Draper City Talk Podcast

Hosted by Mayor Troy Walker, Draper City Talk is the official podcast of Draper City. Since 2021 the podcast has brought behind-the-scenes insight into local government services and processes, as well as experiences of community members, to local, national, and international listeners.

Draper City Talk is available on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Individual episodes can also be heard by clicking on an episode title below.

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

Listen on Spotify - Draper City Talk: Wildfire Deployments and Prevention

Now with VIDEO - Watch on our YouTube channel at the link below. 

 

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.

Originally published January 14, 2025.

 

 

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.

Originally published October 24, 2024.

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.

Originally published July 31, 2024

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.

Originally published April 8, 2024

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 development that will change the landscape of Draper and Utah.
Originally published February 14, 2024

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 future of water in Utah.
Originally published November 17, 2023

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?

Originally published August 24

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) standards for water efficiency. The City’s application of these new requirements and standards will be mainly focused on new development but with these changes come additional benefits for current residents and businesses who want to make the change to more water-efficient landscaping.

Cynthia Bee, Public Information Officer for Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and Jennifer Jastremsky, Community Development Director for Draper City join Mayor Walker to discuss these changes and benefits.
Originally published July 11, 2023

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.

Originally published May 1, 2023

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 winter, runoff flooding mitigation plans for spring, and tips to help prevent flooding at your property.
Originally published March 7, 2023

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-the-scenes. Other volunteer opportunities are available on one of the City's commissions or committees.

Originally published January 13,2023

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 policies to meet the recreational and aesthetic goals of the residents of Draper.

Resident Jamie Pogue, chair of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee and longtime City employee Brad Jensen, Parks Projects Manager, join Mayor Walker to discuss the history and future of recreational open space in Draper City.


Learn more about Draper City Trails and Open Space

Learn more about The Point

Learn more about the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee

Learn more about Corner Canyon Trails Foundation

Originally published December 7, 2022

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

Originally published September 2, 2022

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 City Tree Committee resources and classes for Draper residents.

Learn more about Localscapes for landscape design ideas, resources and classes.

Learn more about Utah Water Savers for water conservation programs and rebates.

Submit a volunteer interest application for Draper City committees and commissions.
Originally published August 24, 2022

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.

Originally published June 28, 2022

Steve Cunningham, Assistant General Manager, WaterPro, Alan Packard, Assistant General Manger and Chief Engineer, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and Brien Maxfield, Senior Engineering Manager, Draper City Public Works, return to the podcast to discuss the continuing severe drought in Utah, current water supply and management, long-term planning to ensure adequate water supply, conservation efforts and tips, and the results of WaterPro's flouride survey.

Originally published June 21, 2022

Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber President & CEO, discusses his longtime career with the Utah Jazz and the Larry H. Miller Group and how that prepared him for his post-retirement role with the chamber, how the chamber supports local businesses and provides connections and training for business owners to grow and improve their business, and the chamber's partnership with Draper City.

Originally published June 9, 2022

Draper City Code Enforcement Officer Dave Bernal discusses common code violations, processes for requesting a response on a problem, and how he works with property owners and businesses to resolve issues.

Originally published May 13, 2022

Parks and Recreation Director Rhett Ogden previews projects and events for 2022, including the new boat launch at Rotary Park, a trail connection with Lehi, all-abilities playground, conservation garden at the Parks & Rec building, improvements to Ballard Arena, amphitheater shows, new community events and more.

Originally published May 5, 2022

In summer of 2022 inmates of the Utah State Prison will be transferred to the new prison facility. This is a significant step in plans to develop the site, consisting of 600 acres of state-owned land, into Utah’s Innovation Community. Known as The Point, the new community will foster technological advancement, provide parks and open space, and support economic growth. Located in Draper, The Point will be a great addition to the Draper Community.

Executive Director of The Point, Alan Matheson, discusses development plans, construction timeline, and economic benefits.
Originally published March 21, 2022

Planning Manager Jennifer Jastremsky discusses misperceptions about what the City can and cannot do with respect to approvals or denials of development applications, different categories of zoning and what types of building is allowed in each, how state legislative decisions impact city code and enforcement – including recent changes related to Accessory Dwelling Units, and how the Draper City Historic Preservation Commission seeks to keep the community’s history alive.

Originally published March 7, 2022

Deputy Director of Public Works Robert Markle and Solid Waste Manager Hazel Dunsmore discuss garbage and recycling management in Draper City, fluctuations in the recycling market, where to dispose of items not accepted in curbside bins, probable changes to collection routes, landfill processes, and what garbage truck drivers want everyone to know.

Originally published February 18, 2022

City Manager David Dobbins and Assistant City Manager Bret Millburn discuss their roles and responsibilities, keeping property tax low through strategic economic development, the pursuit of additional communications infrastructure, accommodating growth, adjustments to City operations to ensure essential services continue during a pandemic, and recent changes to special event permitting on City trails.

Originally released February 1, 2022

Draper City Police Chief John Eining discusses Draper Police Department's approach to law enforcement, nationwide tensions following the George Floyd case, training, and responsibilities of police officers.

Originally published January 19, 2022

On the fifth anniversary of the reorganization of the Draper City Fire Department, Chief Clint Smith and Deputy Chief Bart Vawdrey join Mayor Walker to share their experience of restarting the department from the ground up, what life is like at a fire house, and notable events, including the tragic line-of-duty death of Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett.

Originally published January 3, 2022

Did you know Draper City has a Traffic Committee? Hear about that process and more as Public Works Director/City Engineer Scott Cooley and Senior Engineering Manager Todd Hammond join Mayor Walker to talk about 2021 road projects, pandemic impacts to construction, development impact fees, and strategic planning for the future.

Originally published December 22, 2021

Brien Maxfield (Draper City Senior Engineering Manager), David Gardner (WaterPro), and Alan Packard (Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District) join Mayor Troy Walker to discuss the unique partnership of Draper City of having two water providers, the impact of Utah's extreme drought on next year's water supply, the potential for a water reuse system, preventing contamination and water quality monitoring, and more.

Originally published December 6, 2021

Ron Williams and Shivam Shah of the Draper City Diversity and Inclusion Committee share some of their background and experiences, the objectives of the committee and discuss challenges with diversity and inclusion in Draper.

Originally published November 15, 2021

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1020 E. Pioneer Road
Draper, UT 84020
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