Letter of Interest - District Four Open Council Seat
Scott Lyttle
District Four resident for 14yrs
Dear Members of the Salt Lake City Council,
I am writing to express my interest in serving as the District 4 representative on the Salt Lake City Council. I recognize that District 4 residents are looking for engaged, accessible, and community-focused leadership that can thoughtfully navigate the opportunities and challenges facing a rapidly evolving district.
Over the past several weeks, I have spent considerable time meeting with current Council Members, business leaders, community organizations, neighborhood stakeholders, and residents to better understand both the responsibilities of the role and the challenges and opportunities currently facing District 4 and Salt Lake City as a whole. Those conversations have reinforced my belief that Salt Lake City is entering a pivotal period, and the decisions made over the next several years will have a lasting impact on the future of our neighborhoods, downtown, businesses, and residents.
I believe the Council benefits from diverse professional perspectives, and my background in hospitality, nonprofit leadership, and small business ownership would add a valuable operational and community-focused viewpoint to the conversation.
Throughout my career, I have worked in leadership roles focused on relationship-building, fundraising, strategic planning, organizational growth, and community engagement. My professional experience has included leadership positions with organizations such as Tracy Aviary, Bike Utah, the National Ability Center, and several nonprofit and community-based organizations focused on development and public engagement. Those experiences taught me how to navigate competing priorities, build consensus, communicate transparently, manage budgets, and make thoughtful decisions while remaining accountable to the communities and organizations I serve.
My wife and I currently own Tea Zaanti in Sugar House, where I experience firsthand both the opportunities and challenges of operating a small business in Salt Lake City. As a business owner and employer, I regularly make decisions that require balancing competing needs, long-term planning, financial realities, and community expectations. I currently serve on the City’s Business Advisory Board, where I served as Chair in 2025, as well as the Economic Development Loan Fund Committee, and I am currently serving as Co-Chair of the Sugar House Chamber of Commerce. From 2013-2016, I served as chair of SLC Bicycle Advisory Committee, which gave me additional experience working collaboratively with City departments and community stakeholders on transportation and connectivity issues.
One of the issues I care most deeply about is ensuring Salt Lake City remains a place where younger residents can realistically build a future. As an employer, I regularly see younger workers struggle to picture long-term stability or attainable homeownership within the city. I believe Salt Lake must continue creating opportunities for attainable housing, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong local business districts that help residents remain connected and invested in their communities long term.
I also care deeply about creating active, connected neighborhoods throughout the city. I believe successful urban neighborhoods require more than just development projects. They require walkability, transportation options, active public spaces, neighborhood-serving businesses, and planning that creates energy, safety, and community connection. District 4 sits at the center of many of the city’s most important conversations surrounding growth, redevelopment, transportation, and downtown vitality, and I believe practical and collaborative leadership will be critical moving forward.
As I researched to prepare this application, I approached every conversation with humility and curiosity while also recognizing the seriousness of the role. I do not pretend to have every answer, but I do believe my experience has prepared me to thoughtfully listen, collaborate, make difficult decisions, and help guide District 4 through an important period for Salt Lake City.
To accomplish this, I believe effective leadership requires bringing people together. District 4 works best when residents, small businesses, community organizations, major employers, developers, and city leaders all have a seat at the table. My goal would be to help foster open communication, collaborative decision-making, and long-term planning that benefits both District 4 and Salt Lake City as a whole.
I understand the responsibility that comes with representing District 4 during such an important period for Salt Lake City, and I am prepared to put in the work necessary to serve thoughtfully and effectively.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to serve District 4 and continue contributing to the future of Salt Lake City.
Sincerely,
Scott Lyttle
