Meredith Reed, the current president of the Park City Board of Education, has officially announced her candidacy for a seat on the Summit County Council in the upcoming 2026 elections. This move marks a significant transition from her role in education to a broader political arena, where she aims to address pressing issues facing the community. "The throughline of my professional life and my volunteer life has been about service and the best way to serve a community," Reed stated in a recent interview. She emphasized the importance of open discussions among candidates to ensure the community is represented effectively. Reed's commitment to public service is evident in her background, which began in North Carolina. Early in her career, Reed served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where she provided support to injured service members and their families. This formative experience instilled in her a passion for helping others during their most challenging times. She later transitioned to government roles that involved supporting veterans and military families through various initiatives, including the Wounded Warrior programs. Reed's work in these areas allowed her to participate in policy decisions at a national level, further broadening her expertise in governance. The Reed family relocated to Utah in 2009 due to her husband’s military assignment in West Valley City. They decided to settle in Park City, purchasing a home despite the temporary nature of their assignment. "I said, ‘Well, we need to buy a house here because I want to know that we’re coming back,’" she recalled with a laugh. After several years away, including stints in Belgium and Washington, D.C., the Reeds returned to Park City in 2017, solidifying their connection to the community. Reed entered local politics in 2022 with a successful campaign for the Park City Board of Education. During her tenure, she has navigated significant challenges, including the departure of the former superintendent and the expansion of Park City High School. As president of the board, she played a crucial role in selecting Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman and has prioritized transparency and trust-building with the community. Reflecting on her four years of experience, Reed underscored the value of strong leadership: "Having people who are led by their concern for what is best for our community can really make a huge impact." Her insights into educational governance have shaped her vision for serving on the Summit County Council. Reed is seeking to represent District 5, which includes parts of Pinebrook and Jeremy Ranch. She will face incumbent Councilor Canice Harte, who has announced his intention to seek reelection. Reed has articulated her priorities, focusing on balancing community needs while preserving the natural landscapes that define Summit County. "These are complex, nuanced challenges," she noted, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration with other municipalities and community organizations. Key issues Reed plans to address include transportation infrastructure and affordable housing, two critical concerns for Summit County residents. "There are so many of us who live here now who would not have been able to live here if we showed up today with our bags and said, ‘This place is great. I want to live here,’" Reed observed, highlighting the challenges posed by the area’s high cost of living. The impact of these economic pressures is visible in the declining enrollment numbers in the Park City School District, which Reed attributes to the affordability crisis. Additionally, she has noted the increasing number of commuters in the Wasatch Back, stressing the need for a community where residents can engage more fully in local life. "If we want to address the traffic issues, then that means we have to have people living here," she explained. Reed’s campaign will include meet-and-greet events, allowing constituents the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions. She encourages community members to reach out for further discussion about her platform and vision for the future of Summit County. More information about her candidacy can be found on her campaign website, reedforsummitcounty.com. As the 2026 election approaches, Meredith Reed’s commitment to service and community engagement will be critical as she seeks to transition from the Park City Board of Education to the Summit County Council. With a focus on collaboration and addressing the pressing needs of her district, Reed aims to make a lasting impact on the community she calls home.