Salt Lake City Planning Commission welcomes new candidates Lila Rosenfield and Michael Vela

The Salt Lake City Council Work Session on May 20, 2025, featured compelling discussions as the council considered new appointments to the planning commission, highlighting the importance of community representation in shaping the city’s future.

Lila Rosenfield, a professional planner with a background in urban and regional studies from Cornell University, expressed her passion for Salt Lake City during her introduction. Growing up in the area and currently residing in District 4, Rosenfield emphasized her commitment to the community, particularly as a member of the LGBTQ community. She articulated her desire to contribute to the planning commission by combining her professional expertise with her lived experiences as a renter. Council members praised her insights and expressed excitement about her potential contributions to the commission.

Michael Vela, another candidate, shared his extensive experience as an architect and his previous service on the historic landmark commission. He highlighted the transformative growth Salt Lake City is experiencing and his eagerness to be involved in shaping its future. Council members acknowledged Vela's valuable perspective and his ability to balance personal passion with community needs, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful planning in urban development.

Jeffrey Barrett, who joined the meeting via Zoom, introduced himself as a resident of District 5 with a background in urban and environmental planning. He discussed his professional journey in energy and utilities, emphasizing his commitment to sustainable development and community welfare. Barrett expressed enthusiasm for participating in the planning commission during this pivotal time of growth in Salt Lake City.

The council plans to place the names of these candidates on the consent agenda for formal adoption in an upcoming meeting, signaling a step forward in enhancing community representation in city planning. The discussions underscored the council's commitment to ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the decision-making processes that shape the future of Salt Lake City.