The winds of politics are about as predictable as a sudden storm — and that was true in Ogden and the surrounding area over this past year.

Local government held the spotlight throughout the region, from a city seating its very first City Council to a new beginning for an Ogden City institution.

A Council shakeup

The people of Ogden made their decision this year — the Ogden City Council could use a few new faces.

Top left photo (courtesy Alicia Washington); all other candidates Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

Of the four open seats up for grabs in this year’s municipal election, three will be filled by new council members in 2026.

District 1 Council member Angela Choberka opted not to run again, opening the seat for newcomer Flor Lopez to earn the seat.

Incumbents that did run had a tough time. At-large Seat B Council member Bart Blair was soundly defeated by challenger Kevin Lundell while at-large Seat A challenger Alicia Washington unseated long-time Council member Marcia White. District 3 Council member Ken Richey was the only incumbent in the race who retained his seat.

The new council members will be sworn in in January.

First seating

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

In 2024, Ogden Valley residents voted overwhelmingly to form a town.

With the municipal election of 2025, they came one step closer to that being a reality.

During a special ceremony in November, Mayor Janet Wampler and City Council members Tia Shaw (District 1), Peggy Dooling-Baker (District 2) and Chad Booth (District 4) were all sworn in. They would be followed days later by Kay Hoogland (District 3) and Don Hickman (District 5).

Wampler told the audience that that they were all deeply humbled by the citizens placing their trust in them.

“To the people of Ogden Valley — thank you,” she said. “Thank you for your belief in this place, and your belief in one another and your belief that we can shape our future while honoring the land and traditions that brought us all here.”

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

She said in spite of the change in city status, some things aren’t going to change about the area.

“While we are incorporating, what makes Ogden Valley special is not changing,” she said. “Our rural spirit, our open spaces, our agricultural roots and our commitment to being good neighbors — these are the foundations that we will protect and carry forward with us. We are honored to serve as your first City Council.”

New beginnings

After two years of construction, the new Marshall N. White Community Center became a reality in 2025.

In May, the ribbon was cut on the 68,000-square-foot community center.

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

“I was 6 years old when my father passed away in 1963,” Ron White — son of the late Marshall White — said during the opening of the new center. “Five years after that, the Marshall White Center — the first Marshall White Center — was built. It was a tribute to a great man. At 6 years old, I didn’t know how great, but I assumed from the crowd that was there at the time that he was a great man. And I think he’s looking down upon us today, looking at the same crowd and he’s very proud.”

He then declared that this will be a space for everyone.

“Everyone here, this is for you,” he said. “This is for the city of Ogden. I want for Ogden the same thing I want for my family — to be the best that you’re capable of being. That may take some hard work, but we know how to do that, don’t we? We’re not afraid of work.”

The community center features a pool, classrooms, a gym and other athletic spaces.

The Ogden Way

With a full year of governance behind him, Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski began the year by introducing the city to “The Ogden Way.”

“It’s a big concept to present,” he told the Standard-Examiner midway through the year after rolling it out, “and it speaks to a lot of different audiences, but ‘The Ogden Way’ is a slogan that (encapsulates) my work and my vision and our mission for this community. It (encapsulates) our core values that we’re going to focus on as a city proper, like our employees and our community.”

“The Ogden Way” also encompasses pillars for human success, which the city’s webpage on the concept identifies as:

“Safety: A secure and vibrant environment for all residents and visitors.

“Education and lifelong Learning: Opportunities to grow and succeed through k-12 education, college readiness and degree pathways, workforce training, trade school certifications, adult education and lifelong learning.

“Stable Neighborhoods: Neighborhood districts that foster connection, pride and resilience through connections with neighbors, parks, recreation, schools and houses of worship.

“Vibrant Economy: A robust, diverse and dynamic economy that supports businesses and workers now and in the future.

“Strong Infrastructure: Reliable and affordable systems and structures that keep the city running safely, efficiently and reliably.

“Healthy Lifestyles: Access to physical, spiritual and mental wellness, and recreation opportunities, including trails and open space.

“Meaningful Connections: Events and opportunities that foster social connections and build relationships, and a sense of belonging across all cultures, faiths and socio-economic circumstances.”

Nadolski said one day he’ll have a full layout of the concept.

“It is a hard thing to communicate because it talks to so many different audiences at so many different levels,” he said. “I’ll write a book about it and maybe then it’ll make a little more sense.”

A new plan

For the first time in two decades, Ogden City began work on a general plan.

Throughout the year, the city held meetings to gather feedback from residents about what they envision for the city’s next 25 years.

Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner in November that several major planning efforts have been underway throughout the year.

“Working in tandem with Plan Ogden is the city’s effort to simplify our zoning,” he said. “While Plan Ogden is the city’s general plan update, Zone Ogden is focused on implementation and enforcement through updated codes and ordinances. Together, they ensure that regulations reflect the vision established in Plan Ogden. This alignment brings the community’s voice to life by translating the goals and objectives into actionable standards and regulations for development. Zone Ogden has been discussed in several City Council work sessions since 2023. There, council members could ask questions and provide input as the code is drafted. Once the code is completely drafted the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the changes to existing development codes and then it will go before the City Council to be officially adopted.”

Plan Ogden and Zone Ogden are anticipated to be formalized in the spring of 2026.