COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Mayor Jim Hammond announced his resignation, citing family and health reasons for his decision.
Hammond, who has dedicated the past 50 years to public service in North Idaho told KREM 2 that his decision was not made lightly. Encouraged by his family and doctor, Hammond has decided to prioritize spending time with his family in Colorado.
“I’ve always loved being a public servant,” said Hammond. “I think that I didn't always devote enough time to family. And at some point, you just got to say, well, that's enough and move on. That's what I'm doing. I have made my efforts to contribute to my community. And so now it's time for me to just move on and kind of step back from all of that.”
Hammond is approximately two years into his four-year term but hopes to leave a legacy of fighting for inclusion in Coeur d’Alene.
“We welcome everyone to this community," Hammond said. "And that's always been my focus. I’ve always wanted people to feel respected and that their point of view should be heard.”
This marks Hammond’s latest retirement from a series of public service roles. He previously retired as the Post Falls city administrator, an Idaho state senator, and then the Coeur d’Alene city administrator.
Hammond’s family and oncologist support his decision to retire, especially considering his family’s history of pancreatic and prostate cancer. He has been battling cancer since 1999 and acknowledges the importance of focusing on his health and family.
Council members Dan Gookin and Christie Wood both said they are not interested in becoming interim mayor, despite the city code allowing council members to join in.
Hammond’s resignation will be effective August 31. According to the city code, the city council will appoint someone to fill his vacancy. The appointed person will serve the remainder of Hammond’s term, which expires in January 2026, and can run for a full term in the next election on Nov. 4, 2025.
RELATED: Coeur d'Alene City Council declares temporary moratorium on demolition of historic buildings
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