BACK TO THE BASICS: 2024 PRIORITIES

In our commitment to public safety, Taylor's policy approach is centered on community engagement, crime prevention, and trust-building. If elected, our administration will be dedicated to exploring innovative communication methods, enhancing street safety, and promoting community policing to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and residents. This comprehensive strategy aligns with Ogden's unique needs and aspirations. When we talk about getting back to the basics of good government, it all starts with public safety.

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE

  • We must encourage our Ogden police officers to get out of their patrol cars and onto our streets and sidewalks. Community-oriented policing is simply the idea that, like our views on the mayor being one of our communities and never above them, so should the individuals who make up our law enforcement teams.

    Our vision for community-oriented policing in Ogden is to see our officers actively engaging with residents, and forging meaningful relationships on our streets and sidewalks. While acknowledging the imperfections of historic community policing practices, our vision underscores its Ogden-specific adaptation in collaboration with our neighbors and sworn officers of Ogden City’s community.

    In the spirit of community building beyond traditional law enforcement, we aim to facilitate and continue interactions such as "Coffee with a Cop" or our community picnics. These events foster empathy between our dedicated police officers and our residents.

    In 2018, Taylor participated in the Citizen's Police Academy to better understand what our OPD officers go through on a daily basis. It provided him with valuable insight into the challenges our officers face daily, influencing a more informed perspective on their work. Encouraging more conversation and relationship-building between officers and our residents will further build the essential trust we need in our community.

  • Establishing a 411 Line

    Ogden's officers respond to more calls per capita than any other city in the state. To address the urgent needs of our city, we propose the establishment of a dedicated 411 line, coordinating responses between public works, permitting, public safety, and all city departments.

    Expanding Emergency Mental Health Responses

    While we celebrate the dedication of our police force, we also acknowledge their overwork and limited resources, especially in handling mental health crises frequently tied to 911 calls. As Mayor, Taylor would champion the expansion of Ogden's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) in partnership with Weber Human Services. MCOT is a state-funded program that unites law enforcement, mental health advocacy organizations, and the mental health system to improve the response to mental health crisis situations in close partnership with our city.

    Expanding Services for Unhoused Residents

    Furthermore, we must strengthen our collaborations with service providers for our unhoused residents. Currently, we have two advocates funded by Intermountain Healthcare who build relationships with unhoused neighbors and connect them to services. We need to expand these efforts in order to continue connecting our unhoused residents to services.

    Comprehensive School Safety Plans

    Lastly, Taylor is committed to creating comprehensive school safety plans that involve students, parents, teachers, and community members. These plans will address emergency preparedness, crisis response, and the prevention of bullying, harassment, and violence.

  • Ogden's streets are widely recognized as among the most unsafe for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists in the State of Utah. To enhance safety, we will focus on human-scale development and prioritize the safety of residents who choose to walk or bike, as well as those who drive. Key initiatives include:

    • Reducing speed limits, particularly in residential areas.

    • Enhancing crosswalks and lighting for better pedestrian safety.

    • Adapting walk signals to improve safety.

    • Expanding public transit options for accessible transportation.

    • Investing in public infrastructure.

    • Investing in the city’s existing bike master plan, making the city more accommodating for active transportation.

    • Implementing well-lit streets for increased visibility and safety.

    • Expanding programs such as the Grant Promenade, combining public infrastructure with sustainable building practices to enhance our city's aesthetics and sustainability.

We are connected to not only each other but to the environment around us - built and natural. As a city, it is our responsibility to build and sustain connections. Taylor firmly believes that we must be proactive in protecting and preserving our environment, and that means actively pursuing clean energy solutions.

SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS

  • At the core of our commitment to putting our community first lies the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP). In 2019, responding to overwhelming community support, the Ogden City Council took a significant step forward by enrolling in the Community Renewable Energy Program in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Power. This initiative aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, ensuring a sustainable future for Ogden as an outdoor recreation hub and safeguarding our environment for generations to come.

    Over the years, Ogden City, together with stakeholders, community partners, and the Mayor, has invested nearly $80,000 of taxpayer dollars into CREP, yielding promising outcomes. However, concerns have arisen regarding the current administration and city council’s inclination to withdraw from CREP, which is deeply troubling. If elected, Taylor is dedicated to continuing Ogden’s participation in CREP.

    Rolling back our commitment and disengaging from CREP would not only be a disservice to our taxpayers but a missed opportunity to lead the way in sustainable energy practices. Taylor firmly believes in proactive measures to protect and preserve our environment, and this entails pursuing clean energy solutions actively.

    As Mayor, Taylor will continue the path laid out by CREP. By partnering with Rocky Mountain Power and signing the Utility Agreement, the Knuth Administration will take the next decisive steps toward achieving the 100% renewable energy goal by 2030.

  • While continuing our involvement in the Community Renewable Energy Program remains a top priority, Taylor recognizes that Ogden City can and should do more to address the urgent challenges of our time with foresight and fiscal responsibility. Ogden is home to an institution at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure and studies: Weber State University. Through their work and others, we know that environmental sustainability aligns seamlessly with fiscal responsibility, benefiting both our community and our future generations.

    Wastewater and the Great Salt Lake

    Ogden City currently manages its wastewater treatment and reuse system, primarily selling treated water to the agricultural sector instead of reintroducing it into the hydro-ecological system. As Mayor, Taylor will explore innovative ways to redirect treated wastewater into the Weber River, a vital tributary that flows into the Great Salt Lake. Recognizing the crucial importance of the Great Salt Lake to our community, both ecologically and economically, we will take proactive measures to sustain its water levels and protect our city from potential devastation.

    Water Infrastructure

    Our aging water infrastructure, with some components dating back 140 years, must also be addressed urgently. Taylor is committed to ensuring that our infrastructure meets the efficiency demands of a modern water system, particularly as our city's population continues to grow. Our water challenges stem not from growth itself but from inefficiencies within our current system and a lack of comprehensive planning.

    Establishing a Sustainability Solutions Center

    The Knuth Administration will establish a Sustainability Solutions Center to empower residents to take tangible steps toward a more sustainable future. This center will offer resources such as the replacement of inefficient residential faucets with high-efficiency, low-use alternatives, free of charge. Moreover, we will explore innovative solutions like the installation of solar panels on over 30 city-owned buildings, generating electricity to offset emissions and pave the way for a municipal power grid.

    Shifting from Natural Gas to Electric

    Transitioning from natural gas systems and equipment to electric alternatives is another priority, incentivizing both new developments and historic renovations to make the switch. This transition not only benefits the environment but also capitalizes on federal tax incentives for cost-effective electric solutions.

A PEOPLE-CENTRIC ECONOMY

The Knuth administration would be dedicated to a comprehensive and people-centric approach to the future of our city, viewing municipal economic development as a three-legged stool made up of workforce development, small business retention, and big business recruitment.

Additionally, Taylor recognizes the importance of affordable, accessible, and dignified housing and talent retention to the current and future economic development of our city.

  • In line with our commitment to fostering a skilled and prosperous workforce, Taylor recognizes the critical importance of collaboration with educational institutions like Ogden-Weber Technical College (OWTC) and Weber State University. Both institutions have demonstrated forward-thinking approaches and responsiveness in higher education. Weber State's notable focus on training IT and software engineering students, especially in the context of defense and aerospace industries, aligns with our city's economic reliance on these sectors, given that Hill Air Force Base stands as the largest employer in Northern Utah. Establishing a strong partnership between our higher education institutions and the Mayor's office is imperative, not only for addressing the immediate needs of the base but also for the long-term sustainability and viability of our local economy.

    Furthermore, Taylor’s commitment extends to forging partnerships with vocational schools and high schools, not just as a workforce pipeline but also as a bridge to Weber State, facilitating the transfer of stackable credentials that can be applied toward future bachelor's degrees. In doing so, he aims to empower individuals with diverse educational pathways that lead to meaningful careers and achieve upward social and economic mobility.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of education in our community's success, the Knuth administration would emphasize K-12 coordination and its impact on graduation rates. Studies show that children reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to graduate high school. As Mayor, Taylor intends to work in close partnership with the school district and the superintendent, while respecting the superintendent's appointment process. However, we must be mindful of the undeniable reality that when social and public needs are unmet, it directly affects the short and long-term well-being and success of our residents. As a community and administration, we will strive to bridge educational disparities across our city, regardless of whether students reside above or below Harrison Blvd, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and contribute to our city's future prosperity.

  • Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy. To bolster their growth and resilience, we will offer grants for facade improvements, providing financial support to enhance the aesthetics of local businesses. We will also provide strategic growth training and services, empowering small business owners with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate challenges and expand their enterprises strategically. Furthermore, construction mitigation grants will assist businesses affected by construction activities, ensuring they not only survive but thrive during our city's development.

  • Taylor’s approach to attracting larger businesses revolves around strategic, responsible, and community-focused investments. While we actively seek opportunities to attract and nurture larger enterprises, we would do so with a commitment to safeguarding the interests of our small businesses and taxpayers. These investments will be assessed meticulously to ensure they yield substantial benefits for Ogden residents. Our goal would be to create returns that positively impact our community within a defined timeframe, all while preserving the character and charm of Ogden.

  • Our plan for economic development must be comprehensive. Beyond these dimensions of economic development, it is imperative to acknowledge that the vitality of our economy and the prosperity of our residents hinge significantly on their capacity to both thrive within and actively contribute to our vibrant city. Economic developmental assets that are brought into our city need to offer enhancement and increase the quality of life for all of our residents.

    Responsible and Contextual Growth

    While growth is inevitable, our next mayor must facilitate responsible and contextual growth to accommodate our city's anticipated population, which may nearly double by 2060. We will execute the development of Ogden City’s General Plan, a plan that hasn’t been updated in nearly 20 years, and which guides our growth in strategic and community-oriented ways. Our growth under a Knuth administration will be contextualized with the existing assets of our neighborhoods. We will also invest in transit-oriented development and expansion to accommodate our growing population.

    Economic Mobility and Housing Stability

    The Knuth administration will place a high priority on economic mobility and housing stability for all residents. Our economic development lens will first focus on quality over quantity when it comes to Ogden’s existing housing inventory. We acknowledge that 69% of affordable housing units in Weber County are located within Ogden City, despite accounting for 33% of the county’s population. Ensuring that our housing stock meets the highest standards, including essentials like running water, is a top priority for the Knuth administration. In tandem with our goal to address the quality of Ogden’s housing stock, we aim to create pathways to homeownership and rental options accessible to individuals at any age and stage of life.

    Creating a Housing Stability Division

    Additionally, to address gentrification, housing stability, and the strengthening of a pathway to homeownership in our city, we will establish a dedicated Housing Stability Division within our city. This division will work tirelessly to mitigate the impacts of gentrification on the character of our neighborhoods. We will also ensure that our federal HUD CDBG dollars are allocated through participatory budgeting, enabling the community to decide how these funds are used, which may include rent assistance or utility support.

    Pathways to Homeownership

    Finally, we will be committed to expanding and enhancing pathways to homeownership through expanding programs such as "Own in Ogden." These initiatives and expansions will prioritize public servants like police officers and teachers, ensuring they can afford to live in the communities they serve. While there is no silver bullet to solving housing price challenges, we aim to foster innovation to maximize the positive impact of the Mayor's office on our community's housing needs.