'I believe as a community, and with teamwork, we will continue to thrive. I look to 2023 as a chance to rebuild and rediscover our strengths, and I challenge all of you to find a way to be a part of that success.'
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson gives her State of the County address in West Jordan on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.Here is a transcript of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson’s prepared State of the County speech, delivered Monday at West Jordan Library’sGood evening and welcome Salt Lake County residents. I especially want to welcome my friends from West Jordan and thank the County Library team here at the Viridian Event Center for hosting us.
Speaking of the convention industry, Salt Lake County continues to host internationally significant events that support our bottom line. And this year, we’re bigger than ever.The Sundance Film Festival is in full swing at this moment. In person for the first time in 3 years. With many of the films screening here in the Salt Lake Valley.
In spite of the strong economy and news of the quick recovery, there are challenges that we need to address head on. Too many families and small businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. Too many children still wonder when their next meal will be. Too many residents are still unable to afford a home of their own. And too many of our neighbors still feel unwelcome.
As we enter 2023, Salt Lake County will continue to provide amazing, life-enhancing services to our community. The county’s financial status is strong – yes, due in part to federal investment – but also due to the steps we took early on to mitigate the crisis. We implemented strict budget cuts. We redeployed our workforce. And, by remaining in a declared emergency until the end of 2022, we secured additional $50 million in Federal Emergency assistance.
We have appropriated $19 million for water conservation projects. We’re switching out synthetic turf for grass on a few of our playing fields with more to come. We’re flipping park strips and installing water wise landscaping at county facilities. We’re updating park irrigation systems and partnering with Jordan Valley Water to provide grants for cities and townships to do the same.
I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made. And our Health Department is building off of COVID’s lessons. It has retooled its operations, building on the “take it to the community” model they implemented during the pandemic. As one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, let’s plan for the future. This means investments in infrastructure, transportation, services for an aging population, and preserving our open spaces and canyons.
We have supported the operations of our homeless resource centers, expanded the inventory of deeply affordable housing, and worked to mitigate impacts to communities and neighborhoods. During early morning hours this week, we will conduct our county’s annual homeless count. Please join me and hundreds of volunteers who will be out connecting with these members of our community.
Things are just more tense then they used to be. Just this weekend I noticed this sign at a bagel shop. WE THINK OUR STAFF ARE PRETTY AMAZING! WE WILL NOT TOLERATE THEM BEING BULLIED OR UNKIND WORDS! Really, are things so bad that businesses need to post signs to prevent their workers from being bullied?
First responders don’t ask your political affiliation during a rescue. Your accountant doesn’t need to know your religion to do your taxes - I use these examples to share why I want us all to play on the same team. So, a couple of times a year, a new book will be announced and, after everyone has had a chance to dive in, we will gather to discuss the book and share. We’ll invite authors or the subjects of the story to participate. I expect we will tackle compelling and inspirational stories. Perhaps some written or produced by Salt Lake County residents.
The county libraries are also offering audio and video versions. The authors, along with ESPN, produced a documentary based on the interviews in the book. You can watch it on HULU.
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