Former Planning Commission Chair Kucera enters race for Summit County Council, District 4

John Kucera, former Snyderville Basin Planning Commission chair, announced his candidacy for Summit County Council District 4 Photo: John Kucera

PARK CITY, Utah — John Kucera, who spent six years on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, including a term as chair, announced his candidacy for Summit County Council District 4.

Kucera, 46, is positioning his campaign around what he calls a balanced approach to development—one informed by his opposition to large-scale projects like Dakota Pacific and Highland Flats, which he said represented irresponsible growth.

“My track record on the Planning Commission is clear,” Kucera said. “I opposed the Dakota Pacific and Highland Flats projects because I believed they represented irresponsible growth based on their scale and impacts to the community.”

But with millions of square feet of entitled land already approved for eventual construction throughout the county, Kucera said the council’s role must shift toward incentivizing responsible development rather than simply blocking projects.

“When we cannot say ‘no,’ we must incentivize intelligent growth,” he said. “Traffic mitigation, affordability, mixed-use development, and preservation of open space must be carefully addressed as we update our General Plans and Development Codes.”

Kucera emphasized that land use represents just one dimension of the council’s work. The body oversees a $100 million operating budget and provides direction on community infrastructure, law enforcement, taxation, and public health.

His professional background includes serving as managing partner at a small Utah-based real estate investment partnership, where he handles financial operations, acquisitions, lease negotiations, and tenant relationships. Before relocating to Summit County, Kucera worked as a fixed-income and equity analyst at institutional investment firms in New York City, including during the 2008 financial crisis.

“During that period, I was working with strong personalities in very challenging circumstances,” Kucera said. “It taught me the importance of active listening, finding common ground, and working toward solutions that create win-win outcomes.”

A Utah native, Kucera has lived in the Silver Springs neighborhood for more than a decade with his wife and two school-aged children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Utah and is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder. He participated in the Park City Citizens Police Academy and Leadership Park City Class 23.

“I am passionate about where I live, and believe it is important to play an active role in shaping the future of our community and solving its challenges,” Kucera said. “I will make every effort to ensure the Basin remains an exceptional place to visit, do business, and most importantly, call home.”

The District 4 County Council race, which encompasses Snyderville Basin, Kimball Junction, and east of the junction to Old Ranch Road, now includes Kucera and Christie Babalis. The race in District 4 follows Councilmember Chris Robinson’s decision not to seek reelection after 15 years on the council.

The District 5 County Council race, which includes lower Pinebrook, Jeremy Ranch and Summit Park, will also be contested, with incumbent Democrat Canice Harte facing a challenge from Park City School Board member Meredith Reed.

Districts 4 and 5 are the only two County Council seats scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.

More information about Kucera’s campaign is available at www.john4council.com.