In January, Ross Romero was sworn in as the Salt Lake County Councilmember for District 4, marking a significant milestone as one of the first Latino (Carlos Moreno was also sworn in) to hold the position. District 4 spans much of the county’s east side, encompassing parts of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Murray, as well as all of Holladay, Millcreek and Emigration Canyon. 

Romero's journey into public service began with his education at the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1993. He later attended the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1996 with a specialization in environmental and municipal law.

Following law school, Romero worked as a litigator at Jones Waldo, handling cases related to land use and municipal law. He then transitioned to Zions Bank as Vice President of Public Finance, where he played a key role in structuring bonds for infrastructure projects, including water conservation initiatives and public transit expansions. In 2020, he founded Inclusion Strategies, a consulting firm advising organizations such as Intermountain Healthcare and the Salt Lake Chamber on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks and policy compliance.

Romero told a 2024 DEI roundtable discussion hosted by Utah Business, “Progress requires listening to marginalized voices and finding common ground.” 

Romero’s political career began in the Utah Legislature, where he served from 2005 to 2012. As a member of the House of Representatives (2005-06), he authored bills to increase funding for ESL programs and expand Medicaid coverage for low-income families. He later served in the Utah State Senate (2006-12), where he sponsored the 2008 Clean Air Act amendments, tightening emissions standards for industrial polluters. He retired as Senate Democratic Leader.

During President Barack Obama’s second administration, Romero was appointed to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, where he evaluated educational excellence criteria and promoted STEM opportunities for minority students. He also served as a Democratic National Committee representative from 2020 until early 2024.

“Ross Romero is the embodiment of dedication and leadership,” Sindy M. Benavides, president and CEO of Latino Victory Fund said. “His deep understanding of local government and his commitment to environmental sustainability, affordable housing, and economic equity makes him an ideal candidate to serve Salt Lake County. We proudly endorse his campaign and believe he will be an outstanding advocate for his community.”

In 2011, Romero was a candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor.

Beyond elected office, Romero has been deeply involved in community service. He has served on the YWCA Community Advisory Council, advising on policies to support domestic violence survivors and expand child care access. As a board member of Hale Centre Theatre, he championed initiatives to make arts education accessible to underserved youth. His leadership extends to national organizations, including the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials (NALEO), the Utah Hospital Association, and the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity.

After the Utah legislature passed HB261 dismantling some DEI programs, Romero posted on Instagram, “As your councilmember in Salt Lake County’s District 4, I will always advocate for practices that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a seat at every table.”

Romero outlined his views on development on the campaign website, “I promise to advocate for development that is both progressive and mindful of its impact on our community. This approach emphasizes responsible land use, environmental stewardship and collaboration with stakeholders to create developments that enhance our quality of life while preserving the unique character of our county.”

Residing in Holladay with his family, Romero volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and mentors first-generation college students at the University of Utah. λ