Ogden council and school board discuss enrollment decline, park safety and Taylor Canyon property communications
February 5, 2026, 5:31 p.m. · Council Work Room, Municipal Building, 2549 Washington Boulevard
In a joint work session, the Ogden City Council and Ogden School District Board of Education heard that district enrollment is projected to fall by 100 to 150 students a year over the next decade. City staff reported falling calls near Jefferson Park and explained tax increment financing, and both sides discussed communication on the surplus Taylor Canyon Elementary site, on which the city has until March 2 to make an offer. No votes were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Presentation
Ogden School District enrollment projections
Discussed
Superintendent Luke Rasmussen said the district has about 9,900 students and expects enrollment to fall 100 to 150 a year over the next decade before leveling near 8,500. Apartments yield about 6 students per 100 units versus about 37 for detached single-family homes, and current Ogden construction is 63 percent apartments, 33 percent attached homes and 4 percent detached homes. Birth rates have dropped below 2 for the first time in Utah. The board uses a rubric to judge whether properties retain educational value.
Public safety
Safety improvements at Jefferson Park and Odyssey Elementary
Discussed
Parks Director Monte Stewart said annual maintenance at Jefferson Park is about $44,000, with security patrols costing $28,000 and contracted cleanup of encampments. Police reported officer-initiated calls in the area down 63 percent from the 2021 peak and 31 percent from 2024 to 2025, neighborhood complaints down from 27 to zero, and a full-time school resource officer at Odyssey Elementary prioritizing 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
- Contract$28,000 to Garda World
- Budget$44,000
Presentation
City approach to Community Reinvestment Areas
Discussed
Assistant Executive Director David Sawyer explained that tax increment financing reinvests new tax revenue from redevelopment in the same area, and is not a new tax. Projects included WonderBlock (parking garage, 354 market-rate units, retail and a boutique hotel), a $20 million residential project in the 2600 block of Adams Avenue, the Mountain Fuel building renovation, the airport reinvestment area supporting Williams International (expected to bring 300 jobs), and Union Station neighborhood work. The city has a Redevelopment Agency dashboard.
Other
City and school district communications on surplus property
Discussed
Chair Richard Hyer said recent communications on the Taylor Canyon Elementary property had gone 'sideways'. Superintendent Rasmussen said the district had understood the city was not interested and proceeded with the surplus process. Mayor Benjamin Nadolski said neighborhood input on open space shifted his view. District Business Administrator Zane Woolstenhulme said the city has until March 2, 2026 to make an offer, and suggested memoranda of understanding for park arrangements like Edison Elementary. A board member stressed transparency; another said the district's role is education. The mayor committed to put a proposal before the district.
What residents said
School enrollment declineJefferson Park safetySurplus school property communication