Becker Transition Team Update

Salt Lake City Mayor-Elect Ralph Becker’s Transition Team Steering Committee reconvened Monday to report on findings and present recommendations to the Mayor-Elect. Committee members (listed below) focused on eight broad areas of study, and each member recruited 5-10 other individuals to carry out interviews and conduct research in their effort to evaluate the city’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Both the Mayor-Elect and Transition Team Chair Palmer DePaulis were very impressed. “The caliber of this input – particularly given the aggressive schedule we had to work with – is extremely high,” said DePaulis. “Each of these individuals marshaled a strong team that interviewed city employees, residents, business owners, experts in their area, and a whole range of other stakeholders. They also looked at what other cities are doing, and how they are organized, in order to compare best practices.”

Mayor-Elect Becker will spend the week ahead digesting the reports so that he can make informed decisions on both any structural adjustments and staffing changes. “While I certainly have some specific thoughts on changes within city government, I have waited for this input before making any decisions with regard to the city’s departments,” said the Mayor-Elect. “But I plan to move quickly now, and will announce by Friday afternoon major changes for the start of my administration.”

Mayor-Elect Becker spent time during Monday’s meeting thanking the Steering Committee. “It has been a huge undertaking, and I know that all of you and your team members have given a substantial amount of time and energy for this process,” he said. “I am extremely grateful to you for it, and the residents of Salt Lake City will be better served because of your efforts.”

Palmer DePaulis, Chair

Mike Zuhl, Vice-Chair

Natalie Gochnour, Economic Development
Karen Hale, Neighborhoods and Community
Patrice Arent, Legal and Justice
DJ Baxter, Public Works
Soren Simonsen, Sustainability
Jennifer Mayer-Glenn, Education
David Ibarra, Administrative Services
Gary Cox, Public Safety
Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Boards and Commissions
Ben McAdams, At-large
Bob Huefner, At-large