Courtesy photo

Editor’s Note: As 2022 comes to an end, Utah County cities and officials are looking back on the year. The Daily Herald is conducting a review of 2022 with different mayors discussing their accomplishments and goals for 2023 — along with their holiday traditions and celebrations.

Lehi is an iconic symbol in northern Utah County, mixing the old pioneer city with the high-tech 21st century. From the Lehi Roller Mills to Silicon Slopes it is the gateway into Utah Valley.

Mayor Mark Johnson is seeing the cities growth from all sides and is proud of what he, his staff and city council have been able to accomplish in 2022. The following are a list of those accomplishments or successes:

• “We finalized selection of our Fiber ISP’s providers and began construction of our system. Pre-registration sign-ups have already exceeded 30% of existing households. That number is expected to increase dramatically once connections and service is initiated.”
• The City Council approved the construction of a new Library and office space.
• Lehi City has now received a AAA rating through Fitch Ratings which is significant in strengthening our borrowing status.
• The City worked to expand the regional Family Park with the improvement of a large parking lot and a commitment to expand north by funding a large all-abilities park and amphitheater. An All-Abilities Park Citizen Advisory Committee was created of resident volunteers.

Johnson additionally noted some of the accomplishments of the younger residents of Lehi.

“Although we cannot take credit for the tremendous success of our local high school’s athletic prowess, Lehi is home to both the 2022 5A and 6A High School championships football teams. We are proud of our youth and their commitment to hard work and dedication,” Johnson said. “We are also proud of our youth who have moved on and continue to do great things. Our very own Miss Lehi 2019, Lindsey Larsen, is Miss Utah 2022, and is representing the State at the Miss America competition.”

Courtesy Lehi City

Looking ahead to 2023, Johnson is excited to begin construction the all-abilities park.

“The extension of 600 East through Family Park and finish lining the Dry Creek Reservoir in preparation of the recreation facility to be located at that location. In addition, groundwork will continue at the Mellor-Rhodes Park in preparation of construction of our 6 field baseball-softball complex,” Johnson said.

Lehi is also happy to join other cities in water conservation efforts by installing secondary water meters. The city began the installations in October and hopes this helps residents make better informed decisions on their water usage.

Johnson said Lehi will continue to work on park and cultural improvements. With the approval of the PARC tax, Lehi City is excited to have this additional source of funding to make needed improvements.

As for the holidays, Johnson said as that he has aged, some longstanding family traditions have been taken over by new ones.

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

“My family has simply outgrown all our old traditions, but now our Christmas is spent connecting with all our children’s families as they create their own traditions,” Johnson said. “Christmas is a holiday like no other. It focuses on the great opportunity to offer consideration to others, and I hope everyone can both give and accept charity this season. It is what my family works for each year, and I hope everyone can spend time with loved ones this year.”

The mayor and all the city employees wish residents the happiest of holidays and a wonderful New Year.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at the Silicon Slopes summit in Salt Lake City on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.

Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson speaks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Point of the Mountain Trail held beside Minuteman Drive in Lehi on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

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