Diego Zegarra, longtime Park City resident and candidate for City Council, has spent more than 16 years working to strengthen community connections through collaboration, grit, and sustainability initiatives. Photo: Diego Zegarra

This article is paid for by the Committee to Elect Diego Zegarra.

PARK CITY, Utah — For Diego Zegarra, community is not just an abstract ideal; it is a lived practice. The longtime Park City resident and current candidate for City Council explains that his journey to civic leadership began not in politics, but in service.

“My first job opportunity in Park City was fortuitous,” Zegarra said. “In 2009, I took a short-term role with Holy Cross Ministries at Parley’s Park Elementary. I thought it would be temporary, but it changed my life. I fell in love with the kids, the families, and the nonprofit sector at large.”

That two-month position laid the groundwork for a 16-year career dedicated to the public good. As Vice President of Impact at the Park City Community Foundation, Zegarra has spent over a decade addressing the critical issues of housing, inclusion, and sustainability—central themes in his campaign.

A Park City for All

Zegarra’s platform is built around a simple yet urgent question: Who gets to belong in Park City?

“I refuse to accept the narrative that Park City is just for the wealthy,” he stated. “Affordability is my top priority—not only for seniors and young families, but also for the workforce that keeps this town running. We’re an inclusive community striving to ensure that more people can afford to live here.”

He is candid about the tensions that have arisen in recent years between growth and livability, especially in the post-pandemic era. He pays particular attention to the needs of seniors, young families, and the local workforce. “The tension between growth and affordability has sharply intensified over the last five years,” he noted. “We need to find solutions that allow people to stay in the community they’ve helped build.”

Leadership Through Collaboration

Zegarra believes that change cannot happen in isolation. His extensive experience in the nonprofit sector has shaped a leadership style rooted in listening, coalition-building, and action.

“I don’t know if I’ve accomplished anything significant in this community alone,” he admitted. “When we work together across communities and organizations toward a common goal, we create a lasting impact.”

This relational approach, he believes, will be essential in bridging divides—including what he describes as a “fraught but fixable” relationship with Summit County.

“All County Council members have been supportive of me,” Zegarra said. “Those relationships matter. They are where we can begin to heal some of the tension and progress on projects.”

First 100 Days: Momentum and Measured Risks

If elected, Zegarra plans to prioritize actionable initiatives, particularly those that have stalled due to inaction or lack of consensus.

“The greatest risk is not taking a risk,” he said. “We need to move forward on projects that have broad community support—such as the Bonanza Park five-acre parcel and the Senior Center. My approach will prioritize locals, building momentum through collaboration and accountability.”

Zegarra envisions a proactive culture at City Hall, engaging residents routinely. He intends to expand communication beyond traditional channels by meeting people where they are—both in neighborhoods and online.

“Too often, we only hear from people when something goes wrong,” he noted. “We can change that. We can reach out into the community, use social media effectively, and keep people informed about what’s happening in real-time.”

Diego Zegarra connects with local families during a community event in Park City. His campaign emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and practical solutions to ensure Park City remains a place where all residents can belong. Photo: Diego Zegarra

Looking Ahead

Ten years from now, Zegarra envisions a thriving, sustainable Park City—one that has confronted significant challenges while preserving its mountain-town charm.

“I imagine a Park City that has just hosted the most successful Winter Olympics ever—one that is not just carbon neutral, but carbon positive,” he said. “We will have made meaningful progress on housing, transit, and sustainability. Housing will be a cornerstone of community well-being, reflecting our respect for the past and our investment in the future.”

He doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he offers something arguably rarer: humility and hope.

“Be wary of anyone who claims to have all the answers,” he warned. “I’m not that person. What I am is hopeful and pragmatic. I listen, I collaborate, and I believe we can improve things—starting at the local level.”

Rooted in Gratitude

Zegarra, who immigrated to the United States and became a citizen eight years ago, states that the core of his campaign is gratitude—and a desire to give back.

“Public service, for me, is about giving back to the place that has given me so much,” he explained. “Park City changed my life. Now, I want to help ensure it remains a place where others can find belonging, too.”

Learn more about Zegarra at Diego for Park City.

This article is paid for by the Committee to Elect Diego Zegarra.