Mayor’s Message

New Commerce Benefiting Washington City

In late June, the Washington City Council passed the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year Budget. I’m proud of the work our city leadership and staff do to provide for the current and future needs of our community by investing in necessary infrastructure, supporting first responders, and maintaining the quality of life we enjoy here. As mayor, I remain committed to fiscal responsibility while providing for a safe and prosperous place to live, work, and recreate.

For years, residents have traveled to neighboring cities to shop for many goods and services. However, that is quickly changing. An expanding Sienna Hills Auto Mall, with the Findlay Hyundai dealership already in operation, new restaurants, an incoming Winco Foods, and the groundbreaking of OneHealth medical clinic are just a few examples. This clinic of medical doctors and professionals, specializing in internal medicine, pediatric, and primary care, will be built on Brio Parkway, near Buena Vista Boulevard and Main Street, and will bring valuable medical services back to Washington City that have been missing for several years.

With additional exciting retail on the way, yet to be announced, residents will soon have access to even more goods and services within city limits. Much of this activity is along the I-15 corridor, with other small-scale neighborhood commercial areas thoughtfully planned and placed throughout the city. As commerce in Washington City increases, so does the sales tax revenue to the General Fund, which in turn pays for police officers, firefighters, infrastructure, and other services. When given the choice, please shop in Washington City.

If you’ve recently headed south on the Southern Parkway, you may have noticed two large concrete tilt-up buildings of about 150,000 square feet each beginning to take shape just east of the regional airport. These are the first of several buildings that will make up what is called the ARA Southwest Logistics Center. This large-scale, private-sector project is being developed by Freeport West, and has been in the works as a top priority for nearly four years now. At full build-out, which could take 15 to 20 years, these buildings will exceed five million square feet of high-end distribution and warehouse space. Freeport West already has several interested companies that would like to occupy the buildings currently under construction.

While difficult to comprehend the scope and scale of this project, which spans hundreds of acres, ARA (pronounced ah-RAH)  is well-designed and will be a catalyst for employment opportunities and a significant source of General Fund revenue for the city. In fact, this transformational project will be the largest development of its kind in Washington County and will be a significant benefit to the entire Southwest region. But those who will benefit most are residents, because the revenue generated from ARA will allow the city to provide infrastructure, public safety, and other critical services.

Having additional commerce developed, with more local access to goods and services, strengthens the entire community. Commercial projects, like OneHealth, Sienna Hills Auto Mall, and ARA Southwest Logistics Center attract new businesses, create jobs, and foster economic development that enhances quality of life. Commercial development done the right way is a win for everyone.

 -Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org