Bart Blair and the Legacy of Local Leadership: How One Family Helped Shape Ogden’s Past—and Future

Generations of the Blair Family Have Helped Shape Ogden’s Story: Meet Bart Blair

Ogden, Utah—a city shaped by pioneers, railroads, and resilience—continues its transformation with leaders who understand its roots. Few embody that spirit more than Bart Blair: lifelong resident, small business owner, and four-term City Council member whose family has helped fuel the city’s growth for over 70 years. From humble beginnings at a family-owned service station to his current role as an influential Ogden City Council member, Blair’s journey embodies the spirit of local commitment and visionary leadership.

PoliticIt Radio – Heart of Ogden (Bart Blair Song)

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his profile explores the life, career, and aspirations of Bart Blair—how his deep roots, business experience, and record of public service have helped shape Ogden’s present and future. Now campaigning for re-election to the City Council At Large Seat B, Blair shares his insights on fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, urban development, and the momentum transforming Ogden’s downtown. His story is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of generational dedication and community stewardship.

The Blair Family Legacy: Deep Roots in Ogden’s Soil

Bart Blair’s ties to Ogden aren’t just personal—they’re generational. His family—including parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents—have all called Ogden home, living within a few miles of each other in the city’s neighborhoods. Born and raised in Ogden, Blair’s life has been shaped by the very community he now serves.

Growing up between 20th and 30th Streets, Bart attended Ogden City Schools, including Central Middle and Ogden High School. His early years were marked by tight-knit neighborhoods and strong community ties. “I literally knew everybody,” he recalls about his first day of high school, highlighting how genuine connections helped shape his outlook on leadership and inclusion.

Sports played a significant role in Blair’s youth, thanks to a local coach who encouraged him to branch out beyond his immediate neighborhood. Bart played soccer, basketball, and baseball, developing relationships across diverse communities in Ogden—balancing school, athletics, neighborhood friendships, and church life.

Despite his small stature—standing just 5’3” and weighing under 100 pounds—Bart’s leadership qualities emerged early. He was elected student body president at Ogden High, a role he attributes not to popularity, but to the relationships he had built by treating everyone fairly. Growing up in Ogden’s diverse school system taught him the value of listening, inclusion, and human dignity—principles that continue to guide his public service.

From High School Leadership to Citywide Service

After high school, Bart earned a scholarship to Weber State University and took one semester before serving a mission in Frankfurt, Germany. That time abroad was transformative, and he fondly recalls recent travels through Nuremberg and Basel, Switzerland—revisiting the landscapes that once shaped his worldview.

Upon returning, Bart resumed his studies at Weber State, majoring in Sales and Service—a degree that offered both versatility and practical application. It would become the foundation for his dual paths in business and public leadership.

After graduation, he worked in sales before joining the family business—a service station and convenience store with deep roots in Ogden. Established in the late 1950s by Bart’s grandfather, Ed Blair, the business was a bold entrepreneurial leap. Ed had gone from Coca-Cola salesman to mechanic overnight, acquiring a failing service station and transforming it into a neighborhood cornerstone.

Over the decades, the business evolved—adding gas pumps, launching one of Utah’s first conveyor-belt car washes in the 1970s, and undergoing a complete rebuild in 1999 to modernize its offerings. Bart took over daily operations in 2011, continuing a family legacy that had already spanned two generations.

Managing the store keeps Bart directly connected to the community. Each day, he hears from customers—residents with real concerns, ideas, and stories. These interactions give him a grounded, street-level perspective on public service and policy.

Public Service and Leadership: Four Terms on Ogden City Council

Bart Blair was first elected to Ogden’s City Council At Large Seat B in 2009. Now seeking a historic fifth term, he brings both institutional memory and a record of results.

He’s served as Council Chair and helped lead initiatives like the College Town Charter—a collaboration between Ogden and Weber State University aimed at deepening economic and cultural ties. That partnership reflects Blair’s broader approach: uniting institutions for long-term, sustainable community benefit.

Throughout his tenure, Blair has championed responsible growth, zoning reform, infrastructure improvement, and local business support. He’s especially focused on keeping Ogden vibrant and inclusive through affordable housing, community engagement, and transparent governance.

Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability

Fiscal stewardship is a core principle for Blair. For years, Ogden departments were required to fully fund salaries for all positions—even those that were vacant—leaving unused salary funds within department budgets and largely outside City Council oversight.

“Departments have needs and wants, and they bring those to the council during the budget process,” Blair explains. “You have to look at the whole city and make fair and transparent decisions.”

Thanks to reforms led by Blair and colleagues, Ogden recently saved over $3 million in unused salary funds—redirecting that money toward employee raises. The move helped retain top talent amid inflationary pressures while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

Affordable Housing in a Landlocked City: Thinking Creatively

Affordable housing remains a challenge across Utah, and as a built-out, landlocked city, Ogden faces unique limitations. Blair emphasizes that the key has been strategic planning.

Rather than scattering housing across the city, Ogden has focused development in targeted zones—especially in East Central and downtown—using tax increment financing to revitalize neighborhoods and provide diverse housing options. New developments include townhomes, apartments, and condos at various price points.

The result is quality, accessible housing that meets the needs of working families and young professionals alike—without compromising neighborhood integrity.

Economic Development: The Depot District and Wonderblock

Two of Ogden’s biggest economic success stories are the Depot District and the Wonderblock project. Blair describes the Depot District as “a gift that keeps on giving”—a growing industrial and commercial hub that helped stabilize the city’s tax base during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, with the Wonderblock—a major redevelopment project near 25th Street—Ogden is doubling down on its downtown core. Plans include a boutique hotel, retail space, restaurants, and new residential units that will bolster tourism and entrepreneurship alike.

Ogden’s award-winning downtown, long recognized for its charm, is evolving into a regional destination—and Blair has been instrumental in making that transformation possible.

Ogden: A Winter Sports and Transportation Hub

With Snowbasin and Powder Mountain nearby, Ogden has long been a winter sports haven. Blair sees the upcoming Olympics and major transit upgrades as game-changers.

The expansion of the FrontRunner rail system, along with a revitalized Union Station and the OGX bus rapid transit line, will make it easier than ever for visitors to access Ogden’s downtown and mountain resorts. Bart believes Ogden could one day rival Park City as a year-round destination—offering not just skiing, but restaurants, culture, and community events.

Community Spirit: Events That Bring Ogden Together

Ogden’s rebirth isn’t only economic—it’s cultural. Events like the city’s car show, farmers market, and high school all-star games have drawn crowds of over 150,000 in a single weekend.

These events boost local businesses and foster civic pride. Blair often hears from returning visitors who say, “I haven’t been here in 20 years—and I can’t believe how amazing it’s become.”

Looking Ahead: Big Projects, Big Momentum

Among the projects Bart is most excited about is the new Marshall White Recreation Center, which has exceeded expectations in providing a modern, welcoming space for youth sports and community activities.

He sees opportunity to build on that success—expanding the wave of progress beyond downtown into the north end of town. Blair acknowledges that local government can move slowly, but he’s energized by Ogden’s current momentum.

“We’ve been able to maintain those lows and keep moving forward,” he reflects. “Now we’re on the upswing of a wave.”

Collaboration and Effective Governance

Blair credits much of Ogden’s recent success to a productive relationship between the City Council and the mayor’s office.

“You have to count votes—and you don’t do that with a hammer,” he explains. “We’ve been able to work together well, even when there are hard conversations.”

His reputation as a bridge-builder has made him a trusted partner—not only for constituents but for city administrators who value his judgment and institutional knowledge.

Why Vote for Bart Blair? A Voice of Experience, A Heart for Ogden

With the election approaching, Blair’s message is clear: his record, accessibility, and deep local roots make him the right choice to continue representing Ogden at large.

“I’ve held this seat for a number of years, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Ogden,” he says. “I strive to be the most accessible council member. Through our business, people talk to me every day about what they love—and what could be better.”

He’s proud of the progress made in public safety staffing, employee support, financial transparency, and long-term planning—and he’s not done yet.

“I want to make Ogden an even better place,” Bart affirms. “That’s what I’m shooting for.”

Conclusion: A Legacy of Service and a Vision for the Future

Bart Blair’s story is a living example of how family roots, civic duty, and steady leadership can shape a city. As a fifth-term council member and local business owner, he bridges Ogden’s storied past with its promising future.

From fiscal stewardship and housing innovation to cultural revival and urban redevelopment, Blair’s leadership has helped position Ogden as one of Utah’s most exciting and livable cities.

For voters seeking a leader who listens, acts, and leads with integrity, Bart Blair stands ready to continue serving with the same dedication that has defined his life’s work.