Ann Granato

Education

As a mother and a grandmother, I want to make sure all our kids get the best start possible in life. That’s why I support programs like Pay for Success and the Intergenerational Poverty Initiative which provide access to high-quality preschool programs, after school programs and school-based behavioral health specialists. These programs help our kids — especially our at-risk children — best prepare for learning and educational success. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Salt Lake County’s rapid growth is both an opportunity and a challenge. I support the work of our Environmental Quality Advisory Committee to improve our air quality and efforts to protect our water quality — both are key to preserving the health and well-being of county residents and our quality of life. Learn more

Healthcare

Full Medicaid expansion in Utah, which would provide access to care for the county’s homeless and low income citizens. It would also help cut health care costs in our jails and public mental health programs. Learn more

Housing

I believe that homelessness and the opioid crisis we face in Salt Lake County are deeply entwined, so our efforts to solve these problems must go hand-in-hand. I support efforts to provide services to the homeless. That includes pushing the state toward full Medicaid expansion, funding for both Operation Rio Grand and new transitional shelters to help individuals and families get back on their feet. I also support the county’s lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and funding additional programs to address addiction and drug treatment. Learn more

Here’s what we know: Salt Lake County’s population is going to continue to grow, but our geographic size is fixed. We needed to identify sensible housing solutions, including, where appropriate, high-density and mixed-use developments in areas where there is sufficient water and utilities access. Those plans should also include affordable housing units, so that everyone who wants to live here, can live here, no matter their socio- economic standing. The county should also work with the state to develop strategies for affordable, accessible and efficient public transportation networks. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

I support updating the Wasatch Canyons Master plan to ensure that our natural resources are not destroyed as the county explodes with growth. This include defining recreational use in each of the master plan areas, and adopting sensible land use, zoning and ownership rules. I also support funding for additional open space acquisition and parks so we can provide more recreational opportunities for citizens and the development and maintenance of our trails system. Learn more

Social Services

Expanded programming and services for our aging population. Learn more

Programs to address the problem of youth suicide. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

Salt Lake County is growing at a breakneck pace that places increased demand on our $1.3 billion budget. I am committed to smart budget management through the careful consideration of existing expenditures and new programming requests. I believe a smart budget strategy can allow for funding the critical public services we depend on and programs that enhance our quality of life. We also to need to maintain the county’s AAA bond rating. Learn more