Park City, UT - In a ceremony marked by community spirit and optimism, Ryan Dickey was officially sworn in as the new mayor of Park City on Monday afternoon. The event took place at the base of the Marsac Building steps, where outgoing Mayor Nann Worel administered the oath of office, symbolically passing the leadership mantle to her successor. The gathering attracted a sizable crowd, with family members and residents coming together to celebrate the occasion, which featured festive decorations of red, white, and blue balloons. Dickey, who previously served on the Park City Council and the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, expressed his vision for local governance during his inauguration speech. He has been a community member for 15 years and operates a homeowners association management business with his wife, Allyson. His ascent to the mayor's office follows a closely contested election in November, which he won by a razor-thin margin. In his inaugural address, Dickey highlighted the significance of local government in addressing the needs and challenges faced by residents. "Not only does local government matter, it matters more today than it ever has," he stated, earning applause from the audience. He emphasized the role of municipal governance as the closest form of government to the people, underscoring that it directly impacts the quality of life in the community. "Local government has always been the form of government closest to the people that delivers and affects our quality of life every day, that helps create the community that we have. That’s always been true, always will be true,” he reiterated. Dickey contrasted the effectiveness of local governance with the perceived dysfunction at the federal level. He pointed out that many citizens feel disenfranchised by distant political institutions, particularly those in Washington, D.C. "In this moment in our time when it feels like government far away doesn’t seem to be working for people anymore, I think it’s local government that is central to the solutions to these problems of our time," he stated passionately. He expressed optimism that a responsive and transparent local government could offer solutions to pressing issues faced by Park City residents. As he embarks on his term, Dickey pledged to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among municipal staff and City Council members. He stressed the importance of empowering staff to generate creative solutions to the challenges facing the city. "We will lead with a bias for action. This is a council that wants to lead, take action and move Park City forward. And I’m excited for that," he declared, setting a tone of proactive governance. Dickey also outlined key initiatives that are already part of the City Hall work plan, signaling an ambitious agenda for his administration. He mentioned ongoing projects such as the redevelopment of Bonanza Park, enhancements to the experience on Main Street, and the critical issue of workforce housing. Additionally, he referenced potential partnerships with local resorts to bolster economic growth, preparations for the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics, and plans for a new Recycle Utah location. The inauguration ceremony was not solely focused on Dickey; it also marked the swearing-in of two City Council members. Tana Toly, returning for a second term, and Diego Zegarra, a newcomer, took their oaths amid the celebration. Toly conveyed a message of unity and progress, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between the mayor and City Council. "We are not driven by extremes; there is a shared commitment to getting things done," she asserted, declaring 2026 as a "year of action" for the city's governance. Zegarra, who immigrated from Peru, echoed the call for collaboration and expressed his commitment to addressing critical issues such as housing affordability and economic vibrancy. His background as an immigrant adds a unique perspective to the council, and he emphasized the importance of community engagement in achieving collective goals. The terms for Dickey and the two councilors will extend through early January 2030, providing them with a significant window to implement their agenda. The first City Council meeting under the new leadership is scheduled for Thursday, where important discussions will take place regarding future developments, including the future of S.R. 248, licenses for entities planning to operate during the Sundance Film Festival, and an arts and culture plan. As Park City embarks on this new chapter of governance, residents are hopeful that their voices will be heard and that local officials will deliver on their promises to address pressing community needs. The collaboration between the newly elected officials and the community will be pivotal in shaping the future of Park City as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.