Contact: Whitney Gonzalez Fernandez
801-535-7600 – CCcommunicationsgroup@slcgov.com

Victoria Petro, Chris Wharton to Lead Salt Lake City Council in 2024

New Chairs and Vice Chairs selected for Council and Redevelopment Agency Board (RDA).

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The Salt Lake City Council welcomes its next phase of leadership with Members unanimously appointing peers Victoria Petro and Chris Wharton as the Council Chair and Vice Chair respectively for 2024. In their capacity as Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Board Members, Council Members also selected Alejandro Puy to serve a second one-year term as Board Chair and Darin Mano to serve as Board Vice Chair. Council and RDA leadership positions are selected every January.  

As leadership, the Chair and Vice Chair positions drive the Council’s policy priorities, speak on behalf of the Council as a body, set agenda items, sign official documents, and in the Council capacity, also oversee the management of the City Council Office. 

Known as a fierce advocate for the Westside, Petro—who joined the Council in 2021—lists improving community engagement and creating sustainable growth opportunities for all communities among her top priorities as Council Chair. 

“I am grateful to have the trust of my peers to serve as Council Chair,” said Chair Petro. “Our significant growth gives us many opportunities to create, protect and preserve an equitable and sustainable Salt Lake City for many generations to come. Alongside Vice Chair Wharton, I hope to make the most of such opportunities and demonstrate our commitment to building upon our city’s achievements while addressing its evolving needs.” 

As Vice Chair, Wharton—the most tenured member of the City Council—will support the Chair by providing counsel and acting as backup when the Chair is unavailable.   

“I look forward to serving as Council leadership once again and alongside Chair Petro,” said Vice Chair Wharton. “Salt Lake City has grown significantly in the last few years and I am committed to applying everything we’ve learned to make our city an even better place to live for all.” 

As a key part of the City’s growth and development work, the RDA Board is made up of the City Council Members. Through RDA Project Areas, the Board Members work with staff to direct tax increment on key projects throughout the City.  

“I am honored to begin another year as Redevelopment Agency Board Chair and continue the important work of revitalizing our city’s neighborhoods and business districts, and making significant investments in affordable housing,” said RDA Board Chair Puy. 

With Petro’s Council leadership and Puy’s RDA Board leadership, Westside representatives now hold the highest leadership positions in the city’s legislative branch. Acknowledging this reality, both Petro and Puy renew their commitments to the excellence the Westside—and the entire city—deserves. 

To view the Council’s 2024 meeting schedule, click here.

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