I will champion proven solutions to our affordable housing crisis. My plan includes robustly funding our Housing Trust Fund, leveraging public land for new affordable developments, and streamlining approval processes. I will advocate for inclusionary zoning policies that require new developments to include affordable units, and work to expand protections for renters. Furthermore, I’ll push for innovative partnerships with responsible non-profit developers to create diverse housing options, ensuring that everyone in our community, from working families to seniors, has a safe and affordable place to call home.

My foremost priority for addressing homelessness will be through compassionate and effective strategies. We will invest in a robust continuum of care, expanding access to low-barrier emergency shelters, mental and physical healthcare services, and substance abuse treatment programs. My plan includes fostering stronger collaborations with our non-profit partners and actively seeking to increase the availability of supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with case management and services to help individuals achieve long-term stability and break the cycle of homelessness. We will lead with empathy, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity while we work towards sustainable solutions.

I will be a strong advocate for meaningful criminal justice reform that enhances public safety while promoting fairness and rehabilitation. A key part of my plan is to champion the expansion and increased funding for our effective problem-solving courts, such as drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans’ courts, which address the underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. I will also aggressively pursue and invest in proven alternatives to traditional incarceration, including robust pre-trial release programs, community-based diversion initiatives, and comprehensive re-entry support services. By focusing on restorative justice and addressing root causes, we can reduce recidivism, make our communities safer, and ensure a more equitable justice system for all residents of Salt Lake County.

I will be a steadfast advocate for local control and will actively push back against state overreach that undermines our community’s ability to address its unique needs. My plan involves building strong coalitions with other local leaders across the county and state to present a unified front. I will champion transparency and robustly communicate with our residents about instances of state interference, mobilizing our collective voice to advocate for Salt Lake County’s autonomy at the Legislature. We will explore all available avenues, including legal challenges when appropriate, to ensure that decisions impacting our county are made here, reflecting our local values and priorities, not dictated by a one-size-fits-all approach from the state.

Fostering unwavering transparency and accountability in our county government will be a cornerstone of my service. I plan to advocate for even more accessible public records and easily understandable financial disclosures, ensuring residents can clearly see how their tax dollars are being utilized. I will champion robust ethics oversight and proactively seek community engagement through regular town halls and open forums, making sure your voice is heard and that county decisions are made in the daylight, answerable directly to the people of Salt Lake County.

I will be a dedicated champion for social justice and equity, working to ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive. My plan involves rigorously applying an equity lens to all county policies, budget decisions, and service delivery to identify and dismantle systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. I will advocate for increased investment in programs that address disparities in housing, healthcare access, economic opportunity, and our justice system. Furthermore, I am committed to fostering inclusive engagement, amplifying underrepresented voices in our decision-making processes, and ensuring Salt Lake County is a place where fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity are realities for all.

I will champion the expansion and equitable distribution of green space throughout our communities. My plan involves proactively identifying and securing land for new parks, trails, and natural areas, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. I will advocate for increased investment in maintaining and enhancing our existing green spaces, promoting native planting to conserve water, and supporting community garden initiatives. Furthermore, I’ll work to integrate green infrastructure into new developments, ensuring that as our county grows, our commitment to accessible, quality outdoor spaces for recreation, health, and environmental resilience grows with it.

Tackling our persistent air quality crisis will be a top priority for me. My plan involves championing policies that reduce emissions from vehicles and industry by advocating for expanded public transit, supporting the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, and exploring incentives for businesses to adopt cleaner technologies. By collaborating with state, municipal, and community partners, we will implement data-driven solutions to ensure cleaner, healthier air for every resident in Salt Lake County.

On the Salt Lake County Council, securing our water future amidst ongoing drought and the challenges facing the Great Salt Lake will be a paramount concern. My plan focuses on aggressive water conservation and responsible management. This includes championing policies that incentivize water-wise landscaping for new developments and homes, investing in upgrading our aging water infrastructure to minimize leaks and maximize efficiency, and expanding water recycling and reuse programs. I will also advocate for collaborative, science-based solutions to help stabilize the Great Salt Lake and work to ensure equitable water use across all sectors, because preserving this precious resource is essential for our environment, economy, and quality of life.