RIVERTON REVIEW
Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government
A Message of Gratitude and Farewell to Riverton
By Mayor Trent Staggs
As this chapter of service comes to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude, reflection, and deep appreciation for a city that has shaped my life as much as I have tried to serve it. To be entrusted with the stewardship of Riverton has been the greatest honor of my professional life. For twelve years, first as a city councilmember and then for eight years as your mayor, I have placed my confidence in the hands of Riverton residents, and they have generously responded by placing their confidence in me.
While a mayor may be seen as the executive officer or public face of a city, Riverton’s success has relied on the dedicated public servants who quietly enact the directives of the executive to keep it running each day. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with our more than 170 city employees who have reliably served with diligence, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility across every department, from parks and events, to public works, planning, finance, and our police officers. The progress of the past decade reflects their integrity, their discipline, and their commitment to our city’s mission and vision.
When I was sworn in as mayor in
2018, one of my first priorities was to work with the City Council to establish Riverton’s first formal vision, mission, and strategic priorities. Those guiding principles brought clarity to our purpose and discipline to our decisions, and they continue to shape the city’s course today.
The accomplishments we achieved together will continue to bless Riverton for generations. Here is a list of the highlights of what I was blessed to lead under this new vision:
Public Safety as a Sacred Responsibility - Nothing matters more than the safety of our families. Through my service on the Unified Police Department Board, it became undeniable that Riverton needed direct stewardship of its own policing. The creation of the Riverton Police Department and our departure from the county police tax district returned more than $20 million to taxpayers while expanding our force by 14 officers. Riverton is now protected by a modern, community centered department that answers directly to the people it serves.
Growing Opportunity and Economic Strength - There was a time when Riverton lacked a reliable sales tax base and depended heavily on fees and property taxes to fund basic services. A different path was chosen. By attracting transformative commercial businesses such as Mountain View Village and Costco and eliminating the business license fee, an environment was built where business could grow. I was fortunate to help
drive sales tax revenue growth from roughly $5 million to more than $13 million annually, easing burdens on homeowners and strengthening the foundation of city services.
Innovation in the Service of the Public - Good government is not defined by slogans, but by solutions. From restoring a long dormant water well through modern treatment technology to reducing dependence on costly county services in animal control and public safety, Riverton has shown that local government can be both more responsive and efficient. These efforts helped lower city property tax burdens and preserve the lowest utility rates in the region for Riverton taxpayers.
Building a Lasting Legacy of Infrastructure and CommunityA city’s future relies on the strength of its infrastructure and sense of community. Over the last eight years, Riverton has invested in water systems, modernized roads, and partnered with regional and state leaders to elevate Bangerter Highway interchange projects to the highest funding priorities. Just last month, we celebrated the completion of these colossal construction projects. These investments, measured in hundreds of millions, will serve our families and businesses in the distant future.
Just as important was strengthening the spirit of our city. I’m grateful to have overseen the vast improvement of our civic buildings, expansion of our parks and trails, installation of new monument signage across the city, and the adoption of
a new city logo. Volunteerism expanded, new volunteer committees were created, and a deeper sense of shared ownership took root as residents stepped forward to shape the community.
Stewardship
Through Fiscal Discipline - Every promise made carries the weight of responsible stewardship. Throughout my tenure, general fund spending remained at or below the pace of inflation. Riverton maintained its AAA bond rating and reduced debt to historic lows. Through careful planning and disciplined restraint, services were expanded while affordability for families across the city was preserved.
A Final Word of Thanks - With a self-imposed term limit, my service will conclude in January as new leadership is sworn in. I step aside with confidence in Riverton’s future and deep humility for the journey. I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to my wife, Alisha, and our children, who carried the quiet burden of public service alongside me. Their sacrifice, patience, and love made every late night and long meeting possible.
As I step away from public office, I do so with sincere appreciation and abiding faith in the strength of our community. Riverton’s stability, safety, and success are rooted in neighbors helping neighbors, public servants fulfilling their sworn duty, and families investing in this place we all call home.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your mayor.
Principled Municipal Leadership
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Trent Staggs - Mayor
Andy Pierucci - District 1
Troy McDougal - District 2
Tawnee McCay - District 3
Tish Buroker - District 4
Spencer Haymond - District 5
UPCOMING
CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
December 2 & 16, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
December 11, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US
rivertonutah.gov
801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
FIND US ONLINE!
@rivertonutahgov
By Councilmember Tawnee McCay
For the past eight years, I’ve been privileged to serve on the Riverton City Council and on the Utah League of Cities adn Towns Board. I believe what Thomas Jefferson knew: the government that governs least governs best. “Local control” is a phrase we love to repeat, but the most local government of all is the individual and family deciding what is best for their own lives.
Cities exist to protect public health, safety, and welfare—to provide the services (police, fire, water, roads) that individuals cannot easily provide alone. Here are four examples in conservative Riverton where city leadership drifted outside that proper role:
1. Feeding ducks If a child tosses bread to a duck in a city park—or even in your front yard— they are committing a misdemeanor (6.05.425). A neighborhood complaint replaced common sense.
3. Shipping containers. On larger lots, residents store hay, feed, tack, and equipment in sturdy, fireproof, pest-proof, watertight steel containers. When well-maintained and painted to match the house, they harm no one, but a few neighbors disliked the industrial look. The City now forces owners, at significant cost, to wrap these indestructible boxes in wood or thin aluminum (18.225.040). Livestock can quickly destroy the new façade, and owners are left with an expensive, dangerous, flammable shell around perfectly good storage. Practicality loses to someone else’s aesthetics.
4. Housing and zoning. Extreme regulation has handed veto power to existing residents who want every new home to look exactly like theirs—homes and lot sizes that are no longer affordable. The loudest voices at the microphone should not outweigh the property rights of owners or the housing needs of the next generation.
“Local control is a phrase we love to repeat, but the most local government of all is the individual and family deciding what is best for their own lives.”
2. Dog protection. After an unfortunate dog-bite incident, the Council passed an ordinance allowing a person to kill a dog that is “repeatedly barking, baring its teeth, or growling” (6.05.080). The rule contains no requirement that the dog be loose, off its owner’s property, or posing an immediate threat. Dogs are members of many Riverton families, and families would oppose this heavy-handed policy.
less government can mean more freedom—and better results for everyone. When we discovered that administering dog licenses cost more than it brought in and did little to improve vaccination rates, we eliminated the requirement entirely. Families kept their pets without the hassle, and the city saved money. When we removed the business-license fee, we sent a clear message: Riverton welcomes entrepreneurs. New businesses opened, businesses relocated to Riverton, and our sales-tax revenue grew as a direct result—less bureaucracy required.
When residents asked for more affordable fencing options along canals, we listened. We replaced the expensive solid-masonry mandate with flexible alternatives that still ensure safety while letting homeowners save thousands and design backyards that actually work for their families and animals. These wins happened because we asked a simple question: “Is this rule truly necessary, or are we just making life harder and more expensive?”
Cities should keep their land use and not allow anything to be built anywhere. Property rights are not a privilege granted by City Hall but a God-given right that government is instituted to secure. Owners who pay mortgages and taxes year after year deserve far more say than neighbors who simply dislike what they see.
Government may sometimes restrict use, but only when genuine health or safety—not mere taste—is at stake.
Riverton has already proven that
Henry Thoreau warned, “There will never be a really free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived and treats him accordingly.” Municipal governments should be transparent and held to the highest standard in protecting and wisely using city assets and property. Riverton can set the example. Let’s stop expanding code enforcement and turning city government into a big, expensive HOA. Let’s return to governing least, so our citizens can live most.
Please join me in defending life, liberty, and property—the rights that pre-exist government and that government exists to protect.
The Value of Using the 211 Website and App
By Chief Wade Watkins
The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration— but for many individuals and families, it can also bring added stress. From food insecurity to housing needs, utility assistance, and mental health support, the demand for community resources often increases this time of year. That’s where 211 Utah becomes an invaluable tool.
You can access the website at 211utah.org or download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
The 211 website and mobile 221 Utah app provide a centralized, easy-to-navigate directory of local services designed to help community members find support quickly. Users can search for holiday meal programs, winter clothing drives, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, and dozens
Winter Parking Policy & Snow Removal Protocol
The following snow removal protocol and winter parking policy is in effect in Riverton:
• Between November 1 and March 1, no vehicle may be parked on city streets during a snow storm OR where snow has accumulated on road shoulders.
• Major roadways, high-traffic areas and school zones are prioritized in snow removal efforts as a matter of public safety.
• Minor roads and cul-de-sacs are cleared if 4 inches of snow or more has accumulated once main roadways are clear.
of other essential services. The platform is updated regularly, ensuring residents have access to accurate and current information.
One of the greatest strengths of 211 is its accessibility. The service is free, available 24/7, and offers options for phone operators, online searches, or mobile app navigation. This allows individuals—including those without stable internet or those who prefer speaking to a person—to connect with help immediately.
211 is a reliable referral service that helps people in need, especially during the holidays. You can find support using the 211 app or website, which offers valuable resources.
Riverton City & Wreaths Across America
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Riverton City supports Wreaths Across America to honor 396 veterans in the Riverton City Cemetery. Each December, a short program is followed by placing community-sponsored wreaths on every veteran’s grave. This meaningful event unites our community in remembrance and teaches youth about service and sacrifice. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.
Riverton City Cemetery, 1500 W 13200 S
Live Christmas Tree Recycling
Properly dispose of live Christmas trees at one of three free drop-off locations through the end of January. Residental use only.
Park 13000 S 2700 W
S Monarch
Rodeo Arena 12800 S 1300 W
Holiday Donation Drive
Gifts & Toys
Non-Perishable Foods
Pet Supplies
Riverton City is collecting holiday donations for those in need this holiday season. Donations will be accepted until Monday, December 9 at Riverton City Hall. Donated items must be new and unwrapped. Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/holiday-donations
Couch to 5K
Training Program
Have you ever wanted to start running, but just aren’t sure how? Join us for a Couch to 5K program to gradually build up your running ability in just eight weeks. This program is for people looking for a structured introduction to running with support along the way. Cost is $30.
Free entry ($30 value) in the Riverton 5K on March 21, 2026, with a race t-shirt training support.
Register at: rivertonutah.gov/couch-to-5k
Join us in the new year for the Mission Slim Possible Weight Loss Challenge, an individual 8-week mission to lose weight and feel great! Mission Slim Possible is a weight loss challenge, not a weight loss program. It is up to you to lose the weight. Cash prizes will be given out for the highest percentage of body fat lost, most pounds lost, and male and female division winners.
January 7 - March 4, 2026 | $30 per person Register at rivertonutah.gov/slimpossible
Monday, December 8, 2025
7 p.m. - Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Riverton High School, 12476 S Silverwolf Way
Free to All, No Ticket Required
Half Marathon 10K & 5K
Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. The race is designed for all ages and abilities with medals and prizes awarded for participants and winners.
General registration opens January 1 for the Riverton ½ Marathon, 10K & 5K
Race Day is Saturday, March 21, 2026 9 a.m. Half, 9:15 a.m. 10K, 9:30 5K, Riverton City Park
Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half