Horst: City a team of champions

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.

“I’ve been on a lot of winning teams my entire career, but I’ve only been on one championship team. That’s the city of Maricopa.”

The council also presented new City Manager Ben Bitter with a hardhat, a symbol of hard work with the potential for politically hazardous times ahead. Such is the world of city management.

The mayor said the council planned to give Horst a bobblehead doll of himself, joking that they only bob their heads in agreement with council members. Unfortunately, she said, the bobblehead did not make it in time for the ceremony Tuesday night.

“I just tease because he’s been in line with the city council his entire time here,” the mayor said, with Horst bobbing his head, mimicking the doll.

She asked Horst if he wanted to say a few words, and he quipped, “Do I have to?”

Then Horst walked to the podium and delivered a heart-felt commentary.

Recalling his interview with the council six years ago, Horst said, “The truth of the matter is the job to me was never about a way to make money. When you serve a family that is as big as mine, 74,000 people, you’re not always going to get everyone on board with you.”