• Downtown — I will prioritize action steps to implement the Downtown Rising plan and the Downtown Transportation Plan, which needs to move quickly through an adoption process. Between implementation of these two planning documents and the enormous investment in City Creek Center, we are on the brink of a vibrant, exciting downtown. I look forward to working with you and our business community to implement many of the elements of those plans.

The elements of the plans that need our attention include the creation of a downtown cultural district, preservation of the Utah Theater and development of a Broadway-style Performing Arts Center; creation of a year-round Public Market; working with the state of Utah for a Global Exchange Place; the creation of a Downtown Parking Authority; initiation of a downtown transit circulator system; capitalizing on the completion of commuter rail from the north and our Intermodal Hub Central Station providing bike lockers, bike rental facilities and a safe bikeway system downtown; and developing, in conjunction with the University of Utah, an extension of the campus to our downtown and along the transit lines of University Boulevard (400 South) with research, classroom and housing facilities in a manner that is compatible with existing neighborhoods.

There are many other very pressing and very real issues facing our City every day — homelessness, the need for quality, convenient and affordable housing, and transportation options that must be open and affordable to all Salt Lake City residents.

The Mayor's office is also actively involved in up-to-the-minute discussions on City issues such as the Airport TRAX line, Public Safety facilities that are woefully inadequate, and the challenge of maximizing the utility and opportunities the Leonardo offers to our community.

I am pleased to be able to count my friends and former peers in the Legislature as colleagues. I know we share many of the same objectives for our Capital City and our State, and I trust that they will respect our local needs and desire for a Capital City that will be recognized as among the best in our nation.

I am energized by the challenges and opportunities ahead for Salt Lake City. I am excited to work with the 3,000 City employees who really make this City run. Our potential is as vast and impressive as our mountains.

We all want progress, prosperity, and a good quality of life. We all have the same basic desires for good health, safety, a home for our families, and a good education for our children. I hope you will join me in accomplishing the goals of the agenda I've outlined them tonight, because Together We Will Succeed.

Thank you.