The 180-Day Plan addressed five broad themes for Salt Lake City: education, equality, environment, engaging the community and excitement. Each item from the 180-Day Plan is detailed below; alongside each of those goals is the progress that has been achieved to date on that initiative.

Read the full report of achievements.

MEDIA ADVISORY   

Mayor Becker will Give an Update and Answer Questions about First 6 Months in Office
 
Salt Lake City – Mayor Ralph Becker invites the public to join him a town hall meeting on July 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Library Auditorium. The event will be moderated by KCPW’s Lara Jones and is an opportunity for Salt Lake City residents to ask questions and hear directly from the Mayor on the progress his administration has made during the first six months in office.
 
The Mayor unveiled his 180-Day Plan before being elected, during the campaign. The plan outlined each of the initiatives Ralph Becker would prioritize during his first 6 months in office. During the town hall, Mayor Becker will take the audience through his 180-Day Plan and discuss each of the initiatives that have been undertaken in support of those goals.
 
WHO:             Mayor Ralph Becker and KCPW’s Lara Jones
 
WHAT:           Town Hall Meeting to Address the Mayor’s 180-Day Plan
 
WHERE:        Salt Lake City Downtown Library, Library Auditorium, 210 East 400 South
 
WHEN:           Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
 

The Osmonds Second Generation to Perform
 
SALT LAKE CITY- Live bands will honor the returning 116th and 145th National Guard Units and the Marines’ Charlie Fox Company at a patriotic homecoming tomorrow at Fort Douglas’ Stilwell Field on the University of Utah Upper Campus.
 
“This concert will be the best concert tribute ever performed for the troops,” said event organizer Denise DeVynck. The event will feature the musical talents of The Osmonds Second Generation, gospel singer Angela Winston, Pleasantree, and Jaden Bliss.
 
DeVynck has worked with families and businesses throughout the state to plan for what she calls “the biggest welcome home ever.” In addition to listening to the live music, military families and friends will be able to eat ice cream, make free video emails, call loved ones who are still serving overseas, and make cards to send.
 
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, who attended an event in February for the spouses of those who are now returning home to Utah, hopes tomorrow’s event will be a success. “What a great way to welcome our troops home,” said Becker.  “I commend and honor those who serve our country and thank the families who sacrifice so much.”
 
The public is invited to participate in the festivities and support Utah troops. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Frank Gray to Lead Salt Lake City’s Department of Community and Economic Development
 
SALT LAKE CITY – After a nationwide search, Mayor Ralph Becker announced today that Frank B. Gray has been appointed the Director of Community and Economic Development. Gray has been serving as General Manager of the Department of Planning and Development Services in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2005.
 
Gray is an internationally recognized expert in the field of urban and redevelopment planning and management and has been instrumental in developing and implementing systems for community management throughout the United States and Europe.
 
Gray has prepared urban management and development strategies for communities in California, Colorado, and Nebraska, and has consulted with Salt Lake City over the past 20 years. “He knows us,” said Acting Director Mary De La Mare-Schaefer. “Frank brings with him his knowledge of the City as well as his vast experience from around the nation and the world.”
 
As the Director of Community and Economic Development, Gray will be responsible for the Divisions of Planning and Zoning, Transportation, Housing, Building and Licensing Services, and the Arts Council, as well as Economic Development.
 
“Gray brings years of experience working on community and economic development to this new position,” said Becker. “He has inspired great confidence among our City employees.”
 
Gray has served as Planning and Development Director for the cities of Lakewood, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado; Petaluma, California; and was Deputy Director for the City and County of Denver with primary responsibility for the planning and economic development aspects of Denver’s $2.5 billion New Airport Development Project.
 
Gray studied Urban Sociology at the University of Uppsala in Sweden before he attained a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from California State University, and a Special Studies certificate in Urban Law from Golden Gate University.
 

**Media Advisory**
  
Salt Lake City – The Grand Opening of the Sorenson Unity Center, a newly constructed, 23,000 square foot, $5.3 million Center which will provide a diverse array of new programs and facilities for the community to enjoy will be held Thursday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m.   The Grand Opening ceremonies will include speeches from community leaders, members of the James LeVoy Sorenson family, representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Alliance for Unity.
 
In addition to remarks, Mayor Ralph Becker will unveil a plaque honoring the late James LeVoy Sorenson and present it to the Sorenson family. 
 
The Grand Opening is free and open to the public.  The order of ceremonial events will include:
 
5:15 p.m.          Welcome Remarks by Mayor Ralph Becker
                                    Dedication Speakers
 
5:55 p.m.          Ribbon Cutting
 
6:00 p.m.          Open House Reception and Public Building Tours
 
The Sorenson Unity Center houses Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, Salt Lake Community College, a fitness and recreation center operated by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, computer center, youth programs, theater space and event space.
 
Regarding the new space, Mayor Ralph Becker remarked, “The Sorenson Unity Center is an exciting addition to our community. It is wonderful to see it opening with such strong community support and stands as an example of how effective public/private partnerships can work.”
 
For a media sneak peak and walk-through of the Sorenson Unity Center, please contact Nichol Bourdeaux at 535-6534.
 
1383 South 900 West │P.O. Box 145549│SLC, Ut. 84114-5549
Phone: 801-535-6533│Fax: 801-886-0366
www.sorensonunitycenter.com