West Valley City, Utah
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West Valley City, Utah | ||
---|---|---|
FIPS code 49-83470[5] | | |
GNIS feature ID | 1437843[6] | |
Website | www |
West Valley City is a city in
History
The earliest known residents of the western Salt Lake Valley were
The first European people to live in the area were the Latter-day Saints. The Euro-Americans arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The area was first staked out by settler Joseph Harker and his family in the area they named as "over Jordan" (referring to the land west of the Jordan River, which runs through the valley).
The Granger area was settled by Welsh pioneers who came to Utah with Dan Jones in 1849. Irrigation systems and agriculture were developed in the area, and Elias Smith proposed the area's name on account of its successful farming. The population of Granger and its vicinity was about 1,000 people in 1930.[7]
Hunter was not settled until 1876. This settlement was started by Rasmus Nielson, Edward Rushton, August Larsen and about seven others along with their families. Irrigation began in 1881 and the main crop was fruit trees.[8]
The city began to experience rapid growth in the 1970s, when the area that is now West Valley City consisted of the four separate communities of Hunter, Granger, Chesterfield, and Redwood. These four
On May 19, 2011, the city unveiled an official plan to create a downtown area for the city over the course of 10 years, building on plans and development that already existed. It will be known as Fairbourne Station (named after Joseph Fairbourne, an early settler who operated a weigh station in the area in the late 19th century) and will consist of approximately 40 acres (16 ha), costing $500 million to build. The center will include a civic center (consisting of city hall, a courthouse, police headquarters, and a library), an eight-story
Serial killer Ted Bundy was arrested in Granger on August 16, 1975, on a routine traffic stop.[11]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.5 square miles (91.8 km2), of which 35.4 square miles (91.7 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2) (0.17%) is water.
West Valley is located on the northwest side of the Salt Lake Valley between Salt Lake City on the north, South Salt Lake on the east, Magna Township on the west, and Taylorsville and Kearns Township on the south. The Oquirrh Mountains loom over the city to the west, while the Jordan River marks the eastern boundary.
Government
Elected officials of West Valley City as of 2022[update] | ||
Official | Position | Term ends |
Karen Lang[2] | Mayor | |
City Council members | ||
Don Christiansen | At-large | 2023 |
Lars Nordfelt | At-large | 2025 |
Tom Huynh | District 1 | 2023 |
Scott Harmon | District 2 | 2025 |
William Whetstone | District 3 | 2023 |
Jake Fitisemanu | District 4 | 2025 |
West Valley City has a nonpartisan, strong city manager form of government, which means that the city manager is analogous to a corporation's CEO, while the mayor fills a role similar to chairman of the board, with the City Council acting as the "board". The mayor is a voting member of the City Council. The West Valley City Council meets each Tuesday night at 6:30 PM, except fifth Tuesdays. City Hall is located at 3600 South Constitution Boulevard.
The
In the Utah State Legislature, West Valley City is in Senate Districts 1, 3, 5, and 12 represented by Democrat Luz Escamilla, Democrat Gene Davis, Democrat Karen Mayne, and Republican Daniel Thatcher and House Districts 30, 31, and 33, represented by Republican Fred Cox, Republican Sophia DiCaro, and Republican Craig Hall. Federally, West Valley City lies in the 2nd and 4th congressional districts, represented by Republican Chris Stewart and Democrat Ben McAdams.[13]
Police
The West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD) provides law enforcement services to the city.
In 2013, the city police's narcotics unit was disbanded after an officer-involved critical incident revealed drugs and money had not been booked into evidence. Officers in the unit were also found to be keeping change and small items from seized vehicles, and placing tracking devices on potential suspects' vehicles without warrants.[17]
In 2016, Officer Cody Brotherson was killed in the line of duty, the department's only such fatality.[18]
In 2019, an officer shot and killed a handcuffed man who was attempting to pull an officer's gun out of its holster: this killing was found legally justified by the district attorney.[19]
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1980 | 72,299 | — | |
1990 | 86,976 | 20.3% | |
2000 | 108,896 | 25.2% | |
2010 | 129,480 | 18.9% | |
2020 | 140,230 | 8.3% | |
source:[4][20][21] |
2020 census
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[22] | Pop 2010[23] | Pop 2020[24] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH)
|
76,545 | 69,498 | 61,004 | 70.29% | 53.67% | 43.50% |
Black or African American alone (NH)
|
1,090 | 2,254 | 3,720 | 1.00% | 1.74% | 2.65% |
Alaska Native alone (NH)
|
1,014 | 1,137 | 1,231 | 0.93% | 0.88% | 0.88% |
Asian alone (NH) | 4,614 | 6,303 | 7,920 | 4.24% | 4.87% | 5.65% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 3,118 | 4,647 | 6,334 | 2.86% | 3.59% | 4.52% |
Other race alone (NH) | 75 | 284 | 443 | 0.07% | 0.22% | 0.32% |
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 2,314 | 2,465 | 4,300 | 2.12% | 1.90% | 3.07% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 20,126 | 42,892 | 55,278 | 18.48% | 33.13% | 39.42% |
Total | 108,896 | 129,480 | 140,230 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau,
As of the
There were 38,535 households, out of which 47.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.6% were non-families. 14.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.36 and the average family size was 3.71.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.7% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $45,773, and the median income for a family was $48,593. Males had a median income of $32,116 versus $22,693 for females. The
Economy
Companies based in West Valley City include
Top employers
According to the City's 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[26] these are the top employers in the city:
# | Employer | # of Employees |
---|---|---|
1 | Discover Financial | 4,200 |
2 | United Parcel Service | 1,320 |
3 | Swift Transportation | 1,118 |
4 | Select Portfolio Servicing | 987 |
5 | Hexcel | 953 |
6 | Verizon Wireless
|
916 |
7 | West Valley City
|
909 |
8 | Sutter Health | 804 |
9 | USANA Health Sciences
|
778 |
10 | Walmart | 629 |
11 | Jacobsen Construction | 616 |
12 | Pride Transport | 606 |
13 | Six Continents | 587 |
14 | C.R. England | 544 |
15 | Wheeler CAT | 520 |
16 | ATK Launch Systems
|
452 |
17 | Old Dominion Freight Line | 441 |
18 | Jordan Valley Medical
|
418 |
19 | Zions Bank Commercial
|
414 |
20 | Freightliner of Utah | 402 |
21 | Hunt Electric | 397 |
22 | Federal Express
|
396 |
23 | Zions Bank Data
|
366 |
24 | YRC Worldwide
|
360 |
25 | ADP
|
338 |
Education
The city lies in the Granite School District. It has 21 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and two high schools - Granger Senior High, which opened in 1958, and Hunter, which opened in 1990. The city also contains multiple charter schools: East Hollywood High School, a charter school specializing in film education; American Preparatory Academy; and Monticello Academy.
Transportation
West Valley City is on the same address grid system as Salt Lake City, and therefore follows the same street numbering system.
Sports and entertainment
West Valley City is home to the
Neighborhoods
Chesterfield, Redwood, Westshire, East Granger (84119)
The Eastern side of West Valley City consists of the Redwood, Chesterfield and East Granger neighborhoods. The neighborhood population in 2013 was 54,832. This area of West Valley City has a median household income of $42,512, which is lower when compared to the rest of the city and region. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 51.17% White, 35.08% Hispanic or Latino, 4.73% Asian, 3.24% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and 2.51% African-American.[29]
Much of Eastern West Valley's residential architecture is based on common brick ranch styles from the 1960s and 1970s. To the north of Parkway Boulevard exists a significant number of light industrial development. South of Parkway is mostly residential and commercial, including Valley Fair Mall and the Maverik Center. The Westshire neighborhood is located directly south of Valley Fair Mall and consists of 160 homes built by modernist architect Ron Molen. This neighborhood is unique in that all homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s in the Mid-Century Modern style and are excellent examples of modernist residential architecture.
West Granger, Hunter, Lakepark (84120)
The Central portion of West Valley City consists of the West Granger and Hunter, south of 3100 South, with the Lakepark and Westlake Business Park commercial and office developments taking up the majority of the space north of 3100 South. The neighborhood population in 2013 was 49,107. This area of West Valley City has a median household income of $55,087, which is typical for the state of Utah and Northern Salt Lake County. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 53.82% White, 32.11% Hispanic or Latino, 5.04% Asian, 4.54% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and 1.57% African-American.[32]
Much of Central West Valley's residential architecture is based on common brick ranch styles from the 1960s and 1970s. The Highbury planned development is currently being established in the northwestern portion of this area. This is a large planned mixed residential and commercial area with a large pond and many casual restaurants in a walk-able district near 5600 West.
West Hunter, Woodhaven, Oquirrh (84128)
The western portion of West Valley City consists of the West Hunter, Woodhaven, and Oquirrh neighborhoods. The neighborhood population in 2013 was 28,475. This area of West Valley City has a median household income of $64,356, which is slightly higher than the median for both the state of Utah and Salt Lake County. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 60.65% White, 29.62% Hispanic or Latino, 3.15% Asian, 2.37% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and 1.39% African-American.[33]
Much of western West Valley's residential architecture is based on 1990s and 2000s planned developments. The majority of the neighborhood is residential, with the exception of many strip-mall style commercial developments along its eastern border of 5600 West. The city's master plan calls for a Hunter Town Center development near the intersection of 5600 West and 3500 South, but no structures have yet been developed specifically for this.[34] This side of West Valley City is also home to USANA Amphitheater, though it technically shares the 84118 zip code with Kearns and Taylorsville, rather than West Valley City.
Key to the City
West Valley City has presented the
Sister cities
West Valley City has
- Republic of China(Taiwan)
- Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico
Notable people
- Anton Palepoi, former defensive end with the Seattle Seahawks[citation needed]
- Matt Asiata, former running back with the Minnesota Vikings[citation needed]
- John Madsen, former NFL tight end for the Cleveland Browns[citation needed]
- Naufahu Tahi, former NFL full back[37]
- Khyiris Tonga, nose tackle for the Atlanta Falcons
- Ray Feinga, NFL offensive tackle[38]
- Tadd Gadduang, finalist, So You Think You Can Dance[39]
- SHeDAISY[40]
- Susan Powell, woman missing since 2009, last seen in West Valley City[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ "About Us". West Valley City, Utah. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ^ a b "Mayor Karen Lang | West Valley City, UT - Official Site".
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c "QuickFacts West Valley City city, Utah". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ Jenson, Andrew. Encyclopedic History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1941) p. 295
- ^ Jenson. Encyclopedic History. p. 346
- ^ New name for WVC project: Fairbourne Station. The Salt Lake Tribune. May 19, 2011.
- ^ "Official Fairbourne Station Web Site". Wvc-ut.org. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
- ^ "Officer recalls Bundy's '75 capture". DeseretNews.com. August 20, 2000. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
- ^ Manson, Pamela (November 5, 2013). "Bigelow wins West Valley City mayor's race by large margin". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
- ^ "Utah State Legislature". Retrieved June 9, 2015.
- ^ "West Valley City Police Department - Welcome Banner | West Valley City, UT - Official Site".
- ^ "Inside the Police Department". West Valley City Police Department. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
- ^ "'We're going to improve,' says new West Valley police chief".
- ^ Jack Healy (May 17, 2013). "A 'Pandora's Box of Problems' From a Police Shooting and Drugs in a Utah Town". The New York Times. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
- ^ "West Valley City Police Department". Officer Down Memorial Page. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
- ^ "'A disturbing shooting': Salt Lake County district attorney says officer was justified in killing handcuffed man". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
- U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
- ^ Census number enumerated in 1980 prior to incorporation as West Valley CDP.
- ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – West Valley City, Utah". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – West Valley City, Utah". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – West Valley City, Utah". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ "City of West Valley City CAFR". Wvc-ut.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- ^ Warburton, Nicole (February 3, 2008). "UTA plans bus rapid-transit line". Deseret News. Salt Lake City: Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
- ^ Fidel, Steve (October 1, 2010). "2011 completion date for two TRAX lines announced". Deseret News. Salt Lake City: Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ "West Valley City, UT-84119". City-Data.com.
- ^ "Ron Molen" (PDF). PreservationUtah.
- ^ "West Valley City Downtown Revitalization". KSL.
- ^ "West Valley City, UT-84120". City-Data.com.
- ^ "West Valley City, UT-84128". City-Data.com.
- ^ "Hunter Town Center Small Area Plan". West Valley City.
- ^ Salt Lake Tribune. July 29, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
- ^ Blabbermouth (December 14, 2011). "GUNS N' ROSES Frontman Presented With Key To West Valley City". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings: Naufahu Tahi". Vikings.com. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
- ^ "Ray Feinga Biography". ESPN. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ "FOX Broadcasting Company - Tadd Gadduang - So You Think You Can Dance - Official Site". Archived from the original on August 18, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
- ^ "W.V. TEEN WAS SHOWTIME HOSTESS FOLLOWING NATIONWIDE COMPETITION". Deseret News. April 21, 1989.
External links
- West Valley City official website
- Chamber of Commerce/Tourism website
- The Magna Times Weekly Newspaper - West Valley News, Magna and Kearns
West Valley City travel guide from Wikivoyage