On The Issues
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Public Safety
Keeping Lehi safe with strong support for first responders and school partnerships.
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Transportation
Solving traffic the right way—with long-term planning and smart east-west connections.
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Growth
Responsible development that matches infrastructure and preserves neighborhoods.
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Transparency & Trust
Open, honest leadership that listens and follows through.
Keeping Lehi Safe and Prepared
Public Health
& Safety
Public safety and public health aren't optional—they’re essential. As your City Councilmember, I’ve supported meaningful funding for law enforcement, fire protection, emergency readiness, and healthcare. As mayor, I’ll build on this foundation to ensure every Lehi resident feels secure, supported, and prepared.
Smart & Strategic Funding
Public Safety remains our top priority, accounting for 44% of the General Fund—well above any other category. The FY 2026 budget increased the Police Department’s funding by $1.17 million, bringing it to $15.35 million. This supports hiring three additional officers and maintaining high standards as Lehi grows.
Emergency Response & Preparedness
Fire Stations:
Fire Station 84, opened in November 2024, is a 17,000 sq ft facility staffed by 18 firefighters (expandable to 24). It reduced west-side emergency response times from 12 minutes to 4.5 minutes.
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Public Safety Building:
Lehi’s Joseph D. Adams Public Safety Building opened in 2020, honoring Officer Joseph Adams. It blends historic preservation with modern design, incorporating bricks and architectural elements from Broadbent’s Store.
In 2023, I completed a master’s degree in public service from Utah Valley University, including a capstone project evaluating Lehi’s emergency preparedness—covering risk analysis, infrastructure, and crisis response planning.
Law Enforcement: Training and Readiness
- 93% of Lehi officers are certified in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), with new officers receiving training twice annually.
- Officers train on a VirTra 300-degree simulator to enhance real-time judgment and de-escalation.
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Commitments as Mayor
Sustain & Strengthen Safety Funding: Maintain public safety’s top funding priority.
Facilities Master Plan: Guide future investments in infrastructure and staffing.
Train for Excellence: Continue CIT and simulator-based training for officers.
Support School Safety: Ensure SROs remain active in schools.
Emergency Preparedness: Apply findings from my capstone project to enhance readiness.
Transparency & Oversight: Publish performance data and host regular public safety forums.
Keeping Lehi Safe and Prepared
Transportation Improvements
Building a Connected Lehi
After 10 years on the Lehi City Council, I know exactly how complicated transportation planning can be, and how frustrating the delays feel to residents. I’ve been in the room, asking the hard questions, pushing for smarter solutions, and working to protect our neighborhoods.
As your next Mayor, I will take that experience and lead with urgency and focus, making transportation a top priority from Day One. That means improving east-west mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and ensuring we don’t sacrifice homes and businesses for short-term fixes.
Real Solutions, Not Short-Term Fixes
Lehi has invested more money into traffic studies than any other city in Utah County, because we’re serious about understanding what’s coming and planning for it responsibly. In 2018, we brought in Hales Engineering, a respected, independent traffic firm, to help us build a realistic, data-driven roadmap for the future. They’ve worked with UDOT, MAG, UTA, and others to model traffic growth, identify needed corridors, and anticipate the impacts of new housing density, including recent state-mandated ADU legislation.
The data is clear. A freeway-to-freeway connector between I-15 and Mountain View Corridor is essential. UDOT projects it will carry at least 65,000 trips per day, and that’s not even at full buildout. This connector, also known as the Point of the Mountain Connector, is one of the most critical transportation projects in Utah. Without it, 2100 North and I-15 will continue to deteriorate. We need to preserve this corridor now to protect our neighborhoods from being overwhelmed later.
To support these efforts, the state recently allocated $1.4 billion in new funding for transportation projects in north Utah County. This is a huge opportunity, but it must be used strategically and guided by real data.
My Commitments
Launch the Lehi Transportation Task Force to drive real progress with community input
Coordinate directly with UDOT, MAG, UTA, surrounding cities, and state and federal legislators
Make traffic relief and responsible growth a top priority, not just a campaign promise
Let’s Keep Lehi Moving
Lehi’s growth has outpaced our roads, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept a future of gridlock. With the right leadership, thoughtful planning, and clear priorities, we can build a transportation system that truly serves our community.
I’ve been doing the work. Now I’m ready to lead it. Let’s build a smarter, more connected Lehi, together.
A Better Way Forward
We’re also pursuing bold regional solutions that prioritize long-term impact over short-term disruption. Thanks to strong advocacy from city leaders, including Mayor Mark Johnson and our Council, Congressmen John Curtis and Burgess Owens have submitted a federal funding request for an environmental study of a southern, off-shore freeway along the north shore of Utah Lake. This corridor has the potential to connect the west-side population to Provo and Orem without tearing through existing neighborhoods. I’ve supported this alternative from the beginning and will continue fighting for it as Mayor.
We are also supporting:
2100 North Freeway, scheduled to begin construction in 2026
New I-15 interchanges at 500 East (American Fork), Pleasant Grove Boulevard, 1600 North (Lindon), and 800 North (Orem)
A lake crossing between Saratoga Springs and Provo, vital for long-term regional mobility
Pioneer Crossing upgrades, improving traffic flow with signal timing and intersection improvements instead of disruptive reconstruction
A new freeway corridor at 1900 South or around the north end of Utah Lake, identified in recent modeling as the best option to connect west-side growth to the Provo and Orem area
Honest Planning, Even When It's Hard
After a decade of working on these issues, I know what’s working, what’s not, and where we’re stuck. Here’s the truth:
Our roadways are overwhelmed. Even the upcoming improvements to Pioneer Crossing and 2100 North won’t be enough to meet long-term demand.
We can’t afford more short-sighted fixes. Widening roads without a regional strategy puts neighborhoods at risk and doesn’t solve the root problem.
We need more east-west connections to reduce pressure on I-15 and local streets.
Proactive planning saves money and protects homes. That’s why I’ve pushed for corridor preservation and early environmental review, so we’re planning smart, not reacting late.
Leadership means being honest. We’re behind, but we can catch up with clear priorities and the right partnerships.
Lehi’s Growth:
Opportunities and Challenges
Lehi is one of Utah’s fastest-growing cities, thriving in the heart of the Silicon Slopes. Our city is expanding with new businesses, families, and investments, but growth must be managed carefully to preserve what makes Lehi special.
Progress & Community Strengths
Economic and Population Growth
Lehi is experiencing remarkable growth, with a population now exceeding 90,000 and expected to surpass 124,000 by 2050. This steady increase reflects the city’s attractiveness to families and businesses alike. Our median household income has risen to nearly $126,000, and sales tax revenue has increased over 165% since 2015, enabling substantial reinvestment in roads, public safety, and community services.
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Lehi Fiber Network: A City-Owned Advantage
Our city-owned Lehi Fiber Network provides ultra-fast, reliable internet service reaching over 80% of homes and businesses, with plans for full coverage soon. By controlling this critical infrastructure, Lehi ensures competitive pricing, excellent service quality, and the digital connectivity necessary for families, entrepreneurs, and companies to thrive in the 21st century.
Public Power: Reliable, Local Control
Lehi’s publicly owned power department offers competitive rates and reliable service to our community. Our Broadbent Generation Facility is a state-of-the-art, 63,000-square-foot power plant that produces up to 22 MW during peak demand, helping to keep costs stable even during high usage. Nearly 25% of our electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and long-term energy security.
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Conservation and Open Space Protection
In partnership with Draper City, Lehi secured a permanent conservation easement on 900 acres of Traverse Mountain in 2024. This protects valuable open space from development while providing recreational opportunities like the Hidden Canyon Trailhead, which connects to over 27 miles of scenic trails. These efforts preserve the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle that residents treasure.
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Challenges to Address
Parks and Recreation: Building Community
Lehi Family Park
Lehi Family Park opened in 2024 as Utah County’s largest inclusive playground, offering 85 acres of fun with splash pads, aviation-themed play structures, sensory gardens, and an amphitheater. Designed so that over 80% of its space is accessible to people with disabilities, it fosters a welcoming space for all families to gather and play.
Curtis Center for Arts and Education
Curtis Center for Arts and Education was built through a partnership with private donors who funded its construction before deeding it to Lehi City. This 21,550 sq ft city-owned facility offers adaptive arts classes, vocational training, and fitness opportunities for individuals with disabilities, underscoring Lehi’s commitment to inclusivity and quality of life.
Public Power: Reliable, Local Control
Lehi’s publicly owned power department offers competitive rates and reliable service to our community. Our Broadbent Generation Facility is a state-of-the-art, 63,000-square-foot power plant that produces up to 22 MW during peak demand, helping to keep costs stable even during high usage. Nearly 25% of our electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and long-term energy security.
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Fiscal Responsibility
Amid rapid growth, Lehi has maintained a strong financial position, including a $25 million rainy-day fund. This responsible budgeting ensures the city can respond to unforeseen challenges while continuing to invest in vital infrastructure and community services.
Transportation
Traffic congestion remains a major issue, especially on east-west routes. Despite infrastructure projects, commute times and road delays continue to grow. We must prioritize smart, effective solutions to keep Lehi moving.
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Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
Lehi is advancing TOD projects near transit hubs like Thanksgiving Station and the hospital area to create walkable, connected communities. Zoning updates and public input help ensure growth aligns with community values.
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Housing
Lehi needs more attainable housing to support growing families and workers. At the same time, development must be thoughtfully planned to protect the character and livability of our neighborhoods.