Vineyard is one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah, and with that growth comes both opportunities and challenges. Growth isn’t just about adding more homes—it’s about ensuring we have the infrastructure, businesses, and resources to support a thriving community. If we don’t plan correctly, we risk overburdening residents with higher taxes and strained public services. Vineyard must take a proactive approach to attracting businesses, expanding our tax base, and ensuring our city grows in a sustainable, well-planned way.

Economic development is a term that gets thrown around often, but for many, it lacks a clear and tangible meaning. To me, economic development means creating real opportunities for Vineyard residents by bringing in businesses that serve our community’s needs without sacrificing fiscal responsibility. Vineyard has a strong and growing population, and we need to leverage that strength to attract businesses that add value to our city. This does not mean backroom deals or favoritism—it means strategic outreach, transparent negotiations, and a commitment to bringing in businesses that benefit everyone, not just a select few.

I want to see a more vibrant, thriving downtown area that includes businesses catering to the middle class—places like Trader Joe’s, affordable dining options, and entertainment venues such as an amphitheater. To make this a reality, we need a smart, targeted approach that does not waste taxpayer money on unnecessary travel or ineffective business recruitment strategies. Instead of spending funds on extravagant trips with minimal return, we must focus on building relationships with business leaders, demonstrating why Vineyard is the right place for investment, and crafting policies that encourage sustainable economic growth.

One of my key initiatives would be to establish a business task force—an advisory group made up of innovative leaders from across Utah who can help shape Vineyard’s economic future. This task force would work closely with the city to identify opportunities, develop responsible policies, and attract businesses that align with our long-term vision. Economic development should never be about reckless spending or increasing the tax burden on residents; it should be about making strategic, well-funded decisions that create jobs, enhance our local economy, and improve the overall quality of life in Vineyard. My approach is simple: responsible, transparent, and community-focused economic growth that benefits every resident, not just a select few.