"In everything we look at in city operations, we think about how that affects the environment and what we can do to reduce the negative impacts of the things we do," City Councilman Eric Jergensen said. "I think that's been a tremendous, visionary thing."

In 2003, Anderson won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Protection Award for his efforts. More recently, in May, the mayor spoke at the EPA hearing on allowing states to regulate global warming pollutants under the Clean Cars Program, which calls for the implementation of stricter pollution standards and increased availability of cleaner, advanced technology vehicles.

"(Salt Lake City's) leadership in the area of climate protection has been an important element in bringing several cities into the campaign to combat climate change," Anderson said.

The mayor also counts among his greatest accomplishments the establishment of YouthCity, Salt Lake City's first after-school and summer programs, with activities held in city community centers, schools and parks.

Anderson also touts the city's efforts of inclusiveness and valuing diversity in the community, "sending an important message that everyone — regardless of faith, race, ethnic origin or sexual orientation — has a place at the community table."

"All of that bodes very well for sustained economic development in the future as we create the sort of place people outside of the state look to as being not only tolerant but enthusiastically welcoming of people with all sorts of differences," he said.

Regrets

Anderson said he accomplished more than he ever dreamed possible during his eight years as mayor. Still, as he leaves office, he takes with him several ideas and goals that either failed to gain support of the City Council or were quashed before even making it that far.

One of those was his vision for the Rio Grande Depot becoming the city's transit center — the intermodal hub.

"I pushed very hard for that sort of utilization of the Rio Grande Depot, but I was opposed pretty much unanimously — including by people on my own staff," he said. "That will always be a source of some regret."

Another is the lack of segregated bicycle lanes downtown. Though plans for such lanes are being developed in the city, Anderson said he wanted to see that started before he left office. The lanes, he said, will provide cyclists with the same protection afforded to pedestrians using sidewalks.

Anderson also is disappointed that he wasn't able to see his dream of a world-class gathering place at Pioneer Park become a reality.