2026 State of the City

2026 State of the City Address

Mayor Jared Gray

Less Talk & More Action

“Hello friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of Eagle Mountain. Thank you for supporting our great City. I’m honored to speak to you as your Mayor, and I don’t take the responsibility lightly. It’s not mine, it’s just my turn. Ronald Reagan once said, ‘You don’t become president of the United States; you are given temporary custody of an institution called the presidency, which belongs to our people.’ I feel the same way about this new opportunity I have to serve you and our City. I want to start with something simple. Eagle Mountain doesn’t need more speeches or politicians, it needs results. That’s why the theme of this year’s State of the City is a phrase that I campaigned on: Less Talk and More Action.

“You don’t become president of the United States; you are given temporary custody of an institution called the presidency, which belongs to our people.” – President Ronald Reagan

Eagle Mountain Is Home

I’ve been a part of Eagle Mountain long before it was a city. Before there were neighborhoods, before there were traffic lights, before there was a City Hall. I was farming this land back in the late 80s and early 90s. I watched open fields slowly turn into streets, schools, and homes.

My wife Heidi and I raised our family in one of Eagle Mountain’s first homes. This place isn’t just where I live; it’s where my roots are. I’m a father of four, a business owner, and someone who believes deeply in showing up, putting in the work, and finishing the job. I’ve served on City boards, the Planning Commission, and City Council. I’ve learned over the years that Eagle Mountain succeeds when leadership listens and serves.

Current State Of Eagle Mountain City

Let’s talk about where we are and where we’re going as a City.

76,695 Residents (as of January 2026)

2025 Successes

• 343 new businesses
• QTS Data Center
• Airport Road
• Roundabout removal & New Stoplight (Pony Express Pkwy. & Eagle Mountain Blvd.)

I would also like to express my thanks to Donna Burnham and Tom Westmoreland, who have served on our Council and as previous Mayor. I’d like to welcome the new Council members Zachory Huish, Craig Whiting, and Brett Wright in his second term, joining Melissa Clark and Rich Wood. Our City has grown fast and continues to grow quickly. That growth brings opportunity, but it also brings real challenges. I ran for Mayor because I believe we can face those challenges head-on with common sense, fiscal responsibility, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves.

Managed Growth

First, growth. Growth isn’t a problem; unmanaged growth is. Eagle Mountain will continue to grow, but with our City Council and as your Mayor, growth will be responsible, planned, and aligned with the infrastructure our residents deserve. That means smarter development decisions, stronger coordination with developers, and protecting the character of our community while planning for the future. The way we are going to accomplish that is by unifying our citizens with our elected officials and City staff. More planning for someday, more action today.

Roads and Traffic

Second, roads and traffic. Anyone who lives here knows traffic has become one of our biggest frustrations. Long commutes, bottlenecks, and limited routes affect our quality of life every single day. This year, we are prioritizing real, measurable progress. We are working with regional partners, advocating aggressively at the state level, and advancing roads and transit solutions that actually reduce congestion, not just study it. We are grateful to UDOT and Representative Stephanie Gricius for their efforts and interest in Eagle Mountain.

Infrastructure

Third, infrastructure. Infrastructure isn’t flashy. You don’t always see it, but you feel it, especially when it is missing or lacking. Roads, utilities, public facilities, and long-term planning are the backbone of a strong city. What we are doing is adding six million gallons to our sewer treatment plant, digging new wells, and assessing new power solutions for the City. We are committed to investing wisely, planning ahead, and making sure Eagle Mountain’s infrastructure keeps pace with our growth. We will do this without placing unnecessary burden on families and taxpayers. That means discipline. That means accountability. That means action.

Eagle Mountain Is Run By Its People

The most important thing I want you to hear is this: the City isn’t run by a mayor alone. It’s built by its people. It’s because of the families and volunteers who support our youth. The business owners who take the risk. The teachers, first responders, and City staff and volunteers who show up every day to make Eagle Mountain what it is.

My job as your Mayor is to lead with integrity, to listen carefully, and to act decisively for you, for your families. I ran for Mayor because I believe Eagle Mountain deserves leadership with grit, heart, and common sense. Leadership that says what it means and then works with you on this place we call home. So, I am making you a promise. We will spend less time talking about problems and more time solving them. Less time debating and more time building. Less politics and more progress.

The state of our City is strong, but our future will be even stronger. As Mayor, and unified with City Council and staff, we are friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of this great City. Thank you for believing in this community. We are proud to call it home.

God bless you, your families, neighbors, and God bless Eagle Mountain.”