Chad Wilkinson is no stranger to Murray City. Now returning as its new Community and Economic Development Director, Wilkinson brings with him a wealth of planning experience and a deep respect for the city’s character and aspirations. After previously serving as a planner and planning manager in Murray for six years, he now steps back into the city during a pivotal period of growth and redevelopment.

Wilkinson at least knows that the CED Director has been full of tumult, as the last three directors lasted no longer than a couple of years. Wilkinson assumes the reins from former director and city councilor Phil Markham who resigned in January.

“I grew up in northern Utah and have a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and a master’s degree in Community Development from Kansas State University,” Wilkinson said. “I spent the first eight years of my career working in Oregon and Nevada in the public and private sectors.” His return to Utah in 2008 began a journey through city planning departments across the state. “After working for Bountiful City for five years, I moved to Layton City where I was the Community and Economic Development Director for six years.”

Wilkinson's tenure in Layton offers important parallels to the challenges Murray faces today. “Layton City faces many of the same challenges as Murray City related to housing affordability, preserving the character of the community and balancing growth with transportation and other infrastructure,” he explained. Among the most relevant experiences he brings is work on downtown redevelopment, which he notes “have direct application to the work currently underway in Murray.”

Wilkinson’s initial priorities in his new role are grounded in improving transparency and efficiency. “My hope is to bring consistency and predictability to the development process for both current members of the community and those seeking to develop their property,” he said. “I am prioritizing modernizing the Community and Economic Development department by implementing online business license application and processing in addition to the recently implemented online building permit application process.”

Among the most high-profile projects is the redevelopment of the city center. “Great communities don’t happen by accident,” Wilkinson said. “Careful redevelopment of Murray City is vital to maintain a vibrant, healthy city while honoring the heritage of the past.” He sees the current wave of construction as the result of long-standing planning: “Many of these efforts have been underway for decades and the projects currently being constructed are the culmination of good planning and forward thinking.”

Wilkinson is also overseeing efforts to modernize zoning codes, including implementing a form-based code downtown. He credited previous staff and residents for laying the groundwork. “As with any tool, zoning laws need to adapt and change to meet current needs of the community,” he said. “Tools like form-based codes have been used effectively in other communities to help preserve the look and feel of a community by focusing on design and form.”

Housing affordability remains a top concern. While Wilkinson affirms that Murray has a solid foundation for varied housing, he warned that the issue is complex. “Housing affordability is a multifaceted issue that is impacting not only the Murray City and the State of Utah, but also our nation,” he said. “However, housing affordability is not an issue that can be solved solely using a supply and demand approach.” He identified broader economic and regulatory forces, including corporate homeownership, short-term rentals and financing barriers, as significant hurdles.

Asked about his vision for the next decade, Wilkinson emphasized deference to the public. “My goal in Murray, and really in all the communities I have worked in, is to implement the vision of the citizens of Murray City as articulated and adopted by the duly elected representatives of the city,” he said. “Ultimately, I respect the vision of the community and particularly their elected leaders and hope to help in whatever way I can to assist in realizing that vision.”

As for his leadership philosophy, Wilkinson describes himself as collaborative and respectful. “I truly feel that we can have difficult conversations and disagreements about policy while showing consideration for other opinions,” he said. “We will continue to seek input from as many community members as we can as we move forward with planning and other initiatives.”

For Wilkinson, the return to Murray is more than a professional milestone—it’s a chance to help shape the city’s future while honoring its past. “Murray has evolved from a manufacturing community with a wonderful heritage to a hub for healthcare and commerce in the valley because of great decisions by thoughtful citizens and elected officials,” he said. “These projects will keep that momentum and move Murray into the coming decades in a strong position to maintain its unique identity.” λ