For many years Hooper was thought of as a “destination city”. This distinction discouraged most businesses from wanting to locate within our boundaries. With the proposed West Weber Corridor slated to come through Hooper in just a few short years, Hooper has become a desirable location for commercial development. In the recent update to the General Plan, we put in place specific zoning in areas on the Future Land Use Map to accommodate potential commercial development that could result from the addition of the West Weber Corridor. These areas were carefully thought-out and meant to accommodate businesses that would bring in needed revenue and help Hooper preserve its rural, small-town atmosphere- a desire expressed by the majority of Hooper residents.

While businesses can bring in revenue to a city through the sales tax they generate, they can also bring in added expenses through the need of additional services and an increase in wear and tear on our infrastructure. They can also significantly change the aesthetics and quality of life of a city. Hooper City will need to be cautious and selective in changing and establishing different types and areas of commercial zoning and design standards. I will support and encourage economic development that is shown to be fiscally beneficial, accommodates our rural atmosphere, and respects the desires of our community.