Boosting Provo’s Economic Vibrancy and Quality of Life

Before my job as mayor even began, I was knocking on doors throughout Provo to ensure I knew what people needed most from their city leadership. I took office understanding that one thing the people of Provo wanted was an additional grocery store. So I assembled a task force that has met with me weekly to do anything we can to add additional grocery options to our residents

By now, you’ve probably heard me use a favorite mantra, “swing for the fences!” I hope my meaning is clear—in Provo, we are going BIG! Examples of how this plays out are visible in our wonderfully successful airport expansion and in our Peaks Arena, which we’ve grown to be a self-sufficient, world-renowned venue.

With the countless hours of effort that we have put into our economic endeavors, we were thrilled with the new Target opening at Provo Town Centre. Equally thrilling is the response of Provo’s residents about this new store! Provo residents, including from the Westside with it’s easy access on Lakeview Parkway, have expressed so much gratitude about all Target offers, including (and especially) groceries! Be assured, there are many other benefits—jobs that are created by a new store, enhanced quality of life for locals, and a promised spark of fresh energy in that area of town.

Recently, Keith Morey shared something with me that captured what it feels like to work in Provo right now. He said, “I’ve been working in cities in Utah for thirty years, and the momentum and energy that I feel in Provo is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced!” This new Target reminds me that just like the excitement of the new airport terminal, this is not the end. This is the momentum that gets us to the home run hit! These big things have a way of leading up to others. I hope Provo’s growth and economic vibrancy are something we’ll all be able to celebrate together. (And if you see me at Target on a Saturday morning with my hair in a messy bun, I hope you’ll say hi!)

Spring Runoff Preparedness

With warm weather and spring runoff, the flows in the Provo River are set to increase in the coming days. This seasonal change brings higher water levels and stronger currents, posing a significant risk. Please keep children and pets away from the river to ensure their safety. Together, we can prevent accidents and protect our community during this time.

Last year, our region experienced a record high snowpack, raising concerns of potential flooding. However, through favorable weather patterns, infrastructure improvements, and the dedicated efforts of our Storm Water crews, we successfully managed the runoff without significant flooding. Our community's response was truly remarkable. When the call went out for help, our residents came together and filled over 116,000 sandbags. This proactive spirit not only safeguarded our city but also enabled us to assist our neighboring communities by delivering sandbags to those in need.

Building upon the valuable lessons from last year, we are well-prepared to face this year’s runoff. We have sandbags and sand ready to go, and most of the river clean-up work, such as removing logs and other obstructions, was completed last year. Our dedicated staff is actively monitoring real-time runoff conditions with cameras in key locations in the frontal canyons, as well as online water data and gauges for the Provo River and nearby reservoirs. Crews are continually monitoring and cleaning debris screens to prevent clogging and maintain optimal flows through our storm drain system.

While this year’s snowpack is above average, it is only about half of last year’s levels. We still expect to see high flows in the Provo River and encourage everyone to maintain a safe distance and follow any trail closures. With saturated soil conditions from last year’s runoff and a full Utah Lake, we could see elevated groundwater levels. High groundwater could lead to water coming up into basements. If you experience groundwater flooding, it is essential to purchase a sump pump and pump the water out to the street.

Flooding is highly dependent on weather patterns, and current conditions have been favorable. Although the probability of flooding this year is low, we remain vigilant and prepared to protect Provo City. Your continued support and readiness are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Provo on the Global Stage

Recently, I had the incredible honor of representing Provo at the Milken Institute Global Conference, where I participated in a panel discussion titled "Lessons from America's Best-Performing Cities." It was an enriching experience to share the stage with other distinguished mayors and to spotlight Provo on a global platform.

During the panel, I was asked to describe what makes Provo a top-performing city. My phrase was "leap of faith." This encapsulates our approach to governance and community building. In Provo, we aim high, take calculated risks, and rally as a team to achieve big, impactful projects. This philosophy has guided us through many challenges, always striving to make our community stronger and more vibrant.

Below, you can read about what I shared during the panel, highlighting why Provo stands out as a top-performing city.

Community and Resilience

One of the key topics discussed was how Provo maintains low levels of income inequality and high resilience to economic and natural disasters. I emphasized our community’s ethos, captured in our motto: "Welcome Home." This is more than a slogan—it’s a way of life. We know our neighbors by name, offer exceptional care, and work together to ensure everyone feels included and supported. Our collective efforts are driven by the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, and a community that cares deeply about their well-being.

Lessons from the Pandemic

I was asked to reflect on the lessons learned from the pandemic and I shared our unique approach to keeping Provo safe and active. Unlike many other places, we kept our parks and recreation centers open, adapting with innovative measures to ensure safety. Our community's willingness to embrace the outdoors and maintain social connections in a responsible way played a crucial role in our successful handling of the pandemic. This approach not only safeguarded our health but also reinforced our community bonds.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, I spoke about balancing immediate needs with long-term visionary goals. It’s essential to validate our current concerns while striving for ambitious projects that will benefit future generations. A poignant example was our successful push for a new public safety building—a project that seemed like political suicide but was necessary for the well-being of our public servants. This leap of faith was a testament to our commitment to doing what is right, even when it’s tough.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Affordable housing is a pressing issue nationwide, and Provo is no exception. Drawing from my own experiences growing up in a modest household, I understand the struggles many face. That’s why we’re taking proactive steps to address this issue locally. We're working on innovative projects, such as workforce housing initiatives, to ensure that those who serve our community can afford to live here. These efforts are small yet significant steps towards a more inclusive and supportive community.

What Keeps Me Up at Night

Finally, what keeps me up at night is the well-being of our residents. My decisions are deeply influenced by the needs of those around me, including the widows on my street and others on fixed incomes. Ensuring that basic services like water, electricity, and safety are reliably provided is my utmost priority. Every decision I make is with the thought of how it will impact my neighbors and, by extension, our entire community.

In conclusion, attending the Milken Institute Global Conference was a proud moment for Provo. It was an opportunity to highlight our achievements, share our strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to being a welcoming and resilient community. I am honored to serve as your mayor and to work alongside all of you in making Provo the best place to call home.