Photo: © Tanzi Propst 2024

PARK CITY, Utah — Megan McKenna’s campaign for a seat on the Summit County Council is rooted in her deep connection to the area and her commitment to addressing local issues, such as affordable housing and environmental conservation.

McKenna, who grew up in Summit County, says her passion for the region’s natural beauty and the lessons learned from her teachers inspired her career in environmental science and community action.

Her Democratic platform centers on sustainability, affordability, responsible growth, and regional collaboration. Reflecting on her upbringing in the Snyderville Basin, McKenna recalls how her parents moved to Summit County for a job opportunity when the local workforce could afford to buy a home and raise a family.

“Those values of hard work, integrity, and compassion have been central to my life as a ski patroller, teacher, and housing advocate,” McKenna said.

McKenna recalls growing up in Park City in the early 1990s, where environmental efforts had a lasting impact on her. “I was part of a club called the Earth Kids. Our teachers advised the club, and we did recycling at the school. There were cleanup days in the Treasure Mountain wetlands, which were essentially a construction waste site,” she said. “There were a lot of opportunities to do cleanup, plant trees, and do science projects. It had a huge impact on me.”

McKenna worked as a ski patroller and educator, which gave her a deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges. Her experience as a teacher in the Park City School District, where she found it challenging to live in the community, ignited her advocacy for affordable housing. Her subsequent work with the Mountainlands Community Housing Trust further cemented her commitment to ensuring that working families and young people have a place to call home.

Her campaign also emphasizes equity, mental health support, and workforce representation on the council. As a member of Park City Community Foundation’s Equity Cohort, McKenna has seen firsthand how income inequality affects mental health—an issue she plans to address if elected.

“I want to make sure that the council is truly representative of the people who live and work here,” she said. “We need to create a more resilient and inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Since launching her campaign in January, McKenna has connected with many residents across the county, learning about their concerns and hopes for the future.

“I called every delegate and am grateful for our conversations,” she said. “As a former teacher and lifelong learner, I value reflection and find it imperative to personal and professional growth.”

Through these discussions, McKenna learned about Summit County’s transition from a commission to a council, concerns about law enforcement response times, and the significance of local initiatives such as the Mountainlands Housing Resource Center. She also heard from multigenerational Summit County families and better understood the region’s watersheds, including the Kamas Meadows.

“There were many shared concerns,” McKenna said. “Many want their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to have a future in Summit County. Many are worried about water and a changing climate. Many understand the need for affordable housing and childcare.”

McKenna admitted that running for office wasn’t initially part of her plans, but she’s embraced the challenge. She credits the community’s support, including former students and local families, for keeping her motivated. She hopes her candidacy will inspire others, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to get involved in local government.

Her platform aligns with the community’s calls for inclusivity, equity, and sustainability. McKenna highlights the need to address critical issues like the growing economic divide, traffic congestion, and affordable housing access. She also stresses the importance of supporting the county’s vulnerable populations, including children, immigrants, seniors, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“There is much work to be done, and a good place to start is with these shared values I heard from across the county,” McKenna said. “The scientist in me likes to find patterns, make connections, and create meaningful solutions. I am not one to let perfection get in the way of progress.”

McKenna envisions a future for Summit County that builds on its rich history and ensures future generations can access the same opportunities she had. Whether she’s hiking with her dog, Obi-Wan, or advocating for affordable housing solutions, her love for the community is clear.

As her campaign gains momentum, McKenna remains focused on her core goals: promoting equity, addressing residents’ mental health needs, and ensuring that working families can afford to live in the county.

“I want to be part of the solution,” McKenna said. “Summit County is a special place, and I want to make sure that it remains a place where people can live, work, raise their families, and retire.”