Ogden on the Rise: Mayor Nadolski Charts Increased Safety, Economic and Civic Growth

Ogden, Utah — January 9, 2026

With a renewed focus on investment, infrastructure, and historic preservation, Ogden is positioning itself as a city ready for growth. Speaking from the iconic Union Station during his second State of the City address, Mayor Ben Nadolski outlined a vision that blends economic opportunity, civic engagement, and historic revitalization.

Investing in Infrastructure and Recreation to Drive Growth

Mayor Nadolski highlighted Ogden’s strategic investments in public spaces as a driver of economic development. “We invested $1.2 million in park improvements… These are places that bring us together, where we build one another and build ourselves,” Nadolski said. Trail development, supported by $30,000 in city funds leveraged into $160,000 through partnerships, has boosted outdoor participation by 69%, reinforcing the city’s reputation as an active, livable community attractive to families and businesses alike.

Public Safety as an Economic Imperative

A strong, professional police force is a cornerstone of Nadolski’s vision for an investment-ready city. “We’ve achieved a 14% reduction in high-level crime and a 4% drop in calls for service,” he reported, crediting proactive policing and professional training for improving safety and community confidence. The mayor framed these improvements as critical to attracting new businesses and residents, emphasizing that a safe city creates economic opportunity.

Union Station: Historic Asset, Economic Engine

Central to the city’s development strategy is the revitalization of Union Station. Nadolski described plans to transform the historic site into a transportation and economic hub for Northern Utah. “We’re going to return this building, this campus, into the economic hub that it always was meant to be,” he said. The city has earmarked $9 million for upgrades, leveraging additional grants and private investments, and will hire a historic preservation executive director with a $600,000 commitment to lead capital campaigns and community engagement efforts.

Beyond preservation, Union Station is positioned as a global gateway for Ogden. Nadolski shared plans to host the World Curling Championships in 2034, showcasing the city’s capacity for international events and signaling a long-term strategy to attract tourism and commerce.

Collaboration and Civic Engagement

Nadolski repeatedly emphasized collaboration as key to sustained economic growth. “It is our collective responsibility to meet people where they’re at… I can’t go alone. There’s one city,” he said, underscoring partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, and regional stakeholders. The mayor also spotlighted investments in youth sports and recreation programs, framing them as critical for workforce readiness and community vitality.

A City Ready for Opportunity

Ogden’s economic and civic strategies are rooted in measurable results and transparent planning. Investments in parks, trails, safety, and historic assets aim to create a city that is both livable and attractive to investors. Nadolski’s approach positions Ogden as a growing hub for commerce, tourism, and community engagement, with a clear emphasis on long-term, sustainable development.

As the city celebrates its past achievements and lays plans for future growth, the message is clear: Ogden is no longer defined by its challenges, but by its potential.

Learn more at ogdencity.gov.