Photo via City of Maricopa
Maricopa City Council conducted a changing-of-the-guard ceremony when it praised Ricky Horst for his six years as city manager, knowing he will still be on board at City Hall as its top economic developer.
Mayor Nancy Smith presented Horst with a street sign, “Horst Way,” praising him for working with the council on critical growth-related issues throughout his tenure. Smith credited Horst’s work and leadership for the city’s fast business growth during the past five years. She said it began with about 87,000 square feet of new retail space shortly after Horst started compared to an estimated 500,000 square feet during 2024.
Horst, his voice at times cracking and wavering with emotion, delivered high praise for his team at City Hall and inside the council chambers.
