Salt Lake County Councilmember at-large and Draper resident Dr. Suzanne Harrison balances a demanding career and busy family with public service. “I have always been motivated to help my community and create the kind of future I want for all of our children, one in which they are able to afford to live here and thrive with clean air and great job opportunities,” she said. 

Dr. Suzanne Harrison and her husband John are among many who enjoy recreating in Corner Canyon. “I like to mountain bike and hike our local trails. If you see me up there, please say hi,” she said. She also welcomes people to reach out to her directly with questions or concerns. (Courtesy Suzanne Harrison)

Harrison previously served in the Utah House of Representatives from 2019-22 representing Sandy and Draper. “As a result of redistricting changes and the desire to serve more of my neighbors, I pivoted to Salt Lake County Council and have been serving since 2023.” 

Harrison realized many people don’t fully understand the role of Salt Lake County and the services it provides, and she’s working to change that. “Almost 75% of the County’s General Fund, which comes from property taxes, goes to public safety. That’s our number one statutory duty. While I’m proud of the work we do to support Seniors with Meals on Wheels and senior centers, as well as the county libraries and recreation centers, our number one priority is public safety.” That includes but isn’t limited to funding the district attorney’s office, the county jail, the county sheriff and providing defense attorneys for people who can’t afford them.

Harrison’s priorities have remained the same serving the state and the county, but the roles are different. “At the county level, we work more in delivery of services and are a step closer to people needing services in the community. My work has largely been focused on prioritizing public safety, advocating for quality of life, improving health and mental health services, and working toward sustainability and water conservation.”

Harrison detailed those priorities and recent accomplishments toward them:

Public Safety

“One of the major things we’re focusing on as a council are reforms to improve how people with severe mental illness and substance abuse issues are treated in our criminal justice system…breaking that cycle where too many end up in jail that really need services. We’re working hard to replace that cycle by improving treatment and getting them into housing with coordinated care. That frees up our jail for people who actually need to be in jail,” she said. 

1. To that end, the council has been working with Judge Steve Leifman from Miami-Dade County (Florida) who successfully helped enact reforms in his community for better outcomes for people with mental illness, support for law enforcement officers, decreased arrests and incarceration, and a reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness. “Mayor Jenny Wilson had known of his work and brought him to the county. We’re learning from their work and working collaboratively with the state, cities and local service providers to enact reforms,” Harrison said. 

Improving quality of life and awareness of cost-of-living stress for county residents 

“I’m very proud of passing and expanding the My County Rec Pass. It allows anyone under age 18 free access to any of our county rec centers, ice rinks and pools. In an era when so many families are struggling with cost-of-living, this is something we are really proud of. It helps improve physical and mental health for our kids. Continuing this program is one of my priorities for the coming budget season,” Harrison said. 

1. She also cited county investments in trails and open space including 13 miles of new multi-use trails in Butterfield Canyon and her sponsorship of an expansion of summer childcare and summer camp programs. Harrison pointed to the investment of $25 million in affordable housing throughout the county which helped open more than 1,500 affordable housing units since her time on the council. 

1. Improving health and mental health services

The county helped fund and open the Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Center located at 955 W. 3300 South where anyone can receive immediate care regardless of ability to pay. “This is such an important asset, and I want to raise awareness of it. I hope anyone who has a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis will go there, or if that’s not an option, they can call 988. 

“We’re also working with local law enforcement to help when they encounter someone experiencing a mental health crisis so law enforcement feels supported in bringing patients to the crisis care center. This is one of the diversions we’re working on to get people the mental health treatment they need and free up our jail for people who actually need to be in jail. We’ve also worked to increase the Milestone Program to help young adults ages 18-21 who are aging out of foster care and are vulnerable to becoming homeless or experiencing sexual violence or substance use addiction. Helping those kids is really important to me. We expanded the number of beds for them to get housing and gain life skills necessary to get a job and thrive. We have served more than 300 kids and 83% leave the program with a job and housing. More than 80% remain housed two years later.” Harrison also touted three group homes opening this year to increase the number of spots for those with severe mental illness.

1. Water conservation and sustainability 

“I’ve been serving on the Utah Renewable Communities Board. Salt Lake County is one of 19 communities participating in this program to bring clean, renewable energy to Utah in an era where we have increasing energy needs. We’ve also been working on water conservation in our county parks and facilities. Last year, our Daybreak Library became the first net-zero building in Utah. We are always cognizant of how we can do our part to conserve and protect the Great Salt Lake.”

Harrison’s biggest disappointment was the closing of childcare centers. “This was a tough budget year, and I fought hard to keep our county childcare centers open,” she said. 

Harrison finds inspiration in others. “I’m always inspired by constituents who are helping improve our community and the services within it, whether volunteering on our Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board or parents advocating for their child who’s experiencing mental illness,” Harrison said. 

Harrison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford and did her medical training at the University of Utah. She and her husband John are parents of three young adults. Harrison has worked in Intermountain hospitals in the valley for more than 20 years as a Physician Anesthesiologist. She plans to seek reelection to the council in 2028.

“I want people to know first and foremost my goal is to listen to residents and make sure they feel represented, that and helping families thrive in our community,” she said. “I always appreciate hearing from residents, and I hope to see folks on our trails because I’m up there all the time.” 

Harrison can be reached at [email protected] or 801-999-8047.