As the self-proclaimed “Family City USA,” the council focused on progress it believes it took to increase business opportunity and improve the city’s livability.

“Orem is a special place, and as your city council, our mission is to keep it that way, not just for today, but for generations to come,” Councilman David Spencer said.

The prior year saw 488 new businesses set up shop in Orem, according to Councilman Tom Macdonald, contributing to the nearly 7,000 businesses in the city.

Notable arrivals included the The Cheesecake Factory and SFC Energy AG, an international clean energy corporation. The Orem Farmer’s Market also saw significant growth in 2024, averaging a record 5,500 visitors per week to help out local businesses.

“Orem was named one of the best places in the USA to start a business, and Utah Valley University was named the number one school in the nation for graduates opening a local business,” Macdonald said.

According to the councilman, Orem looks to streamline the business licensing process to simplify starting a business in 2025 and expand its ORM Business Alliance Network.

“The American dream is not dead in Orem. We’ll continue to do all we can to make Orem the most business-friendly city in the state and the best place to build your future,” Macdonald said.

Councilwoman LaNae Millett recapped steps Orem took in 2024 to improve its neighborhoods. Last year, the city launched a “My Hometown” program, which provides service opportunities for residents wanting to take pride in their community.

Hillcrest Park received a facelift with the planting of 300 new trees, Millett said, and the parks and recreation facilities received a perfect score on an annual safety inspection. A plan is also in the works to enhance downtown Orem through a “Heart of Orem” project.

Millet called it an “exciting vision to bring a true downtown arts district to our city, creating a space where culture, community and creativity can thrive.”

The council also recapped infrastructure improvements made in 2024, notably the completion of a 10 million gallon water tank to supply the city water.

Orem has also taken steps to protect city systems and data from digital threats, Councilman Chris Killpack said, and constructed an asset-management system to track and maintain roads and utilities.

A new active transportation master plan for the city is also on the horizon.

“A city is only as strong as the foundation it’s built on,” Killpack said. “And in Orem, we’re making sure that foundation is strong, dependable and built to last.”