Nancy Merrill for Eagle City Council

About Nancy Merrill

Nancy Merrill is a lifelong Idahoan with deep roots in our community. Born and raised in Boise, she graduated from Boise High School before attending Boise Junior College and Brigham Young University. In 1967, she married her husband Galan, and together they have built a beautiful life in Idaho. They have been married for 47 years, blessed with four children and fifteen wonderful grandchildren.

Dedicated Public Servant

Nancy began her public service in 1995 on the Eagle Planning and Zoning Commission. Her dedication and leadership soon led to a seat on the Eagle City Council and eventually the honor of serving as Mayor of Eagle. For 17 years, she worked tirelessly to guide Eagle’s growth, strengthen its community, and preserve the quality of life that makes our city special.

In 2009, Nancy was appointed Director of Idaho State Parks and Recreation, where she served for five years. In this role, she managed 30 state parks across the state and oversaw programs for more than 300,000 registered users of off‑highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and boats. Her leadership ensured that Idaho’s parks and recreation system remained vibrant, well‑managed, and accessible to families statewide.

Family & Community Life

Family is at the heart of everything Nancy does. She and Galan love spending time with their children and grandchildren, often gathering at their cabin in Cascade. Nancy also enjoys walking the sandy shores of the Oregon Coast and visiting Idaho’s many parks — places she worked so hard to protect and promote.

A proud supporter of her grandson’s Eagle High School baseball team, Nancy rarely misses an opportunity to cheer from the stands. She also has a passion for civic life, whether it’s supporting candidates, engaging in legislative sessions at the Statehouse, or mentoring others to help them succeed in their own dreams.

A Leader Who Listens

Nancy Merrill has spent her career building trust, solving problems, and putting people first. With a proven track record of leadership and a heart for service, she remains committed to ensuring Eagle continues to be a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and community values are preserved.

Rooted in Idaho, Dedicated to Eagle

For more than 17 years, I had the honor of serving Eagle as a member of the City Council and as Mayor. During that time, I helped guide our community from a small town of 2,000 into the thriving, charming city of over 22,000 we know today. Together, we established strong design standards, created five city parks, and built pathways along the Boise River that continue to make Eagle a place where families can live, work, and play.

I am proud of the foundation we built — a community with character, quality, and heart. But I also know that with growth comes new challenges. Traffic, infrastructure, and housing affordability are issues we must face head‑on, while still protecting the values and charm that make Eagle unique.

My service as Director of Idaho State Parks and Recreation taught me how to solve tough problems with limited resources. I managed a $34 million budget, led more than 400 employees, and turned an agency facing steep budget cuts into a self‑sustaining system that grew stronger and more trusted. That same experience in leadership, accountability, and innovation is what I will bring back to Eagle.

I’m running because I believe Eagle’s future is worth protecting. I want to ensure our city continues to grow responsibly, provide opportunities for families and businesses, and keep our neighborhoods safe. Above all, I want to serve with openness and integrity, building trust between city government and the people who call Eagle home.

Eagle deserves a leader who has done it before ; and who is ready to do it again.

Why Nancy Merrill?

A Voice You Can Trust, A Leader Who Listens

Issues and Priorities

Proven Leadership. Strong Community. Bright Future.

Public Safety

Safe neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong community.

Back law enforcement, first responders, and community safety programs.

Prioritize investments that keep Eagle’s families protected.

Balanced Growth & Infrastructure

Eagle is experiencing growth, and while we cannot stop it, we can guide and manage it to align with our community’s unique lifestyle. I recognize the importance of thoughtful development that respects our values, focusing on low-density housing rather than high-density solutions.

It’s important to note that many of our major roads, sewer systems, and water services are managed by external entities or districts beyond our control. However, by collaborating with our partners—such as the Ada County Highway District and Idaho Transportation—we can plan and implement infrastructure projects that accommodate growth while maintaining the character of Eagle. Together, we can create a balanced approach to development that enhances our community.

Economic Development

Promote small businesses as the backbone of Eagle’s economy.

Attract new job opportunities that align with Eagle’s values and benefit local families.

Ensure city policies support entrepreneurs, workers, and responsible economic growth.

Homes for Every Lifestyle

Support policies that help families and residents afford to live in Eagle.

Encourage housing solutions that respect Eagle’s character while keeping the community accessible to working families, seniors, and young professionals.

Government Transparency

Build trust through open communication with residents.

Prioritize accountability and fiscal responsibility in all city decisions.

Keep government decisions transparent so residents feel heard and represented.

How Can I Help Nancy?

There are many ways we can help Nancy win in November. We are thankful for any effort and talent you can offer to ensure a Nancy Merrill victory!

Do you have other talents not listed? Use the other box to share. It could be anything to social media posting to graphic design. All help will welcome and appreciated.

Here are few other things you can do that will very much help:

Something for everyone...

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Endorsements

Hear what our community says about Nancy Merrill, her leadership, and her commitment to Eagle.

It's time for Eagle to go back to the future. Nancy Merrill is the one to take us there. As a great place to live, it helps to know how Eagle got this way. And for more than four decades our city has benefited from Nancy Merrill's knowledge and public service.

Her past leadership and experience as a former Mayor of Eagle, a previous City Council member, a past Planning and Zoning Commissioner, a member of the Design Review Committee, and as Director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation can't be equaled by any other candidate. Eagle needs to bring her back. Nancy Merrill certainly has my endorsement for a position on the Eagle City Council.

Over the course of my career with the Ada County Sheriff's Office and my time with the Boise Rescue Mission, I can honestly say I have never worked with anyone quite like you-someone who combines intelligence, a calm yet determined demeanor, and most importantly, a genuine love for the community they serve.

As I mentioned to you last night, thank you for stepping into the ring. My grandson; and your grandchildren and great-grandchildren-will be the true beneficiaries of your efforts to keep Eagle a place we can all be proud to call home, and a wonderful community in which to raise the next generation.

With deep respect and gratitude,

Ron Freeman

Steve Guerber

Former Mayor- Eagle

Nancy Merrill is running for Eagle City Council. We thank her for her responsible vision for the leadership of the city of Eagle. We trust her honor and integrity.

We totally support her bid for City Council and encourage others to vote for her. This is a partial list of her qualifications:

-A resident of Eagle for 63 years;

-Former mayor whose vision and leadership helped make Eagle the great and beautiful city it is;

-Member of the Merrill family that donated the land and legacy for Merrill Park,

-Appointed to positions by three Idaho Governors including State Parks Director;

-Served on Eagle’s Design Review, Parks and Pathways, and Urban Renewal committees over the past 5 years;

-Currently serving on the Idaho State Personnel Commission since 2019.

Jim and I are grateful she is running for City Council to help keep Eagle the place we have loved the past 54 years. We need people on the council who have years being part of the past while having a vision for the future. She brings years of experience and understanding of Eagle’s by-laws and comprehensive plan to keep Eagle in line with its plan for the future while encouraging future growth.

Arlene McCauley

Nancy Merrill is a proven leader who has dedicated her career to serving the people of Idaho with integrity, vision, and results. As the former State Director of Parks and Recreation, Nancy worked tirelessly to protect Idaho’s natural beauty, expand outdoor opportunities, and strengthen our communities through smart, sustainable development.

During her tenure, Nancy collaborated closely with Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter to advance statewide initiatives that improved recreation access, supported local economies, and preserved Idaho’s heritage for future generations. Her ability to bring people together—across agencies, communities, and political lines—earned her a reputation as a trusted, effective public servant who gets things done.

Now, Nancy Merrill is bringing that same spirit of collaboration and commitment home as she runs for Eagle City Council Her decades of leadership, deep understanding of community planning, and proven track record of results make her the clear choice to guide Eagle’s future. Nancy knows that good government starts with listening, cooperation, and vision—and she’s ready to continue that work for the people of Eagle. Vote for Nancy Merrill—Proven Leadership. Idaho Values. A Strong Future for Eagle.

Former Gov. Butch Otter