Rusty Hughes serves as the Economic Development Director for Washington, according to the city's April 8, 2026, public forum minutes. As of the June 24, 2026, City Council meeting minutes, Hughes is listed as a member of the city staff attending the regular meeting. He was also present at the Planning Commission meeting held on July 15, 2026, as well as the Land Use Authority meeting held on the same day, according to the respective meeting minutes.
In his capacity as Economic Development Director, Hughes is involved in efforts to encourage residents to shop locally to support the city's long-term fiscal health. According to a news article posted by Washington City on October 1, 2025, the city has grown from its farming roots into a community of nearly 40,000 residents. The article notes that for many years, residents would go to town in St. George for shopping and entertainment. This pattern of spending outside the city limits has implications for the city's revenue, as Washington City relies heavily on sales and property taxes. Specifically, sales tax accounts for roughly 65 percent of general fund revenue, according to the October 1, 2025, news article.
The economic landscape of Washington involves a complex relationship between residential and commercial development. The October 1, 2025, news article states that over the past 20 years, 98 percent of permits in Washington City were for residential development. However, the city faces challenges because residential development does not pay for itself; for every dollar in residential property tax, essential services cost about $1.50. In contrast, commercial and industrial projects cost about 65 cents per dollar generated, according to the October 1, 2025, news article. Because of this, well-planned commercial growth is necessary to offset residential costs and stabilize property taxes.
Hughes's work is connected to the broader goal of bringing goods, services, and jobs closer to home. The October 1, 2025, news article emphasizes that even small shifts in where residents shop, dine, or seek services help fund essential city services such as police, fire protection, roads, parks, and trails. The article concludes by encouraging business owners considering expansion or a new location to look to Washington City, and it provides contact information for Hughes at rhughes@washingtoncity.org.
In addition to economic promotion, Hughes is present during various legislative and planning processes. During the July 15, 2026, Planning Commission meeting, Hughes was among the staff present while the commission considered various public hearings, including a request for a Conditional Use Permit for three new commercial buildings at 912 West Red Cliffs Drive. On the same day, the Land Use Authority met to consider a Preliminary Plat for Sunrise Valley Industrial Park Phases 3-5, located near Smelter Drive and Foundry Drive, according to the July 15, 2026, Land Use Authority minutes.
What this means for Washington
For residents of Washington, the work of the Economic Development Director relates to the city's long-term financial stability. By encouraging local shopping and commercial growth, the city aims to offset the high costs of residential services and ensure that essential services like police and fire protection remain well-funded through local tax revenue.
