West Jordan joins the ranks of ‘Get Healthy Utah’! For a city to earn this title, they must have programs, events and codes that encourage healthy lifestyles and opportunities. We have been working hard to support our residents, visitors, and workers that fill our city every day.

What does it mean to be a “Get Healthy Utah” City?

“A healthy community is one where people feel connected, have access to resources that support their well-being, and can live an active lifestyle,” Mayor Dirk Burton said. “Here in West Jordan, we’ve grown a lot over the past decade…That’s why we’ve put a big focus on social connection, mental health and access to transportation.“

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah published an analysis of the most influential factors for health – and found that the biggest contributor is local government.

“Local governments play an important role in promoting and supporting healthier communities by creating places, programs, policies and partnerships that encourage healthy behaviors and improve the lives of their residents.”

City governments can influence many small improvements that quickly add up to allow for healthy living, from transportation options to parks and services.

How West Jordan works to keep everyone who lives, works and plays in our city healthy

In the past few years, our employees and volunteers have implemented new policies and events:

• Community Walks
  • Out of Darkness: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts an annual walk event for mental health in September at our Veterans Memorial Park.
  • Jordan River Fun Walk: A free, relaxed community walk along the Jordan River for people of all abilities
• DEXA health scans: offered to our employees for free.
• Active and agricultural City Ordinances
  • We now allow for backyard chickens, not just in agricultural zones
  • Our West Jordan City Transportation Master Plan improves our public transit option, bike lanes and sidewalks for car-free transportation
• Police Officer Trainings
  • Officers are trained on how to handle mental health and suicide crises for residents in need
  • Police officers and their families have access to mental health support
• Support Local Food Pantries
  • The Jordan Education Foundation has a Principal Pantry that supports students in need. The City often hosts donation drives to keep this pantry full.
  • Police officers help with traffic control near local pantries to keep access easy and open for everyone in need.
• Community Markets
  • Produce Swaps open access to trading home-grown produce and allow neighbors to share healthy food.
  • Community Markets (July 23 – Sept 30, 2025) accept SNAP/WIC benefits just like a grocery store

Why it matters

A healthy community is a happy community. Mayor Burton said,  “Through community surveys and conversations with residents, we learned that people are struggling with social isolation, mental health and transportation issues. This designation helps us stay focused on what matters most–whether that’s improving walkability, offering mental health resources, or making sure people have access to healthy food.”

The ‘Get Healthy Utah’ title will keep West Jordan focused on what is most important – its residents and their health. We are the home of the good neighbor, and West Jordan City aims to be the best neighbor.