Draper City Talk

Mayor Walker is joined by Draper City Fire Chief Clint Smith and Wildland Fuels Crew Supervisor Parker Hansen to discuss the upcoming fire season, as well as changes within the State of Utah affecting the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Episode Links: Utah WUI interactive map (to check if home or address is in high risk area): wildfirerisk.utah.gov Fireworks restrictions zone map: draperutah.gov/f...

In the 2026 legislative session, the Utah Legislature made changes to state law regarding these e-motorcycles, e-bikes, motor-assisted scooters, and other motorized vehicles. These changes took effect May 6, 2026. Mayor Walker is joined by Draper City Police Lt. Mike Elkins to discuss these new changes, how the police department will enforce them, and what can be done to keep riders and pedestrian...

Mayor Walker is joined by Councilmembers Fred Lowry and Bryn Heather Johnson. They discuss what led them into public service, their priorities, and their goals for Draper over the next year. Originally published April 1, 2026

Mayor Walker is joined by Councilmembers Kathryn Dahlin and Tasha Lowery, who were elected and re-elected, respectively, to the City Council in November 2025. They discuss what led them into public service, their priorities, and their goals for Draper over the next year. Originally published February 19, 2026

Mayor Walker is joined by Michael Ambre, Executive Director of The Point, to discuss Phase I development and beyond at the former prison site. Learn about the progress being made at The Point, what can be expected as this phase nears completion, Draper's role in The Point's future, and more in the final episode of 2025. Originally published December 8, 2025

Mayor Walker is joined by Public Works Director Scott Cooley to discuss everything having to do with Draper City's roads. Learn about potholes, widening roads and adding sidewalks, and much more in this deep-dive into all the work that goes into building and maintaining our city roads. Originally published November 17, 2025

Draper City Talk is back with a new season! In this episode, Mayor Walker sits down with Draper Police and School Resource Officer Adam Neff, and Canyon School District's Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards to discuss how all of us can help keep schools safe.

Draper City Talk is back with a new season! In this episode, Mayor Walker sits down with Draper Police and School Resource Officer Adam Neff, and Canyon School District's Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards to discuss how all of us can help keep schools safe.

Mayor Walker is joined by Finance Director John Vuyk to discuss the budgetary process for Draper City. They discuss the needs and challenges of city budgeting, as well as keeping taxes low while maintaining essential city services. Originally published June 23, 2025

Mayor Walker is joined by Draper Fire Captain Brian Garn and Wildland Firefighter Supervisor Parker Hansen, who discuss their deployment to help combat the recent L.A. fires in California. They discuss their experience, as well as mitigation efforts taken by the City to help prevent catastrophes from wildland fires in Draper. Originally published February 27, 2025

Mayor Walker is joined by City Manager Mike Barker and Assistant City Manager Kellie Challburg to discuss changes in city management, as well as a review of what happened in Draper in 2024.

Draper City Police Chief Rich Ferguson and Fire Chief Clint Smith join Mayor Walker on the podcast to discuss the recruitment and retention challenges public safety professions currently experience, and the measures Draper City have taken to bring in and keep qualified personnel in these departments.

Utah League of Cities and Towns Director Cameron Diehl and Deputy Director Justin Lee join Mayor Walker on the podcast to discuss proposed legislation related to gravel pit operations and their potential impacts on communities in Utah, including Draper.

Cameron Diehl, Executive Director of the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) discusses the 2024 Utah State Legislative Session, the role of ULCT during the session with respect to advocating for local government, and how some bills impact communities

Significant progress was made in 2023 with The Point development at the former state prison site, including the demolition of the prison, approval of funding from the state legislature, long-range transportation plans, and a signed agreement with development partners for phase one. The Point Executive Director Alan Matheson again joins Mayor Walker to provide an update about this historic developm...

Maintaining adequate water supply and service in Utah will require smart planning, the investment of billions of dollars in infrastructure, and the cooperation of all residents to conserve this vital resource. Maura Carabello of the Exoro Group and Tage Flint of Utah Water Ways join Mayor Walker to discuss their participation in a recent water conference where projections were presented about the...

Parks & Recreation Director Rhett Ogden shares details about recent storm impacts on parks and trails and upcoming projects including a conservation garden, more pickleball courts, trail improvements and connections. Did someone say disc golf?

Although record snow has greatly improved drought conditions in Utah this year, Utah will always need to be concerned about drought. Draper City recently took an additional step in long-term planning for water conservation as the city council adopted changes to our landscaping requirements to make them more water-wise, including the adoption of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District’s (JVWCD) st...

Representatives for Draper in the Utah State Legislature, Senator Kirk Cullimore and Representative Jeff Stenquist recap items of interest to Draper residents from the 2023 legislative session, share requests or feedback they've received from constituents, and discuss long-term goals they feel are important for the state to address.

With snow totals reaching levels not seen for 20 or more years, we look forward to the warmer temperatures of spring. But, all that snow melting too quickly can bring other concerns – particularly the potential for flooding. Draper City Public Works Director/City Engineer Scott Cooley and Assistant City Manager Bret Millburn discuss the groundwater flooding that some residents experienced this win...

Community involvement and belonging have great benefits for our health and wellbeing. Draper City offers a wonderful variety of recurring community events - from the Easter Egg Hunt to the Haunted Trail, fun times are just around the corner. Community Events Manager David Wilks and Chief of Staff Kellie Challburg give a preview of events for 2023 and discuss how residents can get involved behind-t...

Collaboration between city officials, community volunteers, and partnerships with Salt Lake County and other entities led to Draper City preserving 6,495 acres of public open space, including 147 miles of trails and 45 parks. The City's Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee is comprised of volunteers who work with City staff to recommend and monitor the establishment of facilities, programs and...

Draper Police Detective Adam Neff discusses his current role as a D.A.R.E. instructor and school police officer, including the program's evolution since its inception in 1983, how parents and community members can provide support, and the biggest concerns kids are dealing with now.  Dare Website Draper Police Department

Draper City Tree Committee Chair Dave Cloward and Vice-Chair Michelle Coker discuss how to keep trees healthy, especially during extreme drought, the right types of trees to plant, the benefits of trees in a community, conservation-friendly landscaping and rebate programs, and Mayor Walker's own Flip Your Strip experience. Learn more about the Draper City Tree Committee . Learn more about Draper C...

Draper City Fire Marshal Don Buckley discusses fireworks restrictions for 2022, high fire danger due to extreme drought statewide, tips for home fire safety, and the Home Entry Lockbox Loaner Program (HELLP) which assists residents who may not be able to get to the door when first responders arrive in a medical emergency.  Visit our website to view the interactive fireworks restriction map.&n...