Park City Mayor-elect Ryan Dickey outlines his key priorities for the upcoming term, focusing on city management, Olympics, and Bonanza Park development.
Park City, Utah – As Ryan Dickey prepares to take office as the new mayor of Park City, he is poised to tackle an array of key initiatives that will shape the future of the community. The upcoming ceremony on Monday marks the start of his first 100 days in office, during which he will focus on critical projects including the recruitment of a city manager, preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics, and the development strategies for Bonanza Park.
In a statement outlining his priorities, Dickey emphasized that the recruitment of a city manager is his "top priority." This process is not merely administrative; it is a fundamental step in establishing a cohesive vision and culture within the municipal government. "The start of any new administration is about building the team, and the new city manager is our team’s most important hire. We’ve talked a lot about defining our vision and shaping our city culture, and we’ll be looking to the new manager to help facilitate and lead," Dickey said.
The city manager position has been vacant since Matt Dias departed in mid-September. In the interim, Jodi Emery, currently serving as the acting city manager, has been overseeing municipal operations. To assist in the selection process, City Hall has engaged a recruiting firm, although a final decision on the candidate is not expected until early spring. The city manager plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the local government, and the influence of this position is significant across various aspects of city management.
During the recent mayoral campaign, the importance of this recruitment was a salient topic. Dickey expressed a clear vision for the role, stating that he seeks a leader with a proven track record in organizational management and culture transformation. "We’ve got work to do in our organization to rebuild trust between elected officials and our staff," he noted, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach moving forward.
Dickey's political experience includes serving on the Park City Council, where he completed a partial term following a midterm appointment. He has been a resident of Park City for 15 years and co-owns a homeowners association management business with his wife, Allyson. Dickey succeeds Nann Worel, who decided not to seek re-election after serving a single term.
In addition to the recruitment of a city manager, Dickey plans to focus on the future of Bonanza Park, a key area located near the bustling intersection of Bonanza Drive and Kearns Boulevard. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential for housing and other developments in this area, which is crucial for addressing the community's growth and infrastructure needs. Dickey described this as an important topic that will require close attention and community engagement.
Furthermore, the mayor-elect is also focused on the implications of the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics. As part of a state delegation, he is expected to travel to Italy for a fact-finding mission regarding the Olympic preparations. The preparations for the games have already sparked discussions among local leaders about how Park City can best position itself as a host community. Dickey stated, "These are big, near-term priorities to move forward early in 2026. I have consciously not leaned into ‘100 days’ as a metric — it’s really an arbitrary number — but this council is ready to move forward."
Dickey's multifaceted approach to these issues underscores his commitment to building a unified and efficient municipal government. His focus on collaboration, community input, and strategic planning will be critical as Park City navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With his inauguration on the horizon, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how he implements his vision for the city and addresses the pressing needs of its citizens.
As Dickey embarks on this new chapter, his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Park City during this transformative period.
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