Hey Eagle Mountain. Colten here.

Writing this newsletter is one of the most rewarding things I do. Knowing it helps neighbors stay connected to what's happening in our city means a lot to me.

It also takes real time. Research, watching city meetings, verifying facts, writing, editing, sending. I do all of it myself right now, and I hope to keep doing this indefinitely.

Now to get straight to the point: If you've gotten value out of these newsletters and want to help keep them going, I've set up a Venmo (@eaglemountainvalue) where you can chip in if you're able. There's no obligation here at all. I'll keep writing every issue whether anyone sends a dollar or not. But if you've ever wanted a way to say thanks, this is a way to turn that thanks into something more tangible.

Thank you, genuinely. Now, here's what's going on this weekend.

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Own a local business or have an event coming up? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]. I'm always looking for things to share.

The Eagle Mountain Planning Commission met Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with one commissioner absent for the evening. Every vote passed 4 to 0. All six items are recommendations only. Final decisions still rest with the City Council.

All six items now move to the City Council for a final vote.

Eagle Mountain is preparing to adopt its Community Development Block Grant program, a source of federal funding cities can use for projects like housing assistance and public improvements. Public comment is open through August 4, 2026.

A company called Ionic Mineral Technologies announced this week a large critical-minerals project called Silicon Ridge, located on state trust land in the Lake Mountains, just south of Eagle Mountain. The company's own estimate puts the project's value in the billions of dollars.

Here is why I think this is worth flagging now, even though there is a lot still unconfirmed. Eagle Mountain recently added a seventh area — labeled as Area 7 on page 17 of this document — in its list of places it may someday consider adding to the city. Area 7 was introduced for its potential economic development and infrastructure value, and the timing lines up with this project's announcement. Note that the city hasn’t moved forward with any annexation process. It just approved the updated annexation plan.

If you would like me to dig deeper into this and report back once I know more, reply to this email and let me know.

If you have not had a chance yet, Mayor Jared Gray, Councilmember Zachory Huish, and Councilmember Craig Whiting answered real questions on the proposed property tax increase in a recorded conversation last weekend. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts.

Summer is a natural point for small business owners to check in on their books before the second half of the year gets away from them. That is where Cassandra Fulton of Fulton Premier Bookkeeping comes in. She works with Eagle Mountain small business owners to keep their finances accurate and up to date, so decisions get made with real numbers instead of guesswork.

If your books could use a midyear look, you can find Cassandra on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or book a call directly through her Calendly page.

Steel Days, American Fork's biggest annual celebration, runs for more than a week this year, from Saturday, July 18, through Saturday, July 25.

A few highlights worth planning around: the opening car show and cruise kick things off on July 18, a carnival runs at Mary and Art Dye Park through much of the following week, and the celebration closes out on July 25 with the Steel Days Run, a Grand Parade, and a fireworks show.

Full schedule and times are on the Steel Days website.

Other events to check out:

All solicitors in Eagle Mountain, including salespeople and those canvassing for charities or political causes, must register with the city, pass a background check, and carry a city-issued ID badge. If someone cannot show a badge, they are not authorized to be soliciting. You can check the city's active solicitor list before answering the door. If you have posted a "No Solicitation" sign, solicitors are legally required to check for it and leave without knocking. To report a violation, contact the city through the resident portal or call the Utah County Sheriff's non-emergency line at 801-798-5600.

Layne's hens are free range and raised without corn or soy, which is part of why his eggs have built a following well beyond his own street. He has been part of the Eagle Mountain community for 24 years, and his small farm just outside city limits produces more eggs most weeks than his family alone can use.

A box of four dozen costs $25, with free delivery anywhere in Eagle Mountain. Text Layne at 801-641-2145 to place an order. If you would rather see the operation firsthand, Layne also runs the Chick Inn, a working ranch stay where guests can see the whole process from hens to eggs. Find him on Instagram and Facebook, or book a stay through Airbnb.

That’s it for today. Sending all the positive vibes your way so you can have a good day.

See you around,

— Colten

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