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New Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski is wasting little time putting her stamp on City Hall. On Tuesday evening, she delivered her first State of the City address, emphasizing communication among departments and employees to render a more coordinated government.

She also spoke of a recent incident of sexual harassment in the police department and a new "zero tolerance" policy; and with her appointment of a new director of public utilities, the watershed will be protected, she said. Not least, the mayor asked that residents, as well as business and political leaders, pull together after a contentious election.

Structurally, Biskupski said she would elevate the divisions of economic development and sustainability to the status of departments, signaling an emphasis on business development and clean air.

A national search will begin for an economic development director who will "align" the Salt Lake City International Airport, the redevelopment agency (RDA), the arts and culture community, and colleges and universities.

"We need vision to keep our economy growing. Salt Lake City must develop an economic identity: a citywide economic strategic plan to stay competitive in the nation, the state and along the Wasatch Front," she said. "Nearby cities have already successfully developed identities to lure business to their areas. 'Silicon Slopes' to the south and 'Outdoor Ogden' to our north are prime examples ­— not just of missed opportunity, but how we can move forward."

Regarding the ongoing battle with air pollution, which is both a health and economic issue, the mayor set a goal to have at least 50 percent of municipal energy needs met with renewable sources by 2020 and be carbon free by 2032. She highlighted proposed building codes, expanded public transportation, coordinated traffic lights and a reduction in needless idling.

"I am confident that if individuals who live and work in this city could get around better on public transportation, they would do it," the mayor said. "We will explore ways to create a stronger intra-city bus system. ... The city is grossly underserved."

But paramount to making city government more responsive, Biskupski said, are changes in communication and coordination.

"I believe the culture we foster inside City Hall impacts how we plan, build and communicate as a city," she told her audience of about 200 at Mountain View Elementary. "I believe we must build a more collaborative, bottom-up and inclusive culture in order to be more responsive to you, the people, who live and work here."

Each department and division will begin a strategic planning process. "Information must be a chief component of these plans," she said.

Biskupski said she will audit existing planning and business ordinances and recommend changes to the City Council. Old and confusing ordinances remain on the books and create confusion and project delays, she said.

"If we work together to develop an economic identity and streamline processes, I believe we can bring significant opportunity to our entire city," she said. "We will continue to develop our beautiful downtown, but just as important, we will cultivate lively business centers in ... Rose Park, Poplar Grove, North Temple, Liberty Wells and right here in Glendale."

Beyond that, the mayor said every department will develop a "succession plan" in an effort to keep information more broadly available. "No one person, including myself, should hold all the keys to any department or division in this city."

The mayor also highlighted diversity and an environment of respect and safety.

"Our city's harassment policies and procedures are outdated and unacceptable. Harassment in the workplace destroys morale and costs taxpayers money," she said.

Recently Biskupski appointed Julio Garcia to head up the Human Resources Department, which will begin an audit of existing policies and the culture surrounding sexual harassment.

"We are creating a zero-tolerance atmosphere," she said, "not only reactive through consequences, but proactive through training and education."

Homelessness and crime remain at the top of the city's priority list. Biskupski said she would like to expand programs that give homeless people employment.

"In the next few weeks, I will bring together partners like the Downtown Alliance [business group], the police department and local businesses to discuss how to better utilize the tools we currently have to help the homeless and keep our businesses viable," she said. "I am also committed to expanding programs like the HOST social work program. This program embeds social workers with the police force so we can better get services, including drug treatment, to those who need it."

Hand in hand with homelessness is drug trafficking that drives most crime, the mayor said.

"On the campaign trail, I spoke about the need to coordinate our efforts in fighting crime, especially the drug trafficking, with other agencies," Biskupski said. "Chief [Mike] Brown indicated to me that his teams simply needed to be allowed to work with other agencies — Chief Brown not only has that permission from me now, it is my expectation."

And the mayor said she has asked public police and fire leaders to draft a new plan within the next 90 says to address mandatory overtime of 911 dispatchers.

"They must put aside differences and find a solution to move forward with one that will keep the public safe and bring relief to our first responders."

The mayor said she is exploring ways to strengthen accountability of the police department, including the possibility of independent counsel for the Police Civilian Review Board, which provides oversight. In addition, Biskupski said she is strengthening the "use of force" policy to "better ensure that all evidence — including video, audio, photos and written records relating to a use-of-force incident — are properly collected and maintained for review by the district attorney's office."

The mayor asked residents to join her to move the city forward to bring prosperity, access, safety and respect to everyone in Salt Lake City.

The speech was met with positive comments by three council members in attendance.

Council Chairman James Rogers, who represents Rose Park and other west-side neighborhoods, said the address covered a lot of territory. "I'm excited to look for the [specific] proposals coming forward," he said. "I love the fact that she is emphasizing sustainability and economic development."

Councilman Derek Kitchen, whose District 4 encompasses downtown and the University of Utah area, said the speech was full of new proposals. "I look forward to detailed a public discussion of what she has offered."

And District 6 Councilman Charlie Luke, who represents Yalecrest and other east-side neighborhoods, said the plan for a strong director of economic development makes sense. Economic development is one of three top priorities the council has set for this year.