Each November, our Interfaith Council organizes a Pre-Thanksgiving service with a message centered around “GRATITUDE”. Though the program will conclude prior to this article arriving in your homes, I’m writing it as we prepare for the event. The timing could not be more appropriate, as gratitude is the primary emotion rising to the surface as my tenure as Mayor comes to a close. The reality of not regularly engaging with our city council, staff, volunteers, and residents is starting to set in. We developed so many close ties and friendships over the years; to think we will not be engaging with many of these individuals on a regular basis has been difficult to process.
That said, I’m a firm believer that these are service appointments. When passionate, committed, and qualified citizens are willing to step into the arena, there is a time to stand aside, to clear a path for new leaders to take the reins. Paul Fotheringham, my friend and colleague, checks all the boxes. I have
every confidence he will continue to lead our council
every confidence he will continue to lead our council and city staff in a manner worthy of the title. Change is good, fresh ideas are healthy, and this is the right time to pass the baton.
In the interest of time and space, I’ll forgo listing every individual, organization, and accomplishment worthy of mention. Suffice to say, it would be a long list! I would like to single out our incredible city staff, my city council colleagues, and the local volunteers who commit their time, talent and passion to the commissions, committees, councils, and boards that undergird our city. I hope you take great pride in the critical role you continue to play in building and sustaining this community---YOU’RE AMAZING! We’re especially grateful for the Police Officers and Firefighters who patrol the streets of our city 24-7. Serving on the boards of Unified Police and Fire has been an honor and a privilege. Holladay remains a wonderful place to live and raise a family, the constant presence of these incredible First Responders plays no small role in keeping it so--- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Holladay AAA Bond Rating
By Lina Costa – Communications & Engagement Manager
Recently, we shared that City Council decided to go to bond market as a prudent means of financing our upcoming Spring Lane project and City Hall renovation. Going to market involves giving presentations on the planned projects and then receiving ratings from established financial institutions. These ratings directly influence the interest rates the City receives and ultimately help lower the overall cost of borrowing.
Holladay’s mayor (Rob Dahle), city manager (Gina Chamness), assistant city manager (Holly Smith), and finance director (Christian Larsen) presented at market in San Francisco last month. They provided insights into Holladay’s finances, community, projects, and more.
We’re extremely proud to share that our overall City rating from both Fitch Ratings and S&P Global (the primary rating institutions) is a AAA, the highest possible score. The specific bond being issued for these projects received a AA+ rating. This is common for bonds that require annual appropriation of funds for repayment and does not reflect a concern with the City’s financial health—rather, it relates to the structure of the debt itself.
Key factors contributing to our scores included, “[The City’s] strong and consistently expanding local tax base…Forward-looking and prudent financial management policies and practices that guide conservative budgeting…coupled with risk management practices and policies that mitigate cyber risk, and a very strong institutional framework score… Robust financial profile demonstrated by a consistent trend of positive operating results and maintenance of healthy fund balance levels” (S&P Global).
Our city staff has worked tirelessly over the years to provide such a result. City Council and City staff alike prioritize responsible stewardship of public funds, and this score is demonstrative of those efforts.
Thank you for the trust you place with us; we are incredibly excited to share these results and move forward with developing further public amenities for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
During my swearing-in ceremony, I stated, “you get me for $25,000 a year, but you get Joni for free!”. If I had a dollar for the times I’ve shown up for an event to “where’s Joni?”, I would be a wealthy man. It’s been that way for 40 years, never a complaint, always willing to support, and I’m beyond grateful for the partnership we have shared. Finally, thank you to the citizens who entrusted us with this office. We have always tried to comport ourselves in a manner worthy of the privilege of representing the citizens of Holladay. Our intention has always been to leave this city better than we found it. I feel we’ve accomplished that.
Finally, and as always, we wish you a blessed holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!
With sincere gratitude, Rob and Joni Dahle
Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Council Members and Mayor-Elect
We are excited to congratulate and welcome the two newly elected members of our City Council - Natalie Bradley- District 3 and David Sundwall- District 1, as well as our newly elected Mayor Paul Fotheringham. Their dedication to our community and commitment to making a positive impact were evident throughout the election process, and we are confident that they will serve with integrity, passion, and vision.
We’re all looking forward to working together to make our community even better. Thanks to everyone who got involved in the election, and here’s to a bright future ahead!
There will be a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Concert for a Cause
Join us Sunday, December 7th at 3pm for an intimate concert celebrating this joyful season. Hot House West will provide us with a jazzy afternoon right here at City Hall, with proceeds benefitting local high school food pantries.
Stay tuned to our email blast, website, and social media channels for more details on tickets.
This concert is in tandem with our “Let’s Grill & Give” campaign (which you can find at donorbox.org/ grill-give). Donating to this campaign directly enters you for a chance to win a Traeger Grill and Smoker—perfect for your next backyard barbecue.
Special thanks to Traeger Grills and the Andrus Family of Holladay for their generous donation of the Traeger Grill. Every donation helps support families struggling with food insecurity. Thank you for your generosity during this giving season!
LIBRARY
HAPPENINGS
Nutcracker Suite Ballet program with the Sunset Dancers
Tuesday, Dec 09 | 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Enjoy an evening of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker music and lively ballet dance, along with interactive fun with the audience. You’re welcome to dress in your ballet best!
Learn a Board Game - Wingspan
Thursday, Dec 11 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Come to the library to try out a new board game! Each month, we’ll set you up with a different popular game and teach you the rules with a live gameplay session. Light refreshments will be provided. Come ready to learn and have fun!
Please note that the games we’ll be playing are generally designed for audiences ages 16+ and likely have small game pieces. We recommend doing research on the game of the month before bringing kids along.
DECEMBER
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@holladayut.gov 801-580-3056
Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@holladayut.gov 801-550-8747
Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781
Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058
Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130
Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477
Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS: City Council – rst and third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Planning Commission – rst and third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.
Friendly Reminders for a Safe Holiday Season!
by Chief Justin Hoyal, Unified Police Dept. – Holladay Precinct
As we approach the holiday season, there are those who will take advantage of the community’s goodwill to give at this time of year. These suspects are always looking for new ways to take advantage of people’s good nature and take your money. Many frauds and scams occur on a regular basis, and others that you will see occur more often around this time of year. We do not want you to have to worry about being a victim of fraud or a scam. If you get a phone call, voice mail, e-mail or text message that is suspicious, do some research to verify if it is real. Do not give out account information, personal information, credit card information or gift card information to those who reach out asking for it. It is most likely a scam. You can always call the police department, financial institution or business to see if they were actually calling you before you give out any personal information.
As we all know, at this time of year, there are a lot more packages being delivered and we also see an increase in thefts of these packages. There are a couple of easy things you can do to minimize your risk of being a victim of one of these thefts. First,
track your package deliveries and get them off your porch as soon as possible. Second, some delivery companies accept delivery instructions. Have your packages delivered to a part of your home that is not visible from the street. Third, if you are not going to be home, consider having the package delivered to another location, or some delivery companies offer secure delivery boxes. Lastly, if you are a victim of a package theft, please call us and report it. Many community members often perceive package theft as a minor issue and do not report it to us. However, if we are unaware of these thefts, we cannot investigate and hold those responsible accountable, which allows them to continue victimizing others.
Lastly, it is important to drive safely during winter conditions. Please remember to slow down and drive cautiously on snowy roads. When parking, avoid parking on the street during a snowstorm and for 24 hours after the storm has ended. This will help keep the streets clear for snowplows. We want everyone to arrive at their parties, activities, and family gatherings safely. In addition, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
Winter Preparedness and Tips
by Allison Jester, Emergency Mgmt Coord.
As temperatures drop and the hope for a white winter fills the air, it’s the perfect time to assess your readiness for cold weather and winter storms. Everyone’s needs are different, but these tips can help you and your family stay safe, warm, and healthy this season.
• Winterize your vehicle and equip it with a winter-kit: warm layers, blankets, shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter for traction, and extra water/snacks.
• Inspect and reseal drafty doors and windows. Add weather stripping or insulation where needed.
• When shoveling snow push rather than lift when possible, watch for icy patches, and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.
• Dress in layers including a moisture-wicking base, insulating middle, and waterproof outer. This will keep you warmer than one bulky layer.
• If there is a power outage, cover windows and close doors to retain heat in the home. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Before recreating in the mountain regions, check current avalanche conditions.
• Bring animals indoors or provide an insulated shelter for their use.
• Check on your neighbors. Elderly and vulnerable populations may need help clearing snow or accessing food and supplies.
• Monitor weather alerts. Remember: A WATCH or ADVISORY means be prepared, a WARNING means take action.
Holiday Support
by Megan Bartley, Public Health Coord.
The holidays can be a season of joy, celebration, and connection; however, they can also be unexpectedly difficult. For many people, this time of year brings added stress, financial strain, social pressure, grief, or loneliness. It is common to feel overwhelmed when our routines are disrupted, even by things we usually enjoy. Between decorating, attending events, shopping, hosting, and all the extra tasks, it can be hard to care for ourselves. It helps to remember that support is available—no one has to navigate these feelings alone.
Salt Lake County Health Department has compiled information on a range of mental health and suicide prevention resources for individuals, families, and caregivers. The County also provides suicide prevention trainings and assistance connecting with local mental health service providers. (scan the QR codes below to access this information). Additionally, county libraries offer free gun locks and naloxone kits for anyone who may need them. These precautions can help keep loved ones safe during the busy holiday season.
The holidays aren’t always simple, but with compassion and support, we can help each other feel valued and cared for throughout the season and beyond.
Mental Health Services: slco.org/behavioral-health/mental-health-services
With December bringing another year to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who make our community events possible. From the Fine Art Show to marketing workshops, Tree Talks, the Speaker Series, and so much more, our committee members play a vital role in creating a vibrant and connected city. More than 100 individuals dedicate their time, talent, and energy each year, amounting to countless hours of service.
To the Tree Committee, Arts Council, Historical Commission, Business Advisory Board, Planning Commission, and the Happy Healthy Holladay Coalition: thank you. You help make Holladay a place we are proud to call home. We are deeply grateful for your collaboration with City staff and Council liaisons, and for sharing with us in the joy and labor of public service.
Happy HOLLA-days! We can’t wait to keep working together in 2026 and beyond.
Christmas Tree Collections and Reclamation
Did you know that Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District diverted 36 tons of Christmas trees from landfills last holiday season?
They offer Christmas tree removal for your post-holiday convenience. During the month of January, WFWRD will begin picking up trees from residents who complete a request form on our website at www.wfwrdutah. gov. The request form will be available beginning December 15.
To have your Christmas tree picked up, please ensure you remove all decorations and place your tree at the curb. Trees are typically collected the day after your regularly scheduled pickup day. Due to high demand, it may take more than one week to complete all requests.
• We ONLY accept REAL trees – no artificial or flocked trees.
• Request a pickup by filling out the form at www.wfwrdutah.gov (starting December 15).
• To be eligible for pickup, trees must be free of decorations, ornaments, lights, and snow.
• Please place trees curbside, not in your waste or green bin.
Trees meeting the above requirements are delivered to Diamond Tree where they are chipped into clean mulch for redistribution throughout our community. Thank you for helping us keep the holidays green and sustainable!
