Paul Pickett was listed as Vice Chair of the Redevelopment Agency of Murray City in a document dated September 7, 2026. The Redevelopment Agency of Murray City is an agency authorized under State law Title 17C, which functions as a Limited Purpose Local Government Entities-Community Development and Renewal Agencies. According to the agency's own website as of September 7, 2026, the governing body for the agency consists of the current members of the City Council of Murray City and an Executive Director. At that time, the commissioners for the agency included Diane Turner as Chair, Paul Pickett as Vice Chair, Pam Cotter, Adam Hock, and Scott Goodman. The Executive Director for the agency was listed as Mayor Brett Hales as of that same September 7, 2026, date.
The purpose of the Redevelopment Agency of Murray City is to facilitate redevelopment efforts in a designated community. The agency is tasked with administering projects and programs that assist in economic development, community development, and the renewal of urban areas. According to the agency's website, the organization assists in these redevelopment efforts by encouraging both private and public investment in previously developed areas that are considered underutilized or blighted. Additionally, the agency works to promote economic development by collaborating with businesses to increase the variety of jobs available within the community and the state. Housing development is also identified as a priority for the agency, which works to increase the amount and variety of affordable housing options within the community.
Historically, the Redevelopment Agency of Murray City began its redevelopment program in 1976 with a public infrastructure project that extended Vine Street west of State Street. As of the September 7, 2026, documentation, the agency maintained five active redevelopment project areas. These areas include the Central Business District, which was established in 1979, and the Cherry Street area, which was established in 1991. Other active areas include East Vine Street, established in 1992, the Smelter Site, established in 1999, and Fireclay, which was established in 2005. A fifth area, the Ore Sampling Mill Site, was established in 2016.
Under State Law 17C-1-102, the agency holds several authorities to facilitate redevelopment. These include the ability to enter into contracts to buy, obtain an option upon, or otherwise acquire interest in real or personal property. The agency may also sell, convey, grant, dispose of by gift, or otherwise dispose of interest in real or personal property. Furthermore, the agency has the authority to enter into lease agreements on real or personal property as either a lessee or a lessor. The agency is also permitted to receive and administer tax increments, and it may establish restrictions and covenants running with the land consistent with the project area plan when disposing of or leasing land. To fund its activities, the agency can accept financial or other assistance from public or private sources and may borrow money or accept assistance from the federal government, a public entity, or any other source, provided it complies with the conditions of the loan or assistance. The agency also has the power to issue bonds to finance undertakings related to urban renewal, economic development, or community development.
What this means for Murray
Residents encounter the work of the Redevelopment Agency through its efforts to increase affordable housing and job availability. As of September 7, 2026, Paul Pickett served as Vice Chair of this agency, which manages several project areas, including the Central Business District and the Smelter Site, to encourage investment in underutilized urban areas.
