Twin Falls City Council Organizational Meeting and Leadership Transition - January 5, 2026

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting, lasting 32 minutes, focused on the transition of city leadership. Key actions included the swearing-in of newly elected council members, the election of Jason Brown as Mayor and Craig Hawkins as Vice Mayor, and the presentation of an America 250 proclamation. The meeting was called to order by outgoing Mayor Ruth Pierce and adjourned by incoming Mayor Jason Brown at 5:32 PM.

Proclamation

• America 250 Proclamation: Outgoing Mayor Ruth Pierce presented a proclamation endorsing the America 250 in Idaho commemoration, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and encouraging community engagement and education throughout 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to Approve: Council Member Spencer Cutler moved, seconded by Council Member Grayson Stone, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
• Items Approved (Unanimous, 7-0):
  • City Council December 22, 2025, minutes.
  • Accounts Payable for December 18-31, 2025.
  • Landlord’s Release & Consent Agreement with Zions First National Bank and Reeder Airport Properties LLC, along with authorization for the mayor to sign an updated lease agreement with Reeder Flying Service, Inc.

Items of Consideration (Organizational Actions)

• Oath of Office: City Clerk Amy Luna administered the Oath of Office to newly elected City Council Members Christopher Reid, Jason Brown, and Nathan Murray. Outgoing Mayor Pierce and Council Member Spencer Cutler gave farewell remarks.
• Outgoing Mayor's Report: Mayor Ruth Pierce reflected on her four-year term, noting she presided over an estimated 200 meetings, delivered over 75 proclamations and 100 speeches, swore in nearly 100 new positions, and performed over a dozen weddings. She highlighted accomplishments in infrastructure, parks, public safety (including two new fire stations), and economic growth.
• Selection of Mayor: City Manager Travis Rothweiler outlined the process. Council Member Jason Brown self-nominated. Following a unanimous roll-call vote (7-0), Jason Brown was elected Mayor of Twin Falls.
• Selection of Vice Mayor: Newly elected Mayor Jason Brown nominated Council Member Craig Hawkins for Vice Mayor. The council confirmed the nomination unanimously (7-0).

General Public Input

• Maria Hernandez (Resident): Expressed optimism about the leadership transition, drawing parallels to themes of change in songs by Sam Cooke and Fleetwood Mac. She offered encouragement to both outgoing and incoming council members.
• Cierra Clark (Resident): Announced the creation of a Twin Falls County chapter of Moms for Liberty, a 501(c) organization focused on parental awareness and rights in education. She stated the chapter had gathered approximately 100 local members in a few weeks and emphasized her focus on building local relationships.
• Ron Yates (Resident/Property Owner): Proposed using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a specific sidewalk repair project on 5th Avenue East at 527 Blue Lakes Boulevard. He suggested the city directly contract the work and pay for it with block grant funds, or pay 75% and ask the property owner for 25%, rather than waiting for the property owner to act. He requested reconsideration of funding priorities away from a library plaza project.

Key Outcomes

• The council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar (7-0).
• The America 250 Proclamation was formally endorsed by the city.
• New council members were sworn in, marking a transition in the council's composition.
• Jason Brown was elected Mayor of Twin Falls (unanimous vote of 7).
• Craig Hawkins was elected Vice Mayor (unanimous vote of 7).
• The meeting adjourned at 5:32 PM.