Affordability

Ogden families are feeling the financial squeeze from inflation, rising property taxes, and higher water bills. And now, the added rollout of paid parking downtown will mean even date night costs more. Meanwhile, city revenues have grown by more than $110 million in the past decade, fueled by rising property values and the success of Business Depot Ogden. With that kind of windfall, residents should expect world-class infrastructure—smooth roads, safe sidewalks, and vibrant parks—or at least meaningful relief from these rising costs. But today, Ogden has neither. As your At Large Seat B representative for Ogden, I’ll fight for a more accountable, balanced approach—one that truly invests in our neighborhoods and working families.

Keep Public Spaces Public 

In Ogden, a troubling trend has emerged: the city’s investments in public spaces often end up behind locks and fences. Our nicest baseball fields are off-limits to local families, reserved instead for weekend tournaments. The basketball courts near the Marshall White Center—once a neighborhood gathering spot—are now totally fenced off. Even trail access through Mount Ogden Golf Course has been blocked, despite more than one million dollars in upgrades this year. This trend isn’t new—it began back in 2005 when Ogden transferred 21st Street Pond to a private company under a 50-year lease at no cost. I firmly believe public spaces should stay public because Ogden residents deserve access, not exclusion.

Public Safety 

Public safety is a top priority, and it takes more than just enforcement to achieve it. While Ogden must ensure our police and firefighters are well-compensated, supported, and fully staffed, true safety is built through strong community connections. When neighbors know each other, look out for each other, and trust local institutions, we all feel safer. As a city council member, I’ll support both professional public safety services and community-based initiatives that build trust and ensure everyone feels safe in every part of Ogden.

Preserving Green Space 

Only 6% of Ogden’s land is dedicated to parks and recreation, less than half the national median of 15%. According to the city’s own 2019 Parks and Rec master plan, we’re short 32 acres of usable park space.

In 2023, Ogden had a once-in-a-generation opportunity: to purchase surplus land from the school district and transform it into the gold standard of public parks. Grandview Park could have expanded to 10 acres and featured much-needed amenities for our community. Instead, the city walked away. That land is now under construction by a private developer. Even worse, the current 4-acre park is downsizing to make room for a parking lot.

The current city council has not made preserving and expanding park space a priority, even when it had the chance to meet the goals it set for itself in the master plan. I want to be where these decisions are made because I believe Ogden’s families deserve better.