Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, who made history as Provo’s first female mayor in the city’s 174-existence, has officially filed for re-election to a third term, positioning herself to build on a successful tenure that has earned national recognition.
Under Kaufusi’s leadership, Provo achieved an unprecedented milestone by being named the Nation’s Best-Performing City for three consecutive years (2021-2023) by the Milken Institute—the only city to earn this distinction since the index began in 1999. The prestigious ranking evaluates cities’ effectiveness at leveraging resources to promote economic growth while delivering essential services.
Kaufusi’s administration has been anchored by the ‘Provo Pillars’—Welcoming, Safe & Sound, Economically Vibrant and Forward-Looking—each supported by transformative initiatives that have reshaped the city’s landscape, including the Public Safety Headquarters, Provo Airport, Water Reclamation Facility and Epic Sports Park.
“Our Pillars serve as Provo’s foundation with safety being a top priority for residents,” said Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.
This commitment to safety is evidenced by the completion of the state-of-the-art public safety headquarters and the construction of two new fire stations—the first additions to the city’s fire infrastructure in two decades.
Mayor Kaufusi highlighted Provo’s rapid evolution into Utah County’s biotechnology epicenter, anchored by an award-winning regional medical center and an expanding ecosystem of medical education institutions. The growth includes the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is poised to become Utah’s largest medical school, alongside Rocky Mountain University and Brigham Young University’s recently announced medical school program.
“We’re creating a comprehensive hub for training the next generation of healthcare professionals while establishing ourselves as the biotech strength of Utah County,” Kaufusi noted.
A cornerstone of Kaufusi’s economic development strategy has been the creation and now expansion of the Provo Airport terminal, which achieved record-breaking performance in 2024 by serving nearly 900,000 passengers. The ambitious expansion will increase capacity from four to 10 gates by late 2028, generating over $200 million annually for the regional economy.
“This expansion serves as Utah County’s runway to the future,” Kaufusi explained. “Strong community partnerships and public support have created momentum that positions us to welcome the world, including visitors for the 2034 Winter Olympics.”
Demonstrating her commitment to long-term planning, Mayor Kaufusi proudly references the completion of the $120 million Water Reclamation Facility, replacing infrastructure dating to 1956. The facility features cutting-edge membrane bioreactor technology ensuring Federal compliance while securing water services for generations.
“I’m honored to be known as ‘the Sewer Mayor’ because some of our most critical work happens underground and is unseen,” Kaufusi said. “This investment represents responsible stewardship for our community’s future.”
Kaufusi’s influence extends well beyond Provo’s borders through numerous leadership roles, including chair of the Utah Municipal Power Agency and Utah Lake Authority, vice chair of the Utah Water Board, and as a longtime Utah Olympic Committee board member. She previously served as president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns and chair of the Utah County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Her leadership has earned recognition as Utah’s 2019 Informed Decision Maker of the Year and the 2022 Utah Valley Chamber Champion.
As Provo prepares for the upcoming election, Mayor Kaufusi’s filing signals her commitment to continuing the transformative trajectory that has positioned the city as a national model for municipal excellence and sustainable growth.
