How Do We Thrive Regardless of Growth?

The statements in this article are the author's views and not necessarily of the entire city council.

When I ride my eBike to City Hall in November, the air is crisp and the last autumn leaves tremble on their branches. The wide-open sky energizes me. I love the simple rhythm of pedaling—my knees appreciate every rotation—and a warm headband and sunglasses keep the chill at bay.

 Out there on our streets, life feels good. Passing familiar houses, xeroscaped yards, schools, churches, a few remaining horse properties, and the skateboard park reminds me how connected we are as neighbors. Watching teenagers try a new trick brings both empathy for their world and nostalgia for my own skateboarding days.

 For me, thriving includes health, peace of mind, time in nature, community connection, stable housing, nutritious food, and some measure of financial flexibility. Using alternative modes of transportation fits squarely into that picture.

 I originally planned to focus this article on transportation in Cottonwood Heights—specifically, the misconception that more driving automatically leads to more prosperity. During my recent campaign for re-election, many of you shared concerns about our city’s future growth. You’re not alone. Public polling across Utah now shows a dramatic shift in perception: more residents feel that growth threatens our quality of life rather than improves it.

 This has moved public conversation from how we should grow to why we should grow. That broadened lens reveals two realities most cities face simultaneously. On one hand, little or no growth means city revenues fail to keep pace with rising service costs, eventually forcing increases in property taxes. On the other hand, too much growth—or the wrong type—may boost revenue in the short term but reduce our quality of life and create unintended long-term costs for taxpayers.

 The picture becomes even more complicated when roadway safety enters the equation. With Canyons School District’s decision to close Bella Vista Elementary, even more children will need to cross Fort Union Boulevard to reach Ridgecrest Elementary. That raises an essential question: how do we keep our children safe and healthy?

 It also invites a broader conversation. Is prioritizing high-speed through-traffic compatible with our safety goals? How do we reconcile today's conditions with the vision outlined in Cottonwood Heights’ General Plan and the 2017 Fort Union Boulevard Master Plan—plans that call for street trees, multimodal transportation, and walkability?

 Between the extremes of “no growth” and “grow as fast as possible” lies a thoughtful middle ground. That is the space where your city leaders work—sifting through complex trade-offs, balancing fiscal responsibility with livability, and striving to honor the community values you express.

 During this past year, many of you told me you’re wrestling with where that middle ground is for you. Those conversations made me realize we may benefit from reframing the question altogether. Instead of asking only whether we should grow, perhaps the more meaningful question is:

 How do we thrive—individually and as a community—regardless of growth?  ■