West Jordan Planners Receive APA Utah – Outstanding Planning Award

It's no secret the population is booming in the Salt Lake Valley. It's not just newcomers, but from our own growing families that want to stay close together.

Without a plan to house everyone, current challenges will only compound into larger problems. In West Jordan, we're ahead of the curve.

West Jordan received the Outstanding Plan Award by the American Planning Association (APA), Utah Chapter.

West Jordan and Midvale planners, along with Utah Transit Authority (UTA), Jordan School District and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) worked together to create a plan for the future of three stations in the area: Bingham Junction in Midvale City, Historic Gardner and City Center in West Jordan City.

Each station is served by the TRAX Red Line, and connects directly to Downtown Salt Lake City, the University of Utah, and Daybreak Community. These stations have strong functional, physical, and economic relationships, and although each has unique character and needs, they overlap and work together

The award means APA Utah is recognizing West Jordan and Midvale for best example in the last year of multi-jurisdictional planning in the state.

A lot of cities have been working on these plans.

In 2022, Utah passed House Bill (HB) 462, requiring cities with TRAX stations to create Station Area Plans (SAP). This plan aims to provide affordable housing, improve the environment, and enhance transportation options within a half-mile of each station, including Bingham Junction, Historic Gardner, and City Center.

The goal is to transform the area into a lively and walkable community where people can live, work, and play without relying on cars.

There are a lot of moving pieces that will need to work together to make this plan a reality. The Jordan School District will find a new office location with help from UTA and West Jordan City. A developer will then propose a plan, and UDOT will improve safety for crossing Redwood Road.

The beauty of this redevelopment plan is that everyone can pitch in for ideas and resources. Cooperation makes the whole area cohesive. This plan was heavily influenced by the community (English and Spanish speakers), especially those who live or own businesses within ½ mile of each station.

West Jordan taxpayers are not funding this project. The Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone Act (HTRZ) provides funding for cities to work with developers when there is a lack of housing and affordable housing.

What does it mean for you?

West Jordan City is preparing for the future. There are challenges, current and future, that require planning and cooperation. We want the city to be safe and comfortable. Filling roads with cars and packing in housing haphazardly is not going to benefit anyone.

This is a plan that should bring a sense of place in West Jordan, instill a sense of community and is something people can use every day. It's an opportunity to bring in sales and property taxes to support your police officers, parks and firefighters. It will help keep housing costs low for everyone - more demand, lower price. And last but not least, the plan is designed to encourage small businesses, a win for entrepreneurs and residents alike.

If you want to see the whole plan from top to bottom, follow this link: WEST JORDAN & MIDVALE 3 STATIONS AREA PLAN