At this year’s State of the City address, Mayor Brett Hales delivered a wide-ranging message centered on growth, fiscal stewardship and long-term redevelopment, outlining how Murray is positioning itself for a busier, denser and more economically active future.

Held in the Murray Theater on Jan. 27, the State of City speech was done with more theatrical flair than previous speeches, including free snacks and drink cups to those who attended.

While the mayor opened with reflections on community compassion, the heart of his speech focused on development milestones and the financial strength supporting them.

“Murray is growing and being guided with eyes for the future,” Hales said.

Business Growth at Record Levels

Hales highlighted strong economic indicators, beginning with business licensing numbers that point to sustained commercial confidence.

“In 2025, we issued 3,856 business licenses, the highest total in recent years,” he said. “Six hundred and ninety of those were new. Business is showing continued confidence in Murray as a place to invest and grow.”

He added that nearly 93% of surveyed businesses reported that Murray meets or exceeds expectations as a place to do business, with many planning expansions or relocations within city limits over the next two years.

Housing Expansion Accelerates

Residential development is also climbing. Hales reported that 817 housing unit permits were issued in 2025, marking a significant increase over the prior year. In addition, more than 300 new housing units were entitled through the planning process.

Mayor Brett Hales presented his State of the City speech in the Murray Theater. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

“Housing is a top priority,” Hales said. The new units include “townhomes, condos and multifamily housing,” aimed at providing options for a range of residents.

To help current residents stay in their homes, the city invested $400,000 through NeighborWorks Salt Lake for down payment assistance and home improvement programs.

“That has been a major blessing to our residents,” Hales said.

Downtown Zoning Shift and Land Acquisition

A key planning milestone came with Murray’s adoption of a form-based code for downtown — a zoning approach that emphasizes building design and walkability rather than just land use.

“This allows us to focus on the design and layout of buildings rather than just land use,” Hales said, “helping make sure our future downtown is attractive, walkable and consistent with the community’s vision.”

The city also made what Hales called a “strategic decision” to purchase three properties just east of the theater district along 100 East. The land will first serve as additional parking, with long-term redevelopment potential.

“That will become parking and that’s what we needed for this theater,” he said, noting that the acquisitions were completed cooperatively with existing businesses.

The Murray Armory’s Early Financial Success

Another redevelopment success story is the former National Guard Armory, now a renovated community event center.

“It opened in June of 2025, and it’s already hosted 104 total rentals,” Hales said. “Generating close to $200,000 with pending events.”

The venue, which he described as “a beautiful and affordable community gathering place,” has quickly become a revenue-producing civic asset while also serving weddings, celebrations and public events.

Major Infrastructure Investments

Hales emphasized that growth is being matched with infrastructure upgrades.

“The MDX Bus Rapid Transit Project, completed in December of 2025, provides better mass transit options for workers, students and families,” he said.

Construction also began on a new Public Works campus, which he described as a long-term investment in service efficiency and emergency preparedness.

“A long-term investment that will improve efficiency, service delivery and preparedness for our city for decades to come,” Hales said.

Public Works crews also completed “major street and intersection upgrades,” enhanced crosswalk safety and replaced aging water lines to maintain system reliability.

Block 1: A New Mixed-Use Neighborhood

The largest redevelopment effort discussed was Block 1, the multiblock area east of City Hall stretching from 4800 South to 5000 South and from State Street to Hanauer Street.

“This project has roughly 140 new homes and tens of thousands of square feet of shops and restaurants,” Hales said. The design includes underground parking, storefronts and pedestrian-friendly streets.

“Meaning more life on our sidewalks, more customers for our local businesses, and more neighbors crossing paths and sharing moments downtown,” he added.

Hales said Block 1 will create housing choices for “empty nesters, young professionals and families who want to be part of a walkable neighborhood.”

Strong Civic Financial Footing

Beyond development, Hales underscored Murray’s stable municipal finances.

“Our finance [is] sound,” he said earlier in the speech, crediting city employees for maintaining essential services while supporting growth.

The city’s ability to fund projects like the Armory renovation, downtown land acquisition and public works expansion, he said, reflects careful planning and council oversight.

“If they don’t approve this, it doesn’t happen,” Hales said of the council’s role in major financial decisions.

A City Building Momentum

Taken together, the mayor’s address painted a picture of a city leaning into growth while trying to preserve community identity.

“By working together, we are building a people-centered future for Murray,” Hales said near the close of his speech.

From record business activity and rising housing construction to major downtown redevelopment and infrastructure expansion, the State of the City message was clear: Murray is not standing still.

“Murray is growing,” Hales said, “and being guided with eyes for the future.”

With multiple development and infrastructure efforts in progress, Murray is expected to see continued construction activity and planning discussions over the next year. City officials indicated that future phases of these projects will return to the city council for review and approval as timelines progress.

Hales also presented the first ever “Love Murray Citizen Award” to Jim and Jennifer Brass in recognition of the volunteers of the Murray Children’s Pantry. After the State of the City, a concert was held in the theater with local band Flashback Brother, featuring their homage song, "Sweet Home Murray City."

Murray Police and Fire honor guard members present the flag during opening ceremonies ahead of the State of the City address. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)