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New City in Ogden Valley Celebrates Historic Incorporation15 February 2026
In a night filled with applause, gratitude, and community pride, an estimated 220 residents of Ogden Valley gathered at the Hearthside Event Center Saturday evening, January 24, to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime milestone—the official birth of their new city. The event honored the hundreds of volunteers, leaders, and public officials whose years of work culminated in the Valley’s successful incorporation on January 2, 2026. The timing is historic: the Valley becomes a city exactly 200 years after the region was named for explorer and fur trader Peter Skene Ogden. A Long Road to Cityhood The evening began with a reflection on the multi-year journey that brought the community to this moment. The incorporation effort required two petition drives, extensive public education, countless hours of neighborhood outreach, and a rigorous ballot campaign that resulted in a resounding 70% vote in favor of forming Utah’s newest municipality. Following the election, a transitional “startup team” worked intensively to prepare the city for operation—from evaluating snowplowing and accounting systems to planning law enforcement, land‑use zoning, and public works. “We are officially the newest city in Utah,” Anne Ladd, who served as emcee, announced to cheers, “and our Mayor and City Council have already passed our first budget and ordinances.” Honoring the Builders of the City The celebration highlighted an extensive list of individuals who played critical roles. Six original sponsors—Nick Dahlkamp, Mark Ferrin, Shanna Francis, Brandi Hammond, Richard Webb, and Jeannie Wendell—were recognized for launching and managing both petition drives. Legal advisor, Duncan Murray and former West Valley City Manager, Wayne Pyle were also honored for their significant contributions. Volunteers such as Gaila Lillie and Tammy Dahlkamp were credited for coordinating thousands of petition signatures, while Kay Hoogland and her campaign team were praised for leading the successful ballot initiative. Transition Team members—including leaders in administration, legal, finance, public works, information technology, zoning, and community engagement, received special acknowledgment for preparing the new city government to hit the ground running. Local and county officials were also thanked for their support, including Weber County Commissioners, law enforcement leaders, county administrators, and the Town of Huntsville, along with Mayor Richard Sorensen, who is providing free office and meeting space during the new city’s early months. Ladd noted that three essential city roles—City Treasurer Kay Larrison, City Recorder Sharon Robins, and Chief Information Technology Officer Kathy Zindel—are being filled on a volunteer basis. Introducing the City’s First Elected Leaders The audience erupted in applause as the newly elected officials took the stage:
Mayor Wampler received the city’s first official gavel, presented by Mark Ferrin and the sponsor group. A second gavel was awarded to Council Member Don Hickman for his role as acting mayor when needed. A Community Effort, A Shared Future As the presentation drew to a close, all volunteers, donors, candidates, and supporters were invited onto the stage for a celebratory group photo. The large crowd symbolized what she described as the heart of the city – a community of people who care. In her closing remarks, Ladd reminded the audience that incorporation is not merely a legal milestone but a request for ongoing civic responsibility. “This city is more than boundaries and buildings, it is a Valley of relationships and responsibilities,” she said. “It is a promise that we will protect the character of this valley It is an invitation: for every voice to be heard, for every neighbor to feel they belong, and for every disagreement to be met with respect and civility.” “Incorporation gives us ordinances, elections, and a name on the map,” she continued. “But what it really gives us is a truly self-governed community defined by how we treat each other, how we show up, and how we care for this place we share. “Remember,” Ladd concluded, “this ‘city’ will always be, at heart, a valley of people who chose to stand together and shape their own future.” Special Thanks The celebration was hosted by a committee comprised of Jackie Andersen, Peggy Dooling Baker, Tammy Dahlkamp, Donna Forshay, Leslie Loeffel, and Vickie McKenney, and Jeannie Wendell. The evening included music by Craig Schriber of Eden and his band BARRAGE and refreshments provided by Carlos and Harley’s, Eats of Eden, Hank’s Bistro and Brew, Mad Moose Cafe, Peddler’s Cafe and Catering, Valley Market, and Delicias Yayi. A special thank you to Dave Martin and his family for graciously allowing us to use the Hearthside Event Center and for all the time and effort they put into making the evening such a success. |
