An overview of what’s happening around our community

“Keeping Ogden strong is Ogden Legacy’s main focus,” said Legacy President Craig Christensen as he kicked off their annual meeting last Tuesday night. “And we’re here to inform you, get you involved.”

Ogden Legacy took a little different approach to this year’s meeting making it a casual and informative night of “What’s happening in Ogden.” 

The program consisted of presentations from CyBiz concerning an industrial park concept,   Iowa State University Extension and Outreach with results from the Housing Needs Assessment, and an update on the school facility project.

Would an industrial park work in Ogden? Six months ago Ogden Legacy hired Iowa State University’s CyBIZLab to conduct an industrial park feasibility study. The team pointed out pros and cons of establishing one in the Ogden area: 

• Housing growth in Ogden and abundance of health care is attractive to potential employers.

• Land zoning is an issue impeding progress not only for an industrial park but other local projects as well.

• Proximity to a large highway and Des Moines are attractive to companies with shipping needs.

• Industrial expansion in neighboring towns is extra competition for a new industrial park.

They discussed the impact an industrial park can have on the tax base, economic growth and job creation.

Read more in the March 7 issue of The Ogden Reporter.