Civic guide
How the county works, and how to be heard
Government answers to the people who show up. This guide explains, in plain language, what Salt Lake County does, how decisions get made and how a resident of District 2 can take part. It is one of Carlos's priorities: more neighbors who know the system and use it.
1. Who does what
Salt Lake County
The county is run by an elected Mayor and a nine-member County Council: six district members (Carlos represents District 2) and three at-large members. The Council passes the budget and ordinances; the Mayor runs the departments.
The county handles property taxes and assessments, the jail and Sheriff, the Health Department, Aging and Adult Services, the County Library, regional parks and recreation centers, elections, and records. For Kearns, Magna and Copperton it also provides many day-to-day services.
Your city
If you live in West Valley City, West Jordan, South Jordan or Herriman, your city council and mayor handle police, water, garbage, local streets, zoning inside city limits and city parks. A county council member cannot vote on those, but the office can help you find the right person.
2. Speak at a Council meeting
- Find the agenda. The Council meets Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at 2001 S State Street, Salt Lake City. Agendas are posted in advance on the county's agendas page.
- Come to the meeting or join online. Meetings are public and are streamed; the agenda lists the link.
- Sign up for public comment. There is a public comment period at each meeting. Give your name and the city you live in. Keep it to the time allowed (the chair announces it, usually a few minutes) and say clearly what you are asking the Council to do.
- Follow up in writing. Send the same request by email to your council member so it is on the record. District 2 residents can write to the office listed on the help page.
3. Register and vote
Utah citizens can register, check their registration and track their ballot at the state's voter portal: voter.utah.gov. Utah votes mostly by mail; ballots arrive about three weeks before each election.
County elections (Council, Mayor, Sheriff, Clerk, Assessor and others) are run by the County Clerk. District 2's council seat is next on the ballot in 2028.
New citizen? You can register the same day you are naturalized. Carlos became a citizen in October 2022 and was on the County Council two years later.
Every vote is important, no matter your ethnicity, background or economic challenges. Your vote is your voice.Carlos Moreno
4. Find your district and your council member
Type your address on the county's district page. District 2 covers Copperton, Herriman, Kearns, Magna, South Jordan, West Jordan and West Valley City. Parts of some cities fall in neighboring districts, so check the map before you write.
5. Ask for a service or report a problem
Most county services have their own front door: property tax questions go to the Assessor or Treasurer, a stray dog to Animal Services, a clinic question to the Health Department. The help page lists them. If a case gets stuck, the District 2 office can follow up.