Today’s Orem is the byproduct of prodigious growth during the last five decades. It is now the sixth-largest city in Utah with over 98,000 people (2020 census). Fortunately, our city leaders did a relatively good job planning for the growth they knew would come. Orem has long been touted as one of the best-managed cities in Utah.

Today, Orem faces an entirely new set of challenges. The city is mostly built out, so growth will be considerably slower. However, cities surrounding Orem and throughout Utah Valley are growing exponentially, and their growth will dramatically impact Orem’s traffic as cars pass through the city on their way to Utah Valley University, Provo, Provo Canyon and, hopefully, to Orem’s retail outlets and restaurants.

The average house in Orem costs over $500,000 (Realtor.com), and the average rent is $1,400 per month (Zillow Rentals). Like nearly every city in Utah, affordable housing and housing, in general, are critical issues at the top of voters’ minds.

Orem’s population is aging. Many families that put down roots in Orem years ago have dwindled to just mom and dad at home. School enrollments are shrinking, causing difficult challenges for the school board that will be elected to govern the newly named Timpanogos School District.

In short, Orem needs leaders with vision who look to the future and its new challenges rather than fixate on the past. There will be plenty of candidates who tell us what they won’t do, and usually it has something to do with housing and growth and the status quo. What is more important, however, is learning what candidates plan to do to make Orem a better place in 10-15 years. Ask about their vision for the future. How will they make transportation better? How will they work with the new school district to make our schools the best they can be? What will they do about housing? What will they do to keep Orem an attractive place for businesses? These aren’t easy issues and will require a mayor and city council that can work collaboratively and think outside of the box.

As the political speeches start raining down on us and the flyers start showing up in our mailboxes, let’s do ourselves and future residents of Orem a favor, and select common-sense candidates with vision, who have the wisdom and courage to assess the needs and address the future of our city. If we whiff on selecting good candidates this election, Orem residents of tomorrow will pay a heavy price.

Patti Harrington has been a resident of Orem since 1980.