As we welcome a new year, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you. Being re-elected to serve as your mayor for a third four-year term is an honor that humbles me deeply. South Jordan has been my family’s home for more than 20 years and every day I’m reminded what a privilege it is to help guide a community I love so much.
When I think back to 2018, when I first took office, South Jordan was already a special place. The transformation we’ve experienced together since then is extraordinary. Our city has grown by more than 20,000 residents, many of them drawn to the remarkable energy and opportunity emerging on our west side. What was once mostly open space is now home to a county library, a new TRAX station, the Ballpark at America First Square, a thriving new urban center, a major regional park, and a new fire station, with even more to come.
Across the city, we’ve added infrastructure and amenities that once felt aspirational. All three Bangerter Highway interchanges in South Jordan were started and completed during my first two terms, and all three are underpasses, improving access, safety, and the look and feel of our community. We built and opened Phase One of Bingham Creek Regional Park, created 18 pickleball courts, added new parks and playgrounds, including an all-abilities playground at East Riverfront, and expanded high-speed internet access as much of the city received Google Fiber service.
Arts and culture have increasingly taken center stage during my time in office. From new public art installations brightening our streets and trails, to the Gale Museum’s record-breaking attendance under its first curator, creativity is becoming part of our city’s everyday fabric. Our theatrical productions have brought families together, one of which I had the joy of performing in myself, and our partnership with Eric Dowdle created a a work of art featuring our city that became a mural and a cherished community puzzle. Together, these efforts have helped define South Jordan as a place where the arts truly thrive.
In the heart of South Jordan, in and around our Towne Center, we’ve strengthened our sense of place and community through years of Farmers Markets, Light the Night celebrations, Spring Spectacular festivities, and SoJo Summerfest. We built a much-needed Public Safety Building, named in honor of our late former City Manager Gary L. Whatcott. We’ve welcomed new commercial buildings and businesses, bringing amenities closer to home. And we added a brand-new passport office at City Hall to make this important service more accessible than ever.
We’ve delivered innovative and compassionate solutions, as well. Our affordable housing project at Bingham Court is now providing attainable homes for teachers, public safety personnel, and city employees. Pure SoJo, our advanced water purification demonstration project, earned statewide recognition and the state’s first-ever permit for public sampling. This innovative demonstration project offers potential solutions to ensure our future water supply in South Jordan and across the state.
Some projects from recent years hold a particularly special place in my heart. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument now stands as a solemn tribute to families of fallen military members. After years of anticipation, the Fullmer Legacy Center opened its doors, offering young people a beautiful and inspiring place to grow, learn, and build strength under the mentorship of devoted coaches and leaders.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for another exciting milestone, the new Senior Center and its accompanying affordable housing community at The District shopping center. This project will provide seniors with a modern, welcoming space for programs, meals, and connection, while also creating housing opportunities for residents who need them most. It represents our commitment to ensuring that South Jordan remains a place where people can thrive at every stage of life.
South Jordan’s momentum is only growing. The west side will continue to develop with new neighborhoods, businesses, trails, and amenities. Construction will soon begin on a major regional performing arts center in the Daybreak development. Construction to convert Mountain View Corridor into a freeway and to realign U-111 will make travel easier and support future growth. And exciting new businesses are preparing to open across the city, adding even more variety and vibrancy to our local economy.
Among the projects we are especially excited about is the nation’s first-of-its-kind professional pickleball training and competition facility for the Utah Black Diamonds. As one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and a favorite pastime here in South Jordan, this facility is a natural fit for our community. It will bring new energy, new visitors, and new opportunities for residents to enjoy a sport they already love.
South Jordan is thriving because of the people who call it home. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in what we can accomplish together. I am excited for all that 2026 will bring, and I know the future is bright in South Jordan.