Can you give some background about your experience and what your current responsibilities are?
I began working at Eagle Mountain City in 2007 as a senior planner. After about a year I was hired as the interim planning director and became the planning director soon thereafter. In early 2016, I was asked to take over management of the building department, as well as continuing to manage the planning and neighborhood mprovement departments/divisions and was given the title of community development director. Earlier this year the city administrator asked me to serve as the assistant city administrator while continuing to serve as the community development director. In addition to my duties in community development, I now oversee management of several City departments, including economic development, facilities, fleet, project management, and the library. I also take on a variety of projects and tasks as designated by the city administrator and mayor.
How do partnerships with other organizations/property owners impact planning?
Transportation planning in a bedroom community is a regional issue and requires close coordination with UDOT, Mountainland Association of Governments, Saratoga prings, and Utah Transit Authority. Working closely with Alpine School District generally results in better school sites and planning. Partnering with the State Department of Wildlife Resources and other partners has been helping us to appropriately plan a wildlife migration corridor through the city. Good relationships with roperty owners and real estate developers help us attract businesses and employers to the city.
What is the relationship between community development and economic development?
Community and economic development go hand in hand. Future land use and zoning help define where certain businesses are desired/allowed. Development and rchitectural standards help ensure that new businesses are attractive and have limited negative impacts to surrounding properties. Thorough but streamlined building permit processes help businesses save time and expense when relocating to the city, and make sure that they are safe for employees and customers. One example is community evelopment’s implementation of a Regional Technology and Industry Overlay Zone, which helped in our economic development efforts to make the approval process smooth for both Facebook and Tyson Foods.
What advice would you give residents who are interested in being more involved with plans for development in EM City?
If you have connections with any business owners, help us bring them to Eagle Mountain. Share population, growth, and traffic statistics with them and send them to the City’s economic development director. Help us find good business partners that are willing to donate time, materials, funding, or other assistance. If you’re
interested in finding out what could happen on vacant property near your home, review the City’s General Plan and Future Land Use Map. Get involved in City surveys and public open houses. The best time for you to make a difference with development plans is long before a specific development is proposed, and if you have questions, talk to one of our friendly city planners.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I love Eagle Mountain. In my thirteen years here I’ve seen it more than double in size, seen entire neighborhoods go from dirt to beautiful homes and parks, seen the opening of many new businesses in the city, and met so many good, quality people. I’ve spent many weekend hours biking in Eagle Mountain’s hills, attending city events, hiking and walking the trails, and adding to the City’s sales tax revenues. I look forward to many more years working in this great city.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.