When Jim Bradley first assumed office on the Salt Lake County Council (then Commission) 28 years ago, Bill Clinton had just begun his first term as President of the United States, the Utah Jazz were on the verge of their first-ever NBA Finals appearance, and the state of Utah was grappling with rapid growth and urbanization. Nearly three decades, Bradley has witnessed—and helped shape—the evolution of Salt Lake County into a dynamic and culturally rich region. Now, as he prepares to step down, Bradley reflects on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons of his long career.

Bradley has been a fixture to the Salt Lake County Council as an At-Large member since its inception in 2000. He was first elected on the previously three-person Salt Lake County Commission. By all accounts, he is the longest serving elected official ever to serve in the county seat.

A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

Bradley counts his environmental advocacy among his most significant contributions. Early in his tenure as chair of the Salt Lake County Commission, Bradley made the controversial decision to halt plans for a golf course in the 630-acre Dimple Dell Park. “I was able to stop a proposed golf course in the park in order to preserve the untouched beauty of this urban asset,” he said. He also championed the foothill and canyon overlay zoning initiative, which protected open spaces in Salt Lake County’s iconic mountain areas.

Another key effort was his implementation of the Millcreek Canyon fee gate to fund conservation efforts. “The revenues from the fee gate are used, in part, to rehabilitate picnic sites and trails and to restore stream banks from the effects of erosion caused by visitor overuse,” Bradley explained.

Bradley’s environmental work extended to resisting Olympic venue plans in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons during the 2002 Winter Olympics. "Being part of the public pressure that demanded [these areas] be avoided as venue sites was controversial," he said. More recently, he has opposed plans for a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon, citing concerns about environmental degradation.

A Champion for Arts and Culture

Throughout his career, Bradley consistently prioritized arts and culture, spearheading initiatives such as the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) tax. This funding mechanism became a cornerstone for the performing arts community, contributing to facilities like the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center and the Eccles Theater.

“Artistic and cultural resources are truly the jewels that make a community a place where people want to work, live and play,” Bradley said. “My early love of the arts was certainly influenced by my parents. My public advocacy for the arts and cultural sector was never a second or conscious thought—it is just what I do.”

Bradley also emphasized incorporating public art into civic projects, praising Salt Lake County’s percent-for-art program. “I am proud that Salt Lake County continues to fund the percent-for-art program so that all capital projects include a public art element,” he said.

Advancing Public Safety and Urban Farming

Bradley was instrumental in creating the Unified Police Department, which streamlined law enforcement services across eight municipalities. “A unified policing model provides greater efficiencies, more effective law enforcement, and can be provided at a much lesser cost,” he said. He hopes more municipalities will join the initiative in the future.

He also championed Salt Lake County’s urban farming program, launched during the 1990s to support refugees and local farmers. The program identified underutilized county-owned land for farming, offering affordable leases to encourage agricultural use. “We made parcels of land available for cultivation by refugee communities. It was later expanded to local urban farmers. The program also included adjustments to property taxes to promote agricultural use of privately owned land.

Building Structures with Integrity

Bradley believes civic buildings should embody a community’s values and history. He supported fire station replacements and new construction projects, emphasizing their architectural quality and longevity. “Civic structures reflect a visual expression of the vitality and values of any community,” he said. “The Eccles Theater, Abravanel Hall and the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center are examples of the County’s commitment to this ideal.”

Bipartisan Relationships and Future Challenges

Known for fostering bipartisan relationships, Bradley highlighted the importance of mutual respect in politics. “For me though, the first piece of advice is to emotionally shed any barrier that party affiliation may psychologically cause,” he said. He stressed the value of maintaining relationships, even after heated debates. “Some of my most heated discussions were with people on the same side of the aisle as me, but the best days were when we finished the day and went and had dinner and a beer.”

Looking ahead, Bradley sees significant challenges for Salt Lake County, including protecting natural resources, preserving regional service roles, and defending county autonomy from state legislative overreach. “Challenges come and go, but the process is key,” he said, urging incoming council members to focus on collaboration and long-term planning.

A Legacy of Leadership

As Bradley’s tenure comes to a close, he remains modest about his role in shaping Salt Lake County’s future. “None [of my accomplishments] were made alone,” he said. “An excellent staff and the ability to have productive conversations with my colleagues all led to any successes I’ve had.”

South Salt Lake City Councilwoman Democrat Natalie Pinkney narrowly defeated Republican Rachelle Morris for Bradley’s seat in the general election. She will take the oath of office in January.