Summit County, Utah – On March 27, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 356, which required Summit County to transition from an at-large county council to a five-district system. The bill requires the formation of a districting commission by June.
The legislation also applies to Wasatch, Grand, and Morgan counties, requiring them to implement district-based representation. Wasatch County requested a veto to allow for additional review before implementation.
Summit County’s transition from an at-large council to a district-based system means that each district will elect its own representative, as opposed to the current system in which all council members are elected by voters throughout the county.
While the system ensures geographic diversity by giving each district a voice, some argue that it can lead to political gerrymandering and shift power dynamics, particularly if certain areas have opposing political leanings, such as the interests of eastern and western Summit County.
Cox acknowledged concerns about unintended consequences in a letter to legislative leaders, announcing plans for a special session to address them. Representative Jordan Teuscher sponsored the bill, which was amended several times during the legislative process, with significant changes made in the final days of the session.
Summit County officials have expressed concerns about the bill’s impact and the legislative process, pointing out that it overturns a previous voter-approved decision to create an at-large council. Cache County, which was initially included in the bill, has since formed a committee to investigate potential government structure changes.
Prior to January 2009, Summit County had a three-commissioner system, with commissioners serving as both legislators and administrators. Each commissioner’s responsibilities are typically divided, with one potentially overseeing planning and the other overseeing public works.
HB356 was passed just minutes before the end of the 2025 General Session.
