Mayor David Young: Proven Leadership. Real Results.
Orem City Accomplishments | January 2022 – May 2025
✅ Protecting Families & Preserving Community Values
Our mission: Create an environment where families can thrive.
• "Family City USA" Branding
Orem’s new identity is now displayed proudly at city entrances, parks, and buildings. More than a motto—it guides every major city decision.
• First City in Utah to Embrace "In God We Trust"
Added to Orem’s City Seal and Council Chambers—reflecting the community’s shared values of faith and family.
• Freedom Plaza & Gold Star Family Monument
First in Utah County to establish a permanent monument honoring military families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
🛡️ Guarding Orem’s Future & Identity
Orem Land Preservation Act
Citywide zoning changes permanently protect parks, schools, and public lands from sale or development.
• City Identity Ordinance
Clear policies on flags, symbols, and social media ensure public property reflects community values—not politics.
🧭 Restoring Transparent, Accountable Government
• Reclaimed Legislative Authority
This election marked a turning point. For too long, unelected administrators held too much sway over Orem’s future. We reestablished accountability by restoring the City Council’s legislative authority and returned the direction of the city back where it belongs: with the people of Orem.
• New City Manager & Leadership Team
Built a responsive, cost-effective, high-performing team that’s energized and aligned with Orem’s mission.
• Orem Transparency Portal
Residents can now easily track council decisions, votes, and policies—all in one place.
• Orem Contact App
A powerful tool giving residents direct access to report issues, monitor progress, and receive city updates in real time.
🏘️ Smart Growth & Responsible Development
• Overhauled State Street Master Plan
Eliminated 10,000 high-density apartment units and shifted focus to business, office, and family-friendly development.
• Transportation Master Plan
Refocused on safe, connected family neighborhoods and responsible infrastructure—not urban overbuild.
💼 Jobs, Business & Economic Growth
• Overhauled State Street Master Plan
Eliminated 10,000 high-density apartment units and shifted focus to business, office, and family-friendly development.
• Transportation Master Plan
Refocused on safe, connected family neighborhoods and responsible infrastructure—not urban overbuild.
🧠 Innovation & Internal Excellence
• Created Utah’s First City Department of Strategy & Innovation
Dedicated to continuous improvement, data-driven decisions, and resident-focused service enhancements.
• Comprehensive City Operations Review
The most extensive internal assessment in Orem’s history—driving efficiency, employee satisfaction, and performance.
• Citywide Employee Satisfaction Survey
Results show strong morale, unity, and confidence in the city's new direction.
• Fire Department
Challenged to become the best in Utah—Orem Fire accepted the challenge. They restructured operations and are now building a state-of-the-art training center that will promote excellence and serve departments across the region.
🏛️ Infrastructure & Fiscal Responsibility
• $35M City Hall — No New Taxes, No Debt
A state-of-the-art, debt-free City Center built to improve service, community connection, and civic pride.
• AAA Bond Rating (S&P & Fitch)
Achieved the highest rating possible—earned by fewer than 2% of U.S. cities—saving taxpayers on future borrowing.
• Emergency Dispatch Merger with Provo
Enhanced service and lowered costs through smart regional cooperation.
• Tens of Millions in Grant Funding Secured
Secured outside funding through strategic lobbying and a new full-time grant writer - no tax increases required
💧 Water Security, Sustainability & Parks
• Heritage Park & Water Infrastructure
Completed a 10-million-gallon water tank and a 1,000-foot well, increasing Orem’s water storage by 35% and securing water for future generations.
• Water Reuse Conservation Project ($20M)
Will reduce citywide water consumption by over 10%, while saving $13 million through grant funding.
• Hillcrest Park Redevelopment
Converted part of the former school site into an award-winning $12M park—featuring a splash pad, 12 pickleball courts, playgrounds, library extension and a community center—all without new taxes.
• Lakeview Park Upgrades
Secured $2M in external funds for turf and lighting—extending field use year-round and enabling tournament hosting.
🌳 Water Security, Parks & Sustainability
Dave is building for the future. He oversaw construction of a 10-million-gallon water tank, a 1,000-foot well, and a $20 million water reuse project—boosting storage by 35% and reducing consumption citywide. He also delivered award-winning parks like Hillcrest and secured millions for turf and lighting upgrades. Dave is committed to sustainability, recreation, and preserving Orem’s quality of life for generations to come.
📚 Culture & Community
• Orem Library Transformation
With innovative management and a new immersive vision, Orem’s library is thriving—foot traffic increased 27% in 2024. A remodel is underway to elevate the experience even more.
• Strengthened SCERA Partnership
Reimagined our role with this iconic arts institution to expand access to music, dance, theater, and the creative arts.
• Police Department Recognition
Orem’s school resource officers were awarded a Gold Standard National Honor for their work in student safety and engagement.
• myHometown Program
Launched a new initiative focused on uplifting neighborhoods through learning, service, and connection.
📢 Community Outreach & Events
• Public Relations Modernization
Hired a Public Information Officer, Event Coordinator, and PR firm. Added interns to boost writing, video, and media. Launched a new print newsletter to complement digital outreach.
• OremFest (Formerly SummerFest)
Revamped to reflect Orem’s family-first identity. In 2025, set a record $92K in community fundraising.
🏆 Recognized Leadership
• Mayor David Young: Two-Time Best of State Award Winner
Named Utah’s top mayor in both 2024 and 2025—for bold leadership, strong results, and dedication to families.
