Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

Today, it is a suburban city known for its scenic beauty, strong community ties, and scenic views of the Wasatch Mountain range. Holladay seamlessly combines a small-town ambiance with the convenience of proximity to Salt Lake City, offering residents access to a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and skiing, as well as a diverse array of dining and shopping options. The city’s family-friendly atmosphere and close- knit community make it a highly desirable place to live in the Salt Lake Valley. An Evolving Community Regarding the evolution of the city, Community and Economic Development Director, Jon Teerlink says, “We incorporated in 1999 to 2000 from Salt Lake County. Since then, we’ve had three separate annexations of the county area, which creates our current boundaries and population.” As a bedroom community, the current population of the city is just over 31,000 people, and Teerlink reports a shift in the age demographic over the HOLLADAY, UTAH last 10 years, with growth in the 33-55-year-old range. “So, we’re seeing an increase of younger families moving back into our neighborhoods,” he maintains. On the housing side, Teerlink describes an area that was once orchards and farmland, which has morphed into large 1 to 3-acre estate properties over generations. These properties approximately cover 35% of Holladay’s residential land area, with the rest primarily made up of single-family detached homes. The Influence of Arts and Culture Holladay’s Mayor Rob Dahle speaks to the vibrant arts and culture scene in the community, sharing that the city’s Arts Council has seen significant growth in the past few years, organizing a wide range of events. One of the most prominent is the summer concert series, which brings 10 free concerts to the city, starting with Holladay City sponsored July Fourth celebration that attracts around 10,000 people. As part of this event, Holladay City hosts a community breakfast, a time- honored tradition that the residents of Holladay look forward to enjoying as part of the festivities.