challenges and opportunities. The development of the northern business park exemplifies this cooperative approach. “We’re working with our neighboring city, Farr West,” Morris explains. “Part of that development is in Farr West, part of it’s in our city, so we’re coordinating on how we’re going to divide the funds from that project.” Mayor Van Leeuwen’s leadership style emphasizes regional cooperation.“He works well with the other mayors, coordinates with them, and handles all of those affairs,” Morris notes. This collaborative spirit encompasses partnerships with larger neighbors, including coordination with Ogden’s 100,000-plus population on east border issues and exploring costsaving initiatives and a trail system with West Haven City on the south border. The shared trail system with West Haven City reflects the cities’ intertwined geography and history. “The river’s the border, and we’ve got the confluence of the Ogden and Weber rivers in Marriott-Slaterville,” Morris notes.“That’s where a lot of history took place back in the early pioneer days - the frontier’s month, the trappers’ rendezvous, the native Shoshone. We like to capitalize on that history, preserve it, and build it into our central business district and tourism concept.” This historical significance shapes modern development plans. “People can go down there and ride their bikes, enjoy those trails not far from the hotels, and have walks along the river,” Morris explains. However, the area presents unique challenges, including addressing the needs of transient populations who come through on the railroad, adding to the city’s affordable housing considerations. LEADERSHIP THROUGH COMMUNITY CONNECTION The success of Marriott-Slaterville’s balanced 189 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE, UT
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