Unincorporated Ogden Valley residents to vote on becoming a city

OGDEN, Utah — Over 7,000 people who live in unincorporated Ogden Valley will vote on whether to become a city in November.

The question on the ballot will read: “Shall the area described as Ogden Valley City be incorporated as Ogden Valley City?”

If voters approve, the new city would be double the size of Ogden City. It would encompass more than 63 square miles in Ogden Canyon, including the Nordic Valley Ski Resort.

One of the proponents of the incorporation, Brandi Hammon said the new city would be similar to Park City.

“It would follow a little closer to a mountain town and a ski town due to tourism, having three ski resorts and a lake. So we’re far different than what you have on the Wasatch Front,” Hammon said.

Keep Our Valley Free, a group opposing the incorporation, worries the change will lead to higher taxes.

“The lower city tax rates in unincorporated areas serve as a financial advantage for citizens. The historical dynamics of business development suggest citizens will fight business resulting in higher taxes for homeowners,” read Keep Our Valley Free’s website.

Hammon said there would be a 1% increase in the transient room tax, but argued that it would benefit residents.

Ultimately, it’ll be up to the unincorporated Ogden Valley residents to decide what’s best. They’ll cast their votes this November. 

Related: Roy mayor wants Ogden Airport moved