For a man who migrated West for its natural beauty then landed in Utah to study environmental law and to ski, this makes sense.
Mayor Ralph Becker will make "livability" the theme of the final two years of his first term, beginning with next week's State of the City address.
More specifically, his spokeswoman says, Salt Lake City's mayor will focus his initiatives under "four E's": environment, engagement, equality and efficiency.
"There will be some revelations that are exciting," Lisa Harrison Smith says about Becker's third annual speech, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. "There will be a big announcement on sustainability that will happen in the first part of the year."
The mayor's office would not reveal specifics, but noted department heads have been briefed on the livability agenda.
Utah's capital is a "diverse and colorful community where all are welcome to live and work," Becker writes in a greeting for the alternative City Weekly 's annual guide. "Like me, a transplant from Washington, D.C., many visitors make Salt Lake City their home because of the lifestyle and opportunities found here."
After ushering in significant social changes in 2009 -- passing landmark anti-discrimination ordinances and opening downtown to more bars -- Becker hopes to add to the list in 2010.
Smith says there will be details on transportation -- the city is chasing federal dollars for streetcars downtown and to Sugar House -- as well as "increased efficiencies" in the capital's cash-poor budget.
Becker called for department cuts last year and mandated modest furloughs to balance the numbers. As the recession drags on, finance officials expect another $4 million reduction in sales-tax revenues.
The mayor will outline the next steps for erecting the $125 million public-safety headquarters, which voters agreed to fund in a November bond election. He will trumpet the planned upgrades to the west side of North Temple, intended to create a "grand" entry from the international airport.
And Becker will continue his emphasis on transparency, pledging to foster public input by keeping City Hall accessible.
What's next?
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker will give his third State of the City speech Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 451 S. State St.
