West Valley City
Matthew Michela is an experienced Communications and Event Specialist at West Valley City since August 2019, with a robust background in photojournalism at Sinclair Broadcast Group, where work includes shooting and editing news stories, creating graphics, and collaborating with reporters and producers. Previous roles include photographing for Gannett and Sinclair Broadcast Group, where responsibilities involved live shots and breaking news coverage. Matthew's early experience includes leading video production at Camp Echo, interning at Daily Camera, and technical roles at M.C. Dean, Inc. and the United States Navy, where responsibilities focused on security systems and nuclear plant operations. Matthew holds a degree in Broadcast Production from the University of Colorado Boulder.
West Valley City
Economic development has continued to be a priority for West Valley City's leaders. Business parks like Lake Park Corporate Center, West Ridge Commerce Park, Decker Lake Business District and Metro Business Park include corporate headquarters, regional offices and world-wide distribution centers for companies like Verizon Wireless, Frito Lay, Backcountry.com, United Parcel Service (UPS) and Discover Card. Economic development activities in the heart of the city include a complete redevelopment of Valley Fair Mall, and an all-new transit oriented development, Fairbourne Station. West Valley City has long celebrated its cultural diversity. The 2010 Census Report estimated the size of the non-white community at almost 35 percent. Fulfilling the dream of former Mayor Gearld L. Wright, the city broke ground on the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in 2002, creating a space where cultures could come together to celebrate with one another. Since opening, the Utah Cultural Celebration Center has hosted hundreds of cultural events. Recreation opportunities abound in West Valley City. Two golf courses and more than 20 parks provide ample green space, while the 96,000 square foot Family Fitness Center and the Harman Senior Recreation Center provide recreation and fitness activities for all ages.