As the scorching summer gives way to the relief of fall, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my first three months serving as Box Elder’s City Administrator. As a recovering East Riverite and former out-of-state transplant who arrived before it became trendy, I’m proud to now call the Black Hills and West River home. 

It’s no secret that the region, and particularly Box Elder, is growing at what can feel like a breakneck pace, with what sometimes seems like boundless opportunity ahead. The arrival of the B-21 bomber, construction of new homes, and development of new businesses have created a palpable sense of energy and optimism throughout our community. Before joining the City, I served with the State’s Division of Criminal Investigation in Pierre, where I often viewed this kind of growth from 30,000 feet. Today, I have the privilege of working at the local level and helping shape that growth directly.

Over the past three months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with the people who make Box Elder what it is, from residents and military servicemembers to city employees, business owners, and everyone in between. One thing has become abundantly clear: growth requires responsibility. And for me, responsibility begins with intentionality.

As a growing community, we could easily remove the guardrails and pursue expansion simply for the sake of growth. We could chase every new opportunity that comes our way in hopes of adding another win to the scoreboard. There’s real temptation in doing so, particularly in a world where success is often viewed through the lens of zero-sum gains. But I consider doing so irresponsible to the individuals who call this community home and to those we hope will choose Box Elder in the future.

Intentionality requires us, first and foremost, to do the “boring” things exceptionally well because they matter most: promoting good governance, maintaining safe roads, providing reliable water service, caring for parks and public spaces, and ensuring a rapid, professional response when you call 911. By focusing on these fundamentals at a time when many communities are chasing the next big thing, we position Box Elder for growth that’s not only possible, but sustainable and aligned with the needs of our residents.

But that’s not where it ends.

As we look to the future, Box Elder’s growth will require us to remain connected to our community, advancing opportunities that serve the needs, expectations, and aspirations of those who live here while having the discipline to say no when they do not. Our goal is, and will continue to be, to pursue growth initiatives that strengthen our sense of community and advance the priorities identified by our residents, rather than allowing growth alone to shape our future.

Every day, I am honored to work alongside the Mayor, Council, residents, partners, and City staff to help build Box Elder’s future. While there’s still much to accomplish, I am energized by the progress we’ve made and optimistic about the road ahead.

But the future won’t build itself. Now it’s up to us to build it with intention, with responsibility, and with purpose.