We are blessed with the unrivaled combination of a diverse population, access to the great outdoors, and a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in our neighborhoods and our sense of community. My family and I know there is no better place to live.

There is, however, much to do. As your mayor, I will build on the foundations in place thanks to our dedicated residents and city employees. We are growing the great American city right here in Salt Lake, and I invite you to join me in making this vision a reality.

Here is my vision for growing a great American City:

1. Through a stronger partnership with the Salt Lake City School District, I intend to make our schools the envy of the state. They should be the social and educational centers of their neighborhoods, providing a range of resources for adults and children, and Salt Lake City government can do much to help that happen.

2. Salt Lake City deserves a world-class network of urban trails, accessible to everyone, tying our foothills, neighborhoods, parks, Jordan River, and maybe the Great Salt Lake into a connected necklace.

3. As a small business owner for more than 20 years, I realize the need to help local businesses succeed by streamlining permitting, serving as an advocate for local businesses, providing preferences for local businesses, helping make health insurance affordable, and giving our community the character that only comes from local businesses.

4. We will expand on our prosperity as the hub of the Rocky Mountain West through collaboration with the University of Utah and our colleges, the international airport, and offering our renowned hospitality and access to the great outdoors for visitors.

5. All of our historic neighborhoods must include interconnected open spaces, access to efficient public transit, and retail goods and services that people can walk to and enjoy. I want to see thriving, walkable commercial centers combined with safe, well-lit residential areas throughout the city, where Farmers’ Markets, outdoor dining, street fairs, and an inviting pedestrian atmosphere can flourish.

6. As the Capital City, Salt Lake City’s greater downtown will be continue to be a destination for both work and play – and I will make sure that we enhance its stature as a cultural, social, and economic center for the Wasatch Front and the Rocky Mountain West.

7. We will continue to embrace the diverse communities of Salt Lake City, and our government policies will serve as a model for justice and equality for all residents.

8. We have much to be proud of in terms of environmental policy. As your mayor, I will make sure that Salt Lake City continues to be a national leader in environmental stewardship through wise energy use, climate-change avoidance measures, leadership on regional air pollution reduction, watersheds protection, and first-class pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.

9. We will develop the best variety of transportation options for our citizens, by expanding light rail to the airport and other parts of the city, having safe, coordinated bike trails, truly synchronizing our lights, having Central Station as the destination for the region for commuter rail, building a neighborhood-oriented circulator system, and putting the pedestrian first so that Salt Lake City is a model of efficient, accessible, and convenient mobility.