raising our son here. This community shaped my life, and it is the honor of a lifetime to serve you. Together, we will continue building a Caldwell that protects its heritage, values its residents, and provides every family with a safe and promising place to call home.

Sincerely,

Eric Phillips

Mayor's Goals

Strengthen public safety by supporting police, fire, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention initiatives while maintaining Caldwell as one of Idaho’s safest communities.

Maintain long-term fiscal sustainability through responsible budgeting, strategic financial planning, and efficient use of taxpayer resources while preserving essential city services.

Improve communication and transparency by providing timely, accurate information to residents and increasing opportunities for meaningful public engagement in City decisions.

Advance critical infrastructure projects that improve transportation, utilities, stormwater systems, parks, and other public facilities while planning for future community growth.

Promote responsible economic development by attracting quality employers, supporting local businesses, expanding employment opportunities, and encouraging investment that benefits Caldwell residents.

Ensure growth pays for growth by implementing policies that require new development to contribute appropriately toward the infrastructure and public services necessary to support continued growth.

Enhance organizational effectiveness by improving collaboration among City departments, investing in employee development, strengthening leadership, and promoting operational excellence.

Strengthen partnerships with Canyon County, neighboring jurisdictions, educational institutions, community organizations, and state and federal agencies to better serve the residents of Caldwell.

Protect and enhance quality of life by supporting neighborhood revitalization, community events, recreational opportunities, historic preservation, and projects that strengthen community pride.

Foster a culture of accountability and service excellence by emphasizing ethical leadership, measurable performance, customer service, and continuous improvement throughout City government.

Red Carpet Program

Bring your business to Caldwell

The City of Caldwell launched the Red Carpet Program in 2014 to help provide comprehensive customer service to businesses locating to or expanding in Caldwell. The city has assembled a team of specialists in city departments to assist customers through various stages of the permitting and review processes. The team is composed of representatives from the city's engineering, fire, building safety, and planning and zoning departments. Team members will shepherd business owners and their teams through the permitting and inspection process from start to finish. The Red Carpet Team's main goals are to provide exceptional service and to deliver projects as rapidly as possible.

For more information on the Red Carpet Program and bringing your business to Caldwell, please contact:

Morgan Bessaw, Deputy Director, at mbessaw@cityofcaldwell.org or (208) 455-4594.

For more information about tax incentives available when locating to or expanding in Caldwell, Economic Development Department for the City of Caldwell at econdev@cityofcaldwell.org.