During 2025, Cottonwood Heights celebrated many city accomplishments during 20th-year anniversary/birthday celebrations (since incorporation in 2005). Those accomplishments trace back to efforts from different city councils serving throughout the city’s history. 

From celebrating the move into the Cottonwood Heights City Hall building under varying councils led by Mayor Kelvyn H. Cullimore all the way to celebrating the opening of new parks and pickleball courts under a council led by Mayor Mike Peterson. The Cottonwood Heights City history continues on as the city accomplishments under Mayor Mike Weichers are recognized this month with the last few weeks of his term. 

“He gave so much to this city before he was mayor, and I have no doubt that he will continue to contribute to and benefit the fabric of our community for years to come,” said Councilmember Matt Holton. 

Over the past four years, Weichers has been intently focused on planning, bonding and contracting for the Hillside Town Center Plaza. The now-established resident group will continue on working with the contractor to plan, construct and develop this gathering space for the city. 

“The Town Center will be a project that will impact current and future generations, providing a gathering place and a regional draw for residents and visitors alike,” said City Manager Jared Gerber. “Mayor Weichers really led the charge on this and has been heavily influential throughout the process, engaging often with the residents of the city.” 

A Mayor Look-A-Like Contest is held each year during the Cottonwood Heights Bark in the Park event. In 2023, this white husky won the crowd's favor! (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Councilmember Shawn Newell recognized Weichers’ leadership with the Town Center project in developing partnerships with private and public entities. He noted how powerful those connections are in terms of the city’s development. 

“(Weichers) vision to save Hillside Plaza from a large apartment complex development, to an asset that all in the city will have access to, creating a downtown center, will be his lasting legacy,” said Councilmember Matthew Holton.

In addition, Newell celebrates Weichers’ accomplishments with other large developments in the city limits like the gravel pit to Doverhill and his engagement with other mayors in the surrounding area. 

Throughout his entire term, Weichers has been heavily invested in the city council’s fiscal responsibility to its residents. He has mandated space and time for budgeting conversations and sought out unique solutions to keep the city’s budget balanced. 

“Last year, he was instrumental in negotiating a 3% UFA increase that had previously never been below 5% in the last 10 years. As chair of that board, he played a big role in creating efficiencies that lowered costs,” Councilmember Suzanne Hyland said. 

Both Councilmembers Holton and Newell noted Weichers constant efforts to keep taxes low while maintaining high quality services without any disruption to residents' utility services. 

“Mayor Weichers care for this community showed in his efforts to ensure the city was fiscally responsible and accountable to those who fund its operation and services, looking for creative ways to ensure that the residents of Cottonwood Heights could trust that their municipal tax dollars were spent wisely,” Gerber said.

Weichers commitment to fostering a productive work environment in which to listen and find effective solutions, by intently listening to residents, was notable as a constant leadership skill.

“Residents benefited from his ability to hear from different perspectives, even though he may not have agreed with them,” Newell said. 

Mayor Weichers signals the start of the annual Easter Egg Hunt. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Both Holton and Newell shared how the lasting relationships created between the councilmembers are a result of Weichers helping to find ways to work and collaborate together in effective manners. 

“For me, our best interactions were coming to a consensus that worked best for our residents,” Newell said, “even though he is a BYU guy.”

“He listened and responded to residents' requests and needs by inviting people to come together to solve challenging problems,” Hyland said.

Over the past two years, Mayor Weichers has aligned the shared energy from the city staff, city council, and Planning Commission to re-establish and define the vision and character of the city. 

“Mayor Weichers has really promoted and focused on community identity and trying to give Cottonwood Heights an improved sense of place that residents can be proud of and fully engage with,” Gerber said. 

Overall, Weichers has left a dense chapter within the city’s history. Much of his work has laid foundations for incoming city staff members and future elected officials to continue. 

“He is a man of absolute integrity and a fierce advocate for the benefit of all residents. He is a passionate family man who took the education, safety and success of our next generation seriously,” Holton said. 

“He is passionate about our community and he’ll miss serving our residents,” said Newell. 

“I'm grateful to Mayor Weichers for his selfless service, his commitment to public safety, and for making Cottonwood Heights a better place to live for all of us,” Hyland said.