Photo: Deborah DeKoff

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Ari Ioannides, an 18-year resident of Summit County, has announced his candidacy for the Summit County Council. Ioannides’ campaign emphasizes bipartisan collaboration, county government that prioritized critical services, and open space preservation.

Ioannides is also concerned about the rising cost of housing, the increased tax burden and fees for local residents, the need for more open and accessible government, and easier access to county services.

“The cost of living is pushing our service, essential and generational residents out of Summit County. This is not just a local issue; US housing costs have doubled since 2019, and the issue is exacerbated by the nature of the resort-driven economy. Advocates agree workforce housing is most effective in areas with critical infrastructure like water, sewage, and transportation,” Ioannides shared.

Ioannides explained that these critical infrastructure areas are typically within the incorporated regions of the county. He added that having bipartisan representation on the County Council would facilitate better collaboration with town councils and state officials, rather than expanding housing in the unincorporated east side.

Ioannides believes his extensive experience in technology and governance in Summit County has greatly prepared him for the Summit County Council.

In the summer of 2024, Ioannides was appointed as a Trustee on the Intermountain Health Wasatch Back Community Board, overseeing Heber Valley and Park City Hospitals. He also joined the Clinical Excellence Committee, focusing on safety, quality, and patient experience.

The Summit County Council appointed Ioannides to the North Summit Fire District Control Board during a transition in leadership. As treasurer, he encouraged financial transparency and stakeholder engagement and supported the transition from a volunteer-based to a professional fire department. He also revamped the financial reporting processes, focused on fiscal clarity and decision-making, streamlined board communications, and adopted best governance practices.

While working closely with members of the Summit County Council, Ioannides decided to run for a council seat. “When asked by Roger Armstrong and Chris Robinson to join during a crisis, I used my skills to help rebuild the department, improve response times, and save taxpayer money. Working with two experienced County Council members highlighted how I could leverage technology and collaboration to address community issues effectively. I’m committed to adding my skill set and experience to the council to improve service levels, engage stakeholders, and foster transparent decision-making processes for a better Summit County.”

In addition to his work with the Fire District, Ioannides partnered with Summit Land Conservancy to establish Rocky Point Preserve in Wanship, protecting 260 acres of wildlife habitat without taxpayer expense. This initiative safeguards a watershed for the Weber River and expands community recreational opportunities.

As the former Executive Director of the Park City Institute, Ioannides implemented changes, including improved cash flow, strengthened community relations, and diversified programming. His leadership focused on service delivery through technology and digital marketing.

Ioannides has also been an advocate for sustainable practices through his leadership roles at Recycle Utah. As chair and vice-chair, he transitioned the board from an advisory role to a governing authority, led the executive review process, and participated in the search and selection of a new executive director.

Ioannides believes that most issues before the Summit County Council are not partisan, but balanced representation is important for better decision-making. He also believes that representation from the county’s east side will bring perspective to the council.

“Too often the county has clashed with our state legislature on issues such as land use, development, and transportation. This “us against them” mindset needs to change, as it hinders the best outcomes for our community and often benefits only the rich and powerful. Having bipartisan representatives in our county can foster a more collaborative relationship at the state level, leading to better and more equitable outcomes for everyone.”

For more information on Ari Ioannides’ campaign, visit his official website.