Tony Kohler, AICP
Planning Director
Heber City
Tony Kohler is a seasoned public servant and community leader, born and raised in Heber City, Utah. With over a decade of experience shaping the city’s growth and development, Tony currently serves as Heber City’s Community Development Director, a role he assumed in 2023 after serving as Planning Director from 2012 to 2023. Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Central Washington University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah. His academic foundation and deep local roots have fueled a career dedicated to thoughtful planning, sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Heber City. At the heart of Tony’s professional mission is a deep passion for promoting vibrant, thriving downtown spaces. He believes that a strong downtown is the soul of a community—where culture, commerce, and connection intersect—and he works tirelessly to foster its growth and vitality. Beyond his professional achievements, Tony brings energy and creativity to everything he does. He’s an avid weightlifter and a musician: singing, playing guitar, and bass in a local rock band. He and his wife are proud parents of four children, with one still at home, and share their Heber home with two beloved dogs.
Session(s):
Infill Options »
2025 APA UT Fall Conference, October 10, 2025 1:45 pmThe concept of infill housing options has become a Statewide issue. Many communities are discussing what sorts of infill, often called “the missing middle,” might be suited to their community. This session will explore two communities that are grappling with what works for them and look at the technical and perceived issues that emerge as the process of addressing infill is initiated. In addition, the development community perspective will be offered to determine ways to encourage infill development.
Placemaking »
2025 APA UT Spring Conference, May 7, 2025 3:15 pmHow do you get people to come back downtown when all they need to do these days is push a button or change the channel? Does your community have a gathering place that is recognized be the entire populace? Learn from Heber City and Millcreek about their efforts to bring their community together in an active space that attracts people from all walks of life! We will try to answer the question of “What can you do in your town”?
Consultants – When do you need them? »
2022 Fall Conference, September 9, 2022 1:15 pmMany communities struggle to get to updating their community vision/general plan, find it difficult to fix their ordinances, and sometimes are just inundated with so much work that it is hard to keep up. Should they just be hiring more staff or employing consultants on temporary basis to help them out. Learn perspectives from both sides - the community side and the consultant side.
Annexation—State Law »
2022 Spring Conference, March 25, 2022 10:15 amState Law (handout of steps), Heber and Herriman examples stressing the ability to negotiate while in an annexation process through a development agreement
The Heber Vision, General Plan and Ordinance Work »
September 10, 2021 10:10 am
Learn about the importance of Visioning in your general planning process through the Heber Vision/General Plan story. Consider this innovative planning process that can work for your community.
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