Kam Valgardson is a 4th generation modular builder. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management from BYU ’01. He worked in the modular construction business as a young man building, delivering, and setting modules. After earning his degree Kam spent several years managing production homebuilding and land development in Las Vegas, NV, which experience […]
Delaney is a planner experienced in community and environmental planning spanning urban and rural communities across the Intermountain West. She has led and supported projects in active transportation, open space, small town and resort planning, and community development. Delaney excels at facilitating inclusive community engagement, designing and implementing outreach strategies that build trust, elevate local […]
Shane Phillips is a housing researcher, writer, and consultant. He manages the Randall Lewis Housing Initiative at the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, and produces and hosts the UCLA Housing Voice Podcast, a biweekly show that translates emerging policy-relevant research for a non-academic audience. He’s the author of the book The Affordable City, […]
Jamie is the Planning Manager at Heber City and currently serves as the APA-UT Wasatch Back Area Representative. He has previously worked at Saratoga Springs and Provo City. His education includes a B.S. of Urban Planning from the University of Utah and a Post Graduate Diploma from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.
Christine Richman is the Director of Planning and Economic Development at GSBS Architects, with over 35 years of experience in public and private sector planning. She helps municipalities grow sustainably by aligning long-term vision with practical action. Christine has led planning, urban design, and community development projects nationwide, including the Salt Lake City Lighting Master […]
Zachary Smallwood is the Planning Division Manager for Murray City, Utah. With experience in economic development, transportation, and long-range planning, he is passionate about cities and creating high-quality, people-focused places. Zachary also served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Midvale in Salt Lake County.
Kirby is an urban and transportation planner with both public and private experience. He currently works for Avenue Consultants and in the past has been a city planner, planning director, and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) director. His previous experience includes developing impact fees for new infrastructure, performing workforce and affordable housing studies, updating land use […]
Meg Padjen leads planning technical assistance and economic development activity as the Director of Community and Economic Development of the Wasatch Front Regional Council, a metropolitan planning organization. Meg collaborates on policy at the state and local levels, as well. Her work has recently been focused on creating and implementing policy requiring cities to plan […]
Roxie Christensen earned graduate degrees in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences from Utah State University and utilizes Morgan Farm to create hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in agriculture and livestock. Passionate about youth agricultural education and community engagement, Roxie is dedicated to connecting the community with its historical roots through immersive, farm-based experiences that inspire and […]
Chris is a Utah Licensed Landscape Architect and a Certified Planner who serves as Principal and Senior Planner at BIO-WEST, Inc., in Logan, Utah. BIO-WEST is a 50-person, multi- disciplinary environmental consulting firm serving Federal, State, and local government agencies, as well as private companies, since 1976. Chris’ studies and over 35 years of work […]
Carly Lansche is the Planning and Trails Program Director for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. She oversees the Division’s statewide trail programs, mapping operations, and long-range and technical assistance planning capacities. Born and raised in Utah, Carly is enamored by the state’s deserts, rivers, and mountains. She is passionate about enjoying and stewarding our […]
Alexa Oldham is a Policy Analyst at the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT), where she supports local governments through research, policy development, and advocacy. With a background in public policy and a passion for community-driven solutions, Alexa works to strengthen the voice of municipalities across Utah.





































