Valerie is running for Salt Lake County Council because this is where she’s raising her family, where she and her husband have built their community, and where she wants every family to feel a sense of belonging and possibility for the future.
Her children attend Salt Lake City’s public schools, and like many parents, Valerie has stepped up—volunteering in classrooms, serving multiple terms as PTA president, fundraising to support school arts programs, and coaching Girls on the Run. She’s also spent years behind the scenes supporting campaigns and causes that shape Salt Lake County. As the leader of the nonprofit arm of Blueprint Public Affairs, Valerie has helped raise millions of dollars for organizations like The Road Home, Planned Parenthood, Better Boundaries, and the Utah Democratic Party.
These experiences have shaped her collaborative, solution-oriented approach to public service. Valerie is guided by progressive values and a deep belief in what’s possible when communities come together.
More than any job title or resume line, parenthood has taught her how to listen. Valerie is committed to listening to the residents of District 1. She is ready to be a strong voice for Salt Lake County and to fight for the people who call it home.
She’ll tackle major challenges like homelessness and the future of the Great Salt Lake, while protecting the everyday services that make life better for everyone, like our libraries, parks, behavioral health care, and the arts.
Why I’m Running
“Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my candidacy for Salt Lake County Council District 1. I’m running because this is where I’m raising my family, where we’ve built our community, and I want this to be a place where we can all feel like we belong and look toward a promising future.”
Issues
Salt Lake County is already doing a lot of good work. From addressing homelessness to protecting the Great Salt Lake, there are strong leaders and thoughtful initiatives already in motion—and I want to support and build on that momentum. As a candidate for District 1, I’m running to fiercely advocate for our communities and to be a steady hand in continuing the work that matters.
But we can’t stop there. I believe we need to push harder, think more creatively, and collaborate across agencies and levels of government to make sure no one is left behind. That means bringing people together, staying grounded in the realities our residents face, and being willing to try new things when old solutions aren’t enough. I’m here to do the work and get things done.
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Salt Lake County's libraries, parks and trails, arts programs, and public services are part of the everyday infrastructure that makes life better for everyone. These aren’t luxuries—they’re vital investments in health, education, connection, and community well-being. Especially in uncertain times, they offer stability, opportunity, and belonging.
Valerie’s Solutions:
Expand and maintain trails, parks, and recreational opportunities to promote physical and mental health, support local tourism, and ensure every neighborhood has access to outdoor spaces.
Defend and strengthen funding for libraries, afterschool programs, and arts initiatives—especially those that serve youth, seniors, and underserved communities.
Ensure equitable access across District 1 by assessing service gaps and needs for improvements in County-owned facilities and expanding programs.
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Too many families are one crisis away from homelessness. It’s a complex issue that requires strong partnerships with providers and coordination across city, county, and state governments.
Valerie’s Solutions:
Champion Salt Lake County’s five-year action plan to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Explore ways to increase investment in behavioral health services and mobile crisis response.
Ensure enforcement efforts are paired with real alternatives, such as expanded shelter space, supportive housing programs, medical detox options, and housing navigation services.
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Housing costs in Salt Lake County are rising faster than most families can manage. The County’s work through Housing Connect and other programs is essential, but we need to expand these efforts and think creatively about new solutions. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, Salt Lake County has a role to play in making that happen.
Valerie’s Solutions:
Push for smart zoning and land use policies that encourage development of affordable housing.
Work with community organizations and nonprofits to come up with smart, affordable solutions to address our housing needs.
Advocate for increased funding for low-income housing programs and incentivize the development of affordable unitsthrough partnerships and smart use of County resources.
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The threats to our Great Salt Lake and our canyons are not just environmental. It's a potential economic and public health crisis we need to get ahead of before it’s too late.
Valerie’s solutions:
Support measures to reduce water usage at County owned properties
Expand investments in clean and renewable energy
Advocate for stronger protections for our canyons and watershed
Collaborate with municipalities and regional partners to implement practical solutions that protect the environment and health of all of our communities
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Salt Lake is the fastest-growing county in Utah, and District 1—which includes downtown Salt Lake City—is one of its most dynamic and economically vital areas. Growth and redevelopment bring opportunity, but they also create real pressure on housing, infrastructure, and long-standing neighborhoods.
Valerie’s Solutions:
Work in partnership with the Mayor, municipalities, and community stakeholders
Push for transit-oriented development near major TRAX and bus corridors in coordination with UTA and WFRC planning bodies
Maintain the unique character of our neighborhoods by supporting thoughtful design standards, preserving historic and cultural assets, and ensuring redevelopment reflects community values