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Contact:
Whitney González Fernández
801-707-6759
[email protected]

Puy, Carlsen to Lead Salt Lake City Council in 2026

Council members unanimously selected the Chair and Vice Chair during annual January meeting.

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 13, 2026 – The Salt Lake City Council has selected new leadership for 2026, appointing Alejandro “Ale” Puy as Council Chair and Erika Carlsen as Vice Chair. Their appointments also mark a milestone for representation, with leadership forming a fully queer and Latino leadership team, a reflection of Salt Lake City’s growing diversity.  

Puy, an immigrant who represents District 2 on the city’s Westside, joined the Council in 2023 and brings a strong focus on equitable investment, affordable housing and community engagement to the role of Chair. 

“I am grateful for the trust of my colleagues and honored to serve as Council Chair,” said Chair Puy. “In the year ahead, I look forward to working with residents, Council members and city partners to ensure city decisions reflect the people and neighborhoods that make Salt Lake City what it is.” 

Council Member Erika Carlsen, who represents District 5, steps into Council leadership during her first year on the Council, bringing a new collaborative approach and a focus on transparency, neighborhood issues and responsive city services.  

“I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair and to work alongside Chair Puy,” said Vice Chair Carlsen. “Representation matters, and so does delivering real results for our communities. 

In their capacity as Community Reinvestment Agency (C.R.A.) Board members, Council members also selected Council Member Dan Dugan as Board Chair and Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez to serve as Board Vice Chair. 

Together, the Council and C.R.A. leadership will help guide Council discussions in tackling issues affecting the city today and creating solutions that build a secure future.  

View the Council’s 2026 meeting schedule.

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About Salt Lake City:
Salt Lake City Corporation is the municipal government for Utah’s capital city. The Mayor is the chief executive and the City Council is the legislative body. Committed to providing outstanding public services, fostering community engagement, and promoting innovation, Salt Lake City Corporation is dedicated to creating a city that thrives and reflects the values of its diverse residents. For more information, visit slc.gov.

About The Salt Lake City Council:  

The Salt Lake City Council is the seven-member legislative branch of Utah’s capital city. The Council sets Salt Lake City’s overall policy direction and allocates resources via the adoption of annual budgets and ordinances. The Council also serves as the Board of Directors for Salt Lake City’s Community Reinvestment Agency, the Local Building Authority, and the Board of Canvassers. For more information, visit slc.gov/Council.