Over the past few years the City Council has established lofty goals for economic development within the city limits. In order to have a thriving and vibrant City we need to diversify our revenue base and revitalize underutilized areas. By bringing in new businesses and expanding existing businesses both the City's image and the quality of life is greatly improved. Over the past ten years redevelopment project areas have yielded an increase in assessed City value by over $295 million dollars. Even in the past year of shaky economic times the City has been able to attract over 2215 new jobs and an astounding $112 million dollars worth of new capital investment. This new investment adds over 1.1 million dollars worth of sales tax revenue to City coffers which in turn essentially lowers the tax burden of property owners.
Last night members of the City Council and executive staff took a tour of some of the Economic Development sites within West Valley City to see the progress and recent accomplishments. Stops on the tour and highlights of the discussion are listed below with some of the names being withheld to protect ongoing negotiations:
Economic Development Tour
June 28, 2011
1. Fairbourne Station (office)
- Hines Company
- 200,000 sq/ft of class A office (6-8 stories)
- 60% pre-leased by mid-2012
- construction by spring 2013
2. Valley Fair Mall
- frontage road complete by Oct 2011
- eastside development after roadway complete
- front (north) development in 2011
- interior remodel in 2012-13
3. Granger Crossings area
Shops at Decker Lake remodel
- $1,700,000 capital investment
Green Papaya Plaza expansion
- $2,000,000 capital investment
-4 new businesses & restaurant
Saigon Market expansion
- $2,500,000 capital investment
- relocate Twamco
Paras Furniture remodel
Redwood Plaza remodel
Medallion Square
- $1,700,000 capital investment
Glen’s Tire
- $800,000 capital investment
- clean up area
4. Homeland Security office
- $12,000,000 capital investment
- 250 employees
5. Fortune 150 Company (Lake Pointe)
- high-tech support center; relocation to Utah
- $6,000,000 capital investment
- 500 employees (avg. wages $60K)
6. Green River Capital
- financial services company; relocation/expansion from So. Salt Lake
- $1,500,000 capital investment
- 400+ employees
Franklin Covey Campus
Dollar Financial Group
-financial services company; relocation to Utah
-$500,000 capital investment
- 200 employees
Carter Distribution
- distribution services; relocation to Utah
-$3,000,000 capital investment
-80,000 sq/ft; 80 employees
MarketStar
-marketing services; expansion from Ogden
- 50,000 sq/ft; 200 employees
8. Backcountry.com
- outdoor equipment retailer; consolidation/expansion of WVC site
- $2,000,000 capital investment
- 500+ employees retained or added
- $10,000,000 in annual sales at that site
9. Las Vegas Express
- distribution services; relocation to Utah
- $1,500,000 capital investment
- 45,000 sq/ft; 30 new employees
10. Cardinal Health (fortune 150 company)
- medical supply distribution and sales; retention in WVC
- 80 employees
- $10,500,000 in annual sales at that site
11. Intermountain Bobcat
- heavy equipment sales and service; relocation/expansion from Murray
- $3,000,000 capital investment
- 50 employees
- $10,000,000 in annual sales at that site
12. 201 Commerce Center
- “Project Leo” (in final stages of decision)
- manufacturing plant
- $190,000,000 in capital investment
- 2,000+ employees
13. Advanced H2O
- water bottling and distribution; relocation to Utah
- $10,000,000 capital investment
- 80 employees
14. Target
- 135,000 sq/ft store and 100,000+ sq/ft of surrounding retail
- $15,000,000+ capital investment
- $50,000,000 annual sales at that site
- 250 employees
- site prep in July; groundbreaking in Sept.
15. Lake Park Business Center
Legacy Offices at Lake Park
- class A office space
- pursuing several tenants
Hilton Home2 Suites
- $6,000,000 capital investment
- 30 employees
-$6,000,000 in sales at this site
Project X
- high-tech development center; relocation to Utah
-$3,000,000 capital investment
- 400 employees (wages at 150% of county average)
16. Fairbourne Station (hotel, residential)
- $60,000,000 capital investment (hotel & residential)
- hotel groundbreaking July 2011; grand opening fall 2012
- residential groundbreaking spring 2012; grand opening fall 2013
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
WestFest 2011
Just wanted to give a quick thanks to the many voltunteers and participants in this years WestFest. It seemed to go off without a hitch, but I know how much coordination and effort it takes to have a quality City Celebration. I am looking forward to the performace of the Utah Symphony that official ends the celebration. I am also looking forward to a bigger and better WestFest 2012.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
School Events
Congratulations to all students that have made it through another school year. Within the final week or so of classes I was able to be involved in several activities and events to celebrate and commemorate the accomplishments of West Valley city students. During the regular meeting of the City Council top City students that attend Hunter, Granger, Cyprus, and Taylorsville were presented with the star of excellence award. The award is based on a GPA and standardized test scores. The Council Chamber was packed with proud parents as each student received their certificate and a handshake from the members of the Council.
The Hunter work based learning center invited me to attend their appreciation breakfast in which students reported on work internships that they had completed. Some students had performed clerical duties with West Valley City prosecutors office and are en route to further study law and courts. Others interned at newspapers, law firms, and one student recalled her experiences working at a mortuary.
The following evening I saw several of the same students as I was able to attend the Se
nior Awards Banquet at Hunter High and present the outstanding male senior award to Lopi Finau . There were many heroic stories of students and their strides in academic, athletic, and leadership roles. Many traditions have changed since the time that I attended Hunter High, but I am happy to see that the senior banquet proudly attended by parents and students.
Later that night I was able to help honor those that help keep our students safe at the annual crossing guards awards banquet. It was an honor to be amongst those that work to make our community a safer place. Many awards and prizes were presented to the appreciative and
humble group. The Deseret News had a story on this banquet at:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373824/West-Valley-City-honors-crossing-guards-for-their-service.html
Finally, it is worth mentioning another successful school year by the Community Education Partnership. The after-school programs keep getting better each year as more and more students take advantage of the great learning activities. I am proud of the work of this organization and will continue to be supportive as a Councilmember and resident. I appreciate the Certificate of Appreciation that they presented to me.
The Hunter work based learning center invited me to attend their appreciation breakfast in which students reported on work internships that they had completed. Some students had performed clerical duties with West Valley City prosecutors office and are en route to further study law and courts. Others interned at newspapers, law firms, and one student recalled her experiences working at a mortuary.
The following evening I saw several of the same students as I was able to attend the Se
nior Awards Banquet at Hunter High and present the outstanding male senior award to Lopi Finau . There were many heroic stories of students and their strides in academic, athletic, and leadership roles. Many traditions have changed since the time that I attended Hunter High, but I am happy to see that the senior banquet proudly attended by parents and students.Later that night I was able to help honor those that help keep our students safe at the annual crossing guards awards banquet. It was an honor to be amongst those that work to make our community a safer place. Many awards and prizes were presented to the appreciative and
humble group. The Deseret News had a story on this banquet at:http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373824/West-Valley-City-honors-crossing-guards-for-their-service.html
Finally, it is worth mentioning another successful school year by the Community Education Partnership. The after-school programs keep getting better each year as more and more students take advantage of the great learning activities. I am proud of the work of this organization and will continue to be supportive as a Councilmember and resident. I appreciate the Certificate of Appreciation that they presented to me.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Major Annoucements
Not much to elaborate on with two major West Valley City announcements. The City just keeps moving forward. Target has announced that they will build a store and anchor a new development on 5600 West. The 135,300 square-foot store will be built on a 39-acre parcel directly across the street from WinCo at 2550 South 5600 West. Target will be a welcome addition to the burgeoning 5600 West corridor and that location will draw customers not only from West Valley City, but also from Magna and even Tooele because of the easy access. The West Valley City store will also be the first prototype in the nation of Target's new-store model. The store will include an ample selection of groceries, but will not be labeled a Super Target.Today was the unveiling of the mixed used City Center development henceforth to be known as Faribourne Station. West Valley City now has a new urban center focal point. Fairbourne Station will be a combination of retail space, office space, residential living space and even an upscale hotel, encompassing 40 acres right central to the City and the Salt Lake Valley. The name is taken from pioneer days when Fairbourne weigh station was the a hub and gathering place for our emerging community.
More information on the project as well as concept pictures can be found at:
http://www.fairbournestation.com/index.php
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
WVC Leadership Summit
On Thursday The West Valley City Leadership Summit was held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. This was a gathering of community leaders from various fields including education, ethnic, and religious leaders. It was a great opportunity to share insights and ideas concerning areas in which we can improve our City. All the leaders that attended were great to be with and I look forward to working with them to make some of the concepts that we discussed a reality. I was able to lead the breakout discussion concerning neighborhoods. I brought in a few interesting slides and facts to help facilitate the discussion, but overall the community leaders had no shortage of ideas. The following is a few points of discussion from our group meetings:
- How can neighborhoods better coordinate disaster preparedness?
- Good Landlord Program, increase in code enforcement. Are we focused correctly?
- How are we doing on graffiti?
- CERT program, connection/coordination between neighborhood organizations and City?
- City Grant / matching funds to make improvements?
- Neighborhoods lack sense of community and unity. Formal Groups needed?
- Vital Neighborhoods Needs?
Friday, May 13, 2011
Annoucement
Today I was fortunate to be the featured guest on the radio program Politics Up Close. During the program I was able to talk about many of the good things that are going on in West Valley City. Also I took the opportunity to announce my candidacy for re-election to the West Valley City Council. Below is a copy of the press release issued for the event:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 13, 2011
WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCILMEMBER COREY RUSHTON ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID
WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH – Councilmember Corey Rushton announced today that he will seek a second four-year term as an At-Large City Councilmember in West Valley City. The announcement came during a segment of KCPW radio’s weekly edition of: Politics Up Close, in which Rushton was the featured guest. With West Valley City as Utah’s second largest city, the city’s at-large council race will be this year’s largest political contest in the state of Utah, outside of the Salt Lake City’s mayoral race.
During the live radio broadcast Councilman Rushton highlighted his involvement in several areas that have contributed to the great progress and overall quality of life in West Valley City. He also elaborated on some city initiatives that were in their infancy, but that would be of great benefit for generations to come. Rushton, who also serves as Mayor Pro Tem, mentioned an increased need for neighborhood vitality and public safety measures to be explored by the City Council. In regards to his decision to run, Rushton noted that, “As a sixth generation resident I am proud to have witnessed the growth and development of this great city, but we need to be innovative as we continue to keep West Valley City moving forward.”
In his first term, Councilman Rushton has taken great strides in expanding the regional influence of West Valley City. Rushton serves as the Chair of the newly formed Jordan River Commission. The commission is comprised of several municipalities and agencies along the Jordan River and provides partnerships and assistance in preserving and planning along the river corridor. Additionally, he serves on the Salt Lake County Council of Governments, Chairman of the West Valley City Audit Committee, and as an appointed member of the First Tier Suburbs Steering Committee with the National League of Cities.
In 2007, Rushton received the greatest number of votes in the history of West Valley City municipal elections. He is already on track to exceed pre-filing fundraising goals and has organized an extensive election committee that is co-chaired by West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder and State Senator Karen Mayne. “Our city is very fortunate to have Corey’s wisdom and energy,” said Winder. “Corey is very respected by his peers and works tirelessly to represent our city well,” added Mayne.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 13, 2011
WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCILMEMBER COREY RUSHTON ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID
WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH – Councilmember Corey Rushton announced today that he will seek a second four-year term as an At-Large City Councilmember in West Valley City. The announcement came during a segment of KCPW radio’s weekly edition of: Politics Up Close, in which Rushton was the featured guest. With West Valley City as Utah’s second largest city, the city’s at-large council race will be this year’s largest political contest in the state of Utah, outside of the Salt Lake City’s mayoral race.
During the live radio broadcast Councilman Rushton highlighted his involvement in several areas that have contributed to the great progress and overall quality of life in West Valley City. He also elaborated on some city initiatives that were in their infancy, but that would be of great benefit for generations to come. Rushton, who also serves as Mayor Pro Tem, mentioned an increased need for neighborhood vitality and public safety measures to be explored by the City Council. In regards to his decision to run, Rushton noted that, “As a sixth generation resident I am proud to have witnessed the growth and development of this great city, but we need to be innovative as we continue to keep West Valley City moving forward.”
In his first term, Councilman Rushton has taken great strides in expanding the regional influence of West Valley City. Rushton serves as the Chair of the newly formed Jordan River Commission. The commission is comprised of several municipalities and agencies along the Jordan River and provides partnerships and assistance in preserving and planning along the river corridor. Additionally, he serves on the Salt Lake County Council of Governments, Chairman of the West Valley City Audit Committee, and as an appointed member of the First Tier Suburbs Steering Committee with the National League of Cities.
In 2007, Rushton received the greatest number of votes in the history of West Valley City municipal elections. He is already on track to exceed pre-filing fundraising goals and has organized an extensive election committee that is co-chaired by West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder and State Senator Karen Mayne. “Our city is very fortunate to have Corey’s wisdom and energy,” said Winder. “Corey is very respected by his peers and works tirelessly to represent our city well,” added Mayne.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Logo Contest
Today as Chair of the multi-city/county agency, Jordan River Commission, I announced a contest to design the official agency logo. Some good prizes are associated with the contest from a number of fine businesses. The details are as follows:
Jordan River Commission
Commission Chair, Corey Rushton,
Will You Have the Winning Design for the Jordan River Commission Logo?
West Valley City, Utah – May 10, 2011 – The Jordan River Commission is holding a contest to select a design for the organization’s official logo. Commission Chair, Councilman Corey Rushton said, “We thought it would be a fun way to involve the community and to raise awareness of the river.”
Logo submissions should reflect the Commission’s role as a cooperative agency created to provide comprehensive oversight, coordination, and technical assistance to communities along the approximately 50-mile Jordan River corridor.
The Commission members have all come together with donations for a great prize package that you don’t want to miss.
The winner will receive:
- A $300 cash prize
- Four Real Salt Lake tickets
- Two Utah Grizzlies tickets
- Eight Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center passes, a gym bag and four work-out shirts
- Four Hale Center Theater tickets
- Two 2011-2012 Snowbird All Day Tram & Chairs tickets
- A Red Butte Garden annual membership
- $100 gift certificate to the Texas Roadhouse
Contest Sponsors include:
- City of Cottonwood Heights
- West Valley City
- Sandy City
- Red Butte Garden
- SWCA Environmental Consultants
- Hale Center Theater
- Real Salt Lake
- City of Taylorvsille
- Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
- Utah Grizzlies
- Texas Roadhouse
- Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Contest submissions are due no later than midnight on June 10, 2011 and should be emailed to lahanson@utah.gov. The winning design will be announced on June 17, 2011. See the Jordan River Commission website for Contest Details: www.jordanrivercommission.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)