Heather Newall

Lehi is one of the top cities in the nation to live in, and it’s no question that Lehi will continue to grow. The critical question is how Lehi will support that growth and preserve open space, culture, and history. We rely on impact fees to support growth, which makes it challenging to stay ahead, but we must work with developers to keep infrastructure needs in step with growth. As a Planning Commissioner, I voted against building 5400 units at Thanksgiving Station. When the revised plan returned, I pushed to have the buildout capped until traffic mitigations were in place. I have consistently voted against General Plan Amendments where there is little to no benefit to Lehi and its neighborhoods.

As Lehi continues to grow, we must preserve our history and culture and expand our arts and recreation. We need to look for innovative solutions and work with companies, organizations, and members of our community to be able to do more with our limited funding. It’s vital that city leadership communicate with the public on what they value and focuses spending and prioritization decisions on things our citizens want most.

It is important that we take care of those who take care of us and look for ways we can support our first responder community members and support ways we can keep our life-saving members close to us.

Important roads on Lehi’s west side are at failing levels. Traffic levels between rush hour times back past other signals in East-West and North-South directions. MAG’s Regional Transportation Plan for 2019-2050 shows plans to help alleviate traffic for Lehi, including the Clubhouse Dr extension and widening, the 2100 N Freeway, and the Traverse Mtn Blvd Extension and widening to the west of I-15. Next spring Lehi will begin widening 2300 W. It’s essential that with each of these projects, Lehi’s leadership and staff continue to be vocal participants in decision-making and solutions, focusing funding and timelines on areas where we are impacted the most.

Lehi’s New Master Transportation Plan is nearing the stage for public input, and I look forward to working on the plan as a Commissioner as I did with the latest General Plan. Rapid growth means a constantly changing environment. As neighboring cities, UDOT, and MAG make changes and plans, we must be reactive with our master plan. We need leadership and staff to make our plan the best one possible.

Lehi needs representation that listens, seeks to understand, and is dedicated to transparency. I am committed to continuing to be actively engaged on social media and in the community, striving to keep members of the public informed on important issues. The limitations of the Planning Commission being able to speak with and hear from the public is a key reason I am running for City Council. I want to proactively listen to public concerns and look for solutions to problems. I want to address limitations before it’s too late and to advocate for landowners and the public effectively.

As an executive of a non-profit and Chair of the Lehi Planning Commission, I have extensive experience leading and working with diverse ideologies and priorities of teams, commissions, and boards. My experience has taught me how to effectively lead and be a team player to address concerns and approve solutions. A council member is only as effective as their ability to collaborate and gain the support of the rest of the council. I am committed to working with all council members and supporting a shared vision for Lehi.