Michelle Kaufusi, former mayor of Provo City, officially filed Friday morning to run for Utah County Commission.
“When I first took office as mayor of Provo City, my goal was simple: to leave the city better than I found it,” Kaufusi said. “By listening to residents, making thoughtful decisions, and working collaboratively, we achieved meaningful results. With strong encouragement and support from across Utah County, I’m ready to bring that same proven, conservative leadership to serve the entire county.”
Kaufusi entered the race with broad support from cities throughout Utah County, including endorsements from Utah County mayors and city councils, as well as other state leaders.
“As Mayor of Provo, Michelle Kaufusi led major, complex projects like the Provo Airport and the Provo Reclamation Facility—investments that required discipline, coordination, and a willingness to do the unglamorous work behind the scenes,” said Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner. “County government demands that same kind of leadership. It requires leaders who have a clear vision and the ability to execute it. Michelle has proven she can do both, and she’s ready to lead at the county level.”
During her eight years as mayor, Kaufusi earned statewide and national recognition for her leadership. She was named Utah’s 2019 Informed Decision Maker of the Year and received the 2022 Utah Valley Chamber Champion Award. She also served in numerous regional and statewide leadership roles, including chair of Utah Municipal Power Agency, chair of Utah Lake Authority, vice chair of Utah Water Quality Board, and was a long-standing board member of the Utah Olympic Committee. She also served as chair of the Utah County Metropolitan Planning Organization and Metropolitan Planning Organization Finance Committee and was former president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
“South Valley is growing fast, bringing real infrastructure needs—from transportation and water to public safety. We need a Utah County Commissioner who delivers results. Michelle Kaufusi has proven experience working across the county and has earned the respect of the state and local agencies essential to funding and building infrastructure. Through her service on regional boards and commissions, she has supported all areas of Utah County. That’s the leadership our communities need right now,” said Mike Mendenhall, Mayor of Spanish Fork.
Born and raised in Provo, Kaufusi is a graduate of Brigham Young University and has long been active in community service. She made history as Provo’s first female mayor, serving two terms from 2018 to 2025.
Under Kaufusi’s leadership, Provo City gained national attention when the Milken Institute named it the nation’s Best-Performing City for an unprecedented three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023. Provo City was also named America’s Best Run City by WalletHub in 2025.
“I love this community deeply,” Kaufusi said. “Serving alongside dedicated residents, volunteers, city staff, and partners has been the honor of a lifetime. Utah County is an extraordinary place, and I look forward to earning the vote of its citizens with my commitment to protect what makes Utah County special while preparing responsibly for its future.”
SUPPORTERS OF MICHELLE KAUFUSI FOR UTAH COUNTY COMMISSION
- Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner (Utah County)
- Commissioner Brandon Gordon (Utah County)
- Mayor Mike Mendenhall (Spanish Fork)
- Jessica Egbert (Mapleton Council Member)
- Mayor Brad Frost (American Fork)
- Mayor-Elect Cristy Simons (Salem)
- Mayor Natalie Hall (Bluffdale)
- Jody Stones (Woodland Hills Recorder)
- Brian Hutchings (Woodland Hills Council Member)
- Mayor Brent Winder (Woodland Hills Mayor)
- Dorel Kyaston (Woodland Hills Council Member)
- Janet Lunt (Woodland Hills Council Member)
- Mayor-Elect Bill Hillyard (Woodland Hills)
- Mayor Justin Seely (Nephi)
- Representative Dave Shallenberger (Utah House District 58)
- Mayor Denise Andersen (Cedar Hills)
- Mayor Carla Merrill (Alpine)
- Mayor Carolyn Lundberg (Lindon)
- Mayor Bill Wright (Payson)
- Mayor Matt Packard (Springville)
- Representative Tyler Clancy (Utah House District 60)
