Regional Park Update & Open House

Intergovernmental Relations is an area in which I have worked hard to elevate West Valley City's profile and effectiveness. In order to have effective local government we must foster good working relationships with federal, state, and other local governments. One such instance that has led to success is the partnership with Salt Lake County on Lodestone Regional Park. The park and the proposed expansion lies chiefly in Salt Lake County, but is surrounded by West Valley residents that have been in need of some extra recreational amenities and open space. It will be located west of 5600 West on 6200 South in what is known as the Diamond Summit area. As a City we have extensively been in contact with the county and additionally entered into some agreements to further the development of this destination park, which would be like a Liberty Park for the residents of West Valley City. I will continue to watch this project and advocate for timely completion and quality planning. Subsequently, the county will be holding an Open House to receive park input from the nearby residents. The Open House will be held on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at Thomas Jefferson Jr High from 6:30-8:30. Come and share your thoughts and ideas in making this park a haven for families and fun. See you there!

Congress of Cities

Last week I represented West Valley City by attending the National League of Cities Congress of Cities in San Antonio, Texas. The conference major speakers and presenters included a senior White House advisor and a Wall Street Economist among others. Gathering at the Convention Center was a great opportunity to meet with leaders from around the country and discuss vital issues. The Congress of Cities provides a wealth of information and I was exposed to numerous rejuvenating programs and efficient policies . It featured more than 30 workshops focused on economic development, safety, policy and programs. The seminars I attended this week included “Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures: Building Community in Today's Economy” and “Doing More with Less: Getting Better Results for Children and Families” among others. I also participated in the First Tier Suburbs Committee where I have applied to be on their Steering Council. Additionally, I gathered materials on numerous best practice solutions and innovations and have shared them with executive staff for informational purposes in constructing a leaner budget and conducting quality investment. The conference kept me very busy, but I was able to take a few strolls down the famous San Antonio Riverwalk to muster ideas about the future potential of the Jordan River and West Valley City's River Marketplace.

Congressional Delegation Visit

This week a small West Valley delegation traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with our Congressional delegation. The purpose of these meetings was to provide updates on current projects and priorities and well express our needs in relation to ongoing legislation and appropriations. We gave our thanks to the various members for their support of issues in the past and all were pleased at the amount of progress and leadership that West Valley City has shown through this economic recession. We provided them with an update in regards to the Trax and the City Center Plaza, as well as progress on the Valley fair Mall, and 3500 South. Additionally, we expressed our desire (especially with our newest Congressman) to foster open lines of communication and a productive working relationships. We understand that the federal government is facing many challenges and as a City we want to be good partners for better government.