It is an incredible honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of St. George, my hometown and Utah’s fifth-largest city. Over the past few years, working with our incredible team and city council, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones across every corner of our community, and I am proud to highlight some of the lasting progress we’ve made together.
Preserving Our Heritage
- Partnered with Utah Tech University to earn National Historic Status for the iconic Sugarloaf (Dixie Rock).
- Launched the Pioneer Park Interpretative Trail at the City’s most visited park, which educates residents and visitors about our local history and has since received statewide recognition.
- Created Dixie Days, a weeklong annual celebration of our heritage, in collaboration with community members like Ralph Atkin and local business sponsors. Dixie Days was a great success and coincides with the beloved Lions’ Dixie Roundup.
Public Safety Enhancements
- Constructed three new fire stations, one of them being our new fire department headquarters on 400 South, with a fourth in design.
- Hired 35 full-time firefighters and 62 new police officers.
- Acquired critical new equipment for both departments.
- Worked closely with Senator Don Ipson and the Utah Department of Public Safety to secure a permanent home at the St. George Airport for the first Department of Public Safety helicopter stationed off the Wasatch Front.
Water & Power Improvements
- Rolled out Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) water and power meters, which will soon be available to every household, enabling leak detection and efficient usage monitoring by our customers.
- Expanded our wastewater treatment plant to a capacity of 25 million gallons per day, enabling the City to use recycled water for outdoor watering at parks, schools, and golf courses.
- Enacted a Water Conservation Ordinance for all new developments, emphasizing water-wise outdoor landscaping.
- Developed a 20-Year Water Plan and initiated the Graveyard Wash Reservoir plans, designed to store reuse water for outdoor watering during the spring and summer.
- Removed over 518,000 sq ft of sod from city property, saving an estimated 96 million gallons of water.
- Partnered with the County and the Water Conservancy District to replace the Little Valley Soccer Fields with artificial turf.
- Constructed the Canyon View Substation, with another electrical substation in the planning stage.
- Upgraded power infrastructure with two miles of new transmission lines and the replacement of numerous wooden poles with longer-lasting metal alternatives.
Roads & Infrastructure
- Installed eight new traffic signals, with six more planned this year, improving safety for autos, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Widened 3000 East from three lanes to five lanes and expanded River Road for increased capacity.
- Completed key pedestrian projects like the 400 South underpass and the Bluff Street tunnel.
- Secured state and federal funding for the George Washington Boulevard Bridge connection to Dixie Drive.
- Currently in design or under construction, SR-7 (Southern Corridor) Exit 5, Quarry Ridge Drive, and Gap Canyon Parkway, George Washington Blvd extension from River Road to Dixie Drive, and a new access road to Tech Ridge from the southeast corner of the ridge.
Housing
- Passed an ordinance allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in all residential zones.
- Partnered with the Southern Utah Homebuilders Association to establish the Southern Utah Land Task Force, collaborating with homebuilders and other cities in Washington County to develop county-wide, affordable housing solutions.
- Encouraged zoning incentives for master-planned projects, with conditions requiring affordable housing components with deed restrictions.
- Developed a Moderate Income Housing Plan that introduces flexible zoning alternatives to support affordable housing development.
- Exploring revitalization of aging neighborhoods through an overlay zone, allowing both separate and internal accessory dwelling units on existing lots.
- Supporting higher-density housing in select areas as an alternative to continued urban sprawl.
- Adopted a Downtown Area Plan, leading to significant rehabilitation of older homes, attracting new families and businesses to historic neighborhoods and the downtown area.
- Preparing to adopt a comprehensive General Plan focused on strengthening existing neighborhoods while strategically planning future development.
- Advocating for creative and forward-thinking development to build a sustainable, family-friendly future for St. George.
Parks, Recreation & the Arts
- Built 6 new parks, 35 miles of trails, and upgraded 21 existing parks (with 6 more current parks in progress for an upgrade).
- Constructed 9 new pickleball courts at Little Valley with a Championship Court.
- Thanks to our residents for supporting the GO Bond and RAP tax, we’ve launched construction on a permanent stage at Vernon Worthen Park, and we’re excited for the upcoming Sun Bowl remodel and other cultural enhancements.
- Donated land for St. George Musical Theater’s new theater on South Main Street and supported the new university auditorium, which will be the home of the Southwest Symphony, Heritage Choir, and other community events.
- Updated City pool located on 700 South.
Airport Growth
- Working closely with our state legislators, especially Senator Don Ipson, we secured full state funding for the construction of an air traffic control tower at the St. George Regional Airport, ensuring the safety of both general aviation and passenger traffic at our airport
- Initiated design plans for a significant airport terminal expansion to accommodate record-breaking passenger volume.
Fiscal Stewardship
- Maintained a balanced budget every year.
- Earned the Distinguished Budget Award annually from the Government Finance Officers
- Achieved AAA sales tax credit bond rating for the first time in our city’s history.
- St. George continues to maintain the second-lowest property tax rate in Washington County.
City Accolades
- No.1 Small City in the USA for Starting a Business (Wallethub, 2025)
- No.2 Best-Performing Small City (Milken Institute, 2025)
- Among “Best Small Towns in the United States to Visit” (Matador Network, 2023)
- Among “10 Best Cities for Families” (Livability.com, 2023)
Legacy Projects
- Installed and dedicated the Gold Star Memorial Monument in the heart of Town Square with generous donations from our community. This permanent monument is dedicated to the families of active military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and country.
- Broke ground on a new City Hall @ 61 S Main St and a downtown parking structure with an adjacent public gathering area along 100 South that pays homage to the pioneers who arrived here in 1861.
- Acquired property and constructed a five-acre expansion of our Tonaquint Cemetery, ensuring a beautiful and tranquil resting space for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
Our progress has only just begun. These accomplishments reflect the collaborative spirit of our community and our shared commitment to responsible growth, safety, and maintaining the quality of life we enjoy here in St. George. The beauty of St. George is not only found in our stunning scenery, but in our residents as well.
I thank you for allowing me to serve you and this great city as your Mayor—it is one of the greatest honors of my life. I look forward to earning your vote and serving you for four more years.
— Mayor Michele Randall
