About Us

In 1848, Joseph Harker and his family crossed the Jordan River and settled in what is now West Valley City. Soon after, other pioneer families followed, leaving Salt Lake City to go “over Jordan.” They built farming communities that later became known as Granger, Hunter, Redwood, and Chesterfield.

Over the next century, the area grew steadily. Roads were paved, including 3500 South in 1918. Services and organizations were created, such as the Granger-Hunter Improvement District in 1949. The community saw its first bank open in 1956; Granger High School in 1958; and the Granger-Hunter Chamber of Commerce in 1961. By 1980, the communities joined together and officially incorporated as West Valley City.

Growth continued into the 2000s. In 2002, West Valley City hosted Olympic hockey during the Winter Games. This event sparked new development, including the E Center (now the Maverik Center) and major upgrades around the arena.

Economic development has remained a top priority. Business parks such as Lake Park Corporate Center, West Ridge Commerce Park, Decker Lake Business District, and Metro Business Park are now home to companies like Verizon Wireless, Frito Lay, Backcountry.com, UPS, and Discover Card. In the city center, Valley Fair Mall has been completely redeveloped, and the new transit-oriented project, Fairbourne Station, is reshaping the downtown area.

West Valley City is known for its cultural diversity. According to the 2010 Census, nearly 35% of the population identified as non-white. To celebrate this diversity, the city broke ground on the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in 2002, a dream of former Mayor Gearld L. Wright. Since opening, the Center has hosted festivals, Pow Wows, the Utah Polynesian Festival, Day of the Dead celebrations, summer and winter concerts, art exhibits, and education programs. It is also home to one of only three Olmec Heads in the United States, a gift from Mexico.

Recreation is another part of life in West Valley City. The city offers two golf courses, more than 20 parks, the 96,000-square-foot Family Fitness Center, and the Harman Senior Recreation Center, giving residents of all ages places to stay active and connected.

Today, with a population of more than 145,000, West Valley City is Utah’s second-largest city. From Joseph Harker’s first camp on the Jordan River to a thriving community of culture, business, and recreation, the city continues to live up to its motto: “Progress as promised.”