EAGLE MOUNTAIN — City leaders spent two days in late January discussing Eagle Mountain’s rapid growth, financial planning and long-term priorities during the city’s annual Visioning Retreat.
The retreat, held Jan. 29–30, brought together Mayor Jared Gray, members of the City Council and department leaders to review the city’s progress and establish priorities for the coming fiscal year. The sessions were designed to evaluate Eagle Mountain’s strategic vision, review major projects and align city leadership on goals for the coming year.
City officials emphasized that the retreat is meant to help leadership “develop a unity of purpose,” review upcoming projects and prioritize goals for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
Rapid population growth remains central issue
One of the key topics was Eagle Mountain’s continuing population expansion.
City data presented during the retreat estimated the population at 76,695 residents as of Jan. 1, 2026, continuing more than a decade of rapid growth.
Officials reported a current annual growth rate of about 6.4%, driven primarily by residential construction.
Most of the city’s population remains concentrated in the north and south areas of Eagle Mountain, while the west side is just beginning to develop. According to city figures:
- 53% of residents live in the north area
- 45% live in the south
- About 2% live in the west, which represents much of the city’s future growth potential.
Housing remains primarily single-family homes, though multi-family housing has grown in recent years as the city attempts to diversify housing options.
Commercial development expanding
City officials also highlighted commercial growth in Eagle Mountain over the past year.
Several businesses opened or expanded in 2025, including:
- Walmart and its fuel center
- McDonald’s
- Panda Express
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard
- Anytime Fitness
- Granite Credit Union
- Mountainland Supply
Additional developments included medical offices, storage facilities and expansions at John Hancock Charter School.
Economic Development Director Abby Ivory told city leaders that economic development efforts focus on several areas: business expansion and attraction, workforce development, and ensuring infrastructure and development sites are ready for future employers.
The goal, officials said, is to broaden Eagle Mountain’s tax base while creating more jobs within the city.
Budget planning and service expectations
Financial planning was another major focus of the retreat.
Administrative Services Director Kimberly Ruesch presented a financial outlook and discussed how the city evaluates spending priorities. Officials emphasized using the budget not only as a financial document but as a tool to guide policy decisions and communicate priorities to residents.
City leaders also discussed how to measure and maintain service levels as the population grows, including how staffing, infrastructure and city programs must expand alongside the community.
The financial presentation focused on aligning spending with community outcomes and making sure funding decisions support the city’s strategic goals.
Recreation, events and community planning
Day two of the retreat included discussions about recreation programs and community events.
Recreation Manager Jason Hall presented updates on Eagle Mountain’s recreation programs and upcoming priorities, while Events Coordinator Dawn Hancock discussed possible parade routes for city events. Public Safety Director David Ulibarri also provided input on safety considerations for those events.
Officials also examined options related to city facilities and long-term space needs as the city grows.
Strategic planning and city leadership
City leaders participated in strategic planning exercises designed to help align priorities between the council and city staff.
City Manager Ben Reeves presented on organizational alignment and the role of city leadership in implementing policy decisions set by elected officials. The discussion emphasized collaboration between departments and focusing city resources on the priorities established by the council.
The city’s broader strategic goals include:
- Economic growth and diversification
- Strong infrastructure networks
- Environmental stewardship
- Long-term generational planning
- Enhanced city services
- Maintaining Eagle Mountain’s community identity.
Legislative session and city operations
City leaders also discussed the ongoing Utah legislative session and how potential changes at the state level could affect municipal operations.
Officials reviewed how state legislation may impact funding, infrastructure and local government authority.
Councilmembers and staff also held open discussions about improving city operations, communication and collaboration between departments.
Looking ahead
The retreat concluded with a prioritization exercise to identify the most important initiatives for the coming year.
While no formal decisions were made during the retreat, the discussions provided a roadmap for upcoming budget decisions and policy discussions in 2026.
Key themes that emerged included managing continued population growth, strengthening infrastructure, expanding economic development and ensuring city services keep pace with the needs of Eagle Mountain residents.
City leaders emphasized that the retreat is intended to help align staff and elected officials as the community continues to grow.
As City Manager Ben Reeves noted during the retreat, success will depend on focusing resources on the city’s highest priorities and maintaining collaboration between city departments and elected leadership.
Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash
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.