Ogden City Is Good and Getting Better

Ogden City Mayor Ben Nadolski’s passion for his city and boundless energy were on full display during the annual Ogden State of the City address. Speaking from the main depot at Union Station on January 8, 2026, Nadolski shared how honored he felt to represent Ogden residents in a celebration of their collective efforts to elevate, innovate, and strengthen the community.

Throughout his remarks, the mayor underscored the importance of hard work—of rolling up one’s sleeves, getting hands-on, and putting in the effort required to build something meaningful and lasting.

The mayor reflected on a year marked by significant challenges, including shifting national politics, government shutdowns, layoffs, and widespread hardship. Yet within those difficulties, he highlighted the collective grit and determination of the community—neighbors coming together to support one another by providing food, clothing, and shelter. He emphasized that this ongoing effort to meet people where they are and help them move forward remains a defining strength of the city.

Surveying the packed room, the mayor noted the presence of leaders and community members from across the city, county, and state. He emphasized that lifting the entire community is a shared responsibility—one he cannot fulfill alone, nor can his staff or residents individually, but one that becomes powerful when undertaken together. These remarks set the stage for the evening’s central theme: the work accomplished and the victories worth celebrating.

Nadolski expressed gratitude that Ogden is not Washington, D.C.—a place where, he said, promises can still be kept. In Ogden, leaders aren’t distracted by national politics; they operate differently by putting people first, meeting residents where they are, serving their needs, and helping them lift themselves up.

The mayor emphasized that nothing happens by chance—it happens because of people. While the world often tries to divide us, he said, real success comes from people working together. He acknowledged that tensions can arise among elected officials, city staff, and the broader community, but stressed that division is not The Ogden Way.

“Here,” the mayor stated, “we share the results of work done by good, dedicated people and public servants, in uniform and out, who show up for our town every day.

Gesturing to the crowd, he urged attendees to remember the faces and names before them—the people who serve the community and ensure that promises are kept—that is The Ogden Way.

Reflecting on the past year, Mayor Nadolski highlighted tangible measures of progress, including a $1.2 million city investment in improvements across eight city parks. These upgrades included new playgrounds, children’s equipment, and pool enhancements. He emphasized that these spaces are meant to foster laughter and joy—places where everyone, especially children, can learn to swim, stay active and healthy, and build meaningful connections.