Eagle Mountain

Emily Buss

Timeline of Personal Accomplishments

My educational background is rooted in advocacy, policy, and research, with a focus on child welfare and social impact. I’ve spent my life fighting for families and building programs that serve real needs in real communities. Whether it’s creating resources for underserved youth, expanding access to support services, or partnering with local organizations, I know how to turn ideas into action, and action into outcomes.

My experience spans board governance, strategic planning, youth development, and grassroots coalition-building, all rooted in listening, observing, and collaborating.

2014-2017

Researched and advocated for treatments for my son’s life-threatening food allergies. Identified a groundbreaking therapy that successfully resolved his peanut allergy and reduced his anaphylaxis risk. This experience strengthened my commitment to evidence-based solutions and proactive family advocacy.

2018

Survived a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy that went untreated for weeks, revealing serious gaps across healthcare, insurance, and government systems. This experience deepened my commitment to improving accountability, patient protections, and access to timely care.

2023-Present

Co-Founder & Board Chair, Birthday Box Foundation: Led organizational growth from concept to high-impact entity creating a sense of belonging in the community. Scaled annual budget by 1,500% and fundraising goals by 500%. Served over 1,800 children/families through 15 strategic partnerships and 500+ volunteers.

2024

Founding Board Member, The Wellness Farm Foundation: Support strategic oversight for trauma and grief recovery programs, promoting holistic healing strategies that directly align with state-level mental health initiatives.

Novemeber 2024

Heart & Hands Award – Utah Philanthropy Day: Celebrated for over 2,000 hours of volunteer service and community building, underscoring a deep, long-standing commitment to public service and constituent needs.

2025

Advisory Board Member, The Wellness Farm Foundation: Support strategic planning and capacity building for trauma and grief recovery programs that directly align with state-level mental health initiatives.

February 2025

Nonprofit of the Year – Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce: Honored for successfully building a high-impact, grassroots nonprofit from the ground up, proving fiscal stewardship and organizational management skills crucial for state budget oversight.

April 2025

Elevate Business Impact Award - Elevate Business Summit by four cross-sector Chambers: Recognized for visionary leadership, strategic community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, highlighting credibility with Utah’s business community.

Positions on Utah Forward Party Priorities

  • Election Process Reform

    • I believe Utah’s election system should create opportunities for more voices, not fewer. I support open primaries and simple, fair ways for candidates to qualify for the ballot, including signature gathering. Right now, too many people are excluded, and that undermines trust in the process. Our leaders should represent the whole district, which means every registered voter deserves a say in choosing them. A more open and transparent system strengthens our communities and helps strong candidates rise. I also believe that if more voters better understood how the current system works, they would support meaningful reform.

    Representative Voting Districts

    • I support anti-gerrymandering policies and want to explore solutions that give every voter in Utah a fair chance to choose leaders who reflect their views. Equal representation builds trust, and I would use my office to promote reforms that make district lines more balanced and community centered.

    Representative Voting Methods

    • Our current voting methods make people fear that supporting their preferred candidate will waste their vote unless they choose from the same two traditional options. That pressure fuels polarization and pushes out new voices. I want Utah to welcome innovation in how we vote so people can choose the candidate they actually believe in. I would work to expand voting methods that give voters more choice and reduce fear around participating instead of forcing voters to choose the lesser of two evils.

    Campaign Finance Reform

    • I believe in a level playing field. You should not be able to buy a seat in public office, you should earn it by serving the community. We need limits on large donations and outside interests that try to influence elections. Candidates with close ties to development should not accept funding from homebuilders or related industries, because their decisions directly affect those businesses. That is a conflict of interest, and I would support stronger rules to protect the public from it.

    Expand Voter Participation

    • We need more education and awareness about how our election process works. When people understand the influence their vote has in local elections, turnout increases. I would use my office to help the public understand the value of their vote and to advocate for Election Process Reform that makes participation easier, clearer, and more meaningful for every voter.

    • It is also important to meet people where they are. Holding town halls, visiting neighborhoods, and creating simple ways for people to share their concerns helps the community feel heard and understood. Government should feel open and welcoming to all, not intimidating. When people trust that their voice matters, they are more likely to participate and stay engaged.

  • Government Transparency

    • Transparency is the foundation of trust. People deserve to see how decisions are made, how taxpayer dollars are used, and who is influencing policy. In the State Senate, I would support clear reporting standards, more easily accessible public records, plain language meeting information, and easy-to-understand budget summaries.

    • My work as a nonprofit leader has shown me that accountability builds strong communities, and I would bring that same commitment to public service.

    • Transparency also means ensuring people feel heard and understood. Meeting residents where they are and listening is something I excel at and enjoy. As a senator, I would encourage all elected officials to hold quarterly town halls outside of the general session so residents can ask questions and understand the impact of legislation. Government should feel open, approachable, and accountable to everyone it serves.

    Limit Partisan Influence

    • Our challenges are not partisan; they are community challenges. I would work across political lines and support bipartisan committees focused on practical solutions. I would also advocate for nonpartisan appointments on boards and commissions so expertise, not party loyalty, drives decision-making.

    • Political divisions have taken too much space in conversations that should be focused on real solutions for families, children, workers, and communities. Utah’s challenges are not partisan. I would use my office to elevate collaborative problem-solving and evidence-based policy. I will focus on what actually works and keep the conversation grounded in people, not parties. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome to participate, regardless of political identity. I support more non-partisan elections where possible.

    Separation of Powers

    • A healthy government depends on strong checks and balances. When any branch oversteps, the public loses trust. I believe in respecting the distinct roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. As a State Senator, I would defend the independence of each branch and push back against efforts that blur those lines or concentrate too much power in one place. Good governance requires a healthy balance. I support policy that strengthens legislative oversight and independent reviews when major changes are proposed to ensure decisions respect the roles of each branch.

    Government Accountability

    • Public office is a responsibility, not a title. Elected officials should be held to the highest standards, and the people deserve to see follow-through on promises. I would support policies that require performance audits, public reporting on legislative outcomes, and easy ways for residents to communicate concerns and make responding to those concerns a requirement. My experience advocating for my own street, and later my neighborhood, challenging the system locally taught me how important it is for leaders to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. I commit to holding monthly open office hours so residents can share concerns directly.

    Fiscal Responsibility

    • Taxpayers deserve a government that treats every dollar with care. I believe in keeping taxes low, using our existing revenue more efficiently, and being thoughtful about long-term financial impacts. I support sound policies that balance government revenues and expenditures for both current and future generations. I would propose sunset clauses on new spending initiatives and reallocate funds toward programs that demonstrate clear results.

    • We need to be resourceful with our spending the same way residents are having to adjust to the ever increasing cost of living. Public-private partnerships can help us stretch dollars and deliver needed projects without placing unnecessary burdens on families. Responsible budgeting is not just about cutting for the sake of cutting. It is about investing wisely where it matters most.

    Taxes and Regulations

    • Regulations should protect people and communities without creating unnecessary obstacles for businesses or families. As someone who has personally fought to hold developers accountable, I understand the importance of balanced oversight. I would support policies that promote safety, transparency, and fairness while keeping taxes low and ensuring Utah remains a strong place for economic growth. Our tax system should be fair and efficient. I would review policies and loopholes that protect profits and corporations over people, reduce burdens on working families and small businesses, and ensure all contribute fairly. I would sponsor legislation requiring impact studies before major regulatory changes and promote policies that streamline infrastructure improvements while protecting communities.

  • Housing Availability

    • Housing should be attainable for working families, young people, and seniors. Utah’s rapid growth has created pressures that require thoughtful planning, and coordinated state road improvements that run parallel to growth. I would promote responsible growth tied to infrastructure, schools, and water planning. I support incentives for incorporating workforce housing and attainable starter homes in new developments.

    • I would also push for transparency between developers, HOAs, and residents to protect homeowners and ensure new construction benefits the community.

    • I support policies that encourage responsible development, protect homeowners, improve transparency in the building process, and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with new construction. My experience taking legal action against a developer on behalf of my neighbors gives me a clear understanding of how important it is to protect residents and make sure growth benefits the entire community.

    Education Funding

    • We cannot call Utah the best place to raise a family while funding our public schools near the bottom nationally. Utah ranks second lowest in per pupil spending, and we see the impact in overcrowded classrooms, burned-out teachers, and limited support for students. As a senator, I would work to reallocate existing resources to increase per pupil funding, raise teacher pay, and ensure classrooms have what they need without teachers purchasing supplies themselves.

    • We also need to strengthen education at every level. I support expanding apprenticeships, skills-based career pathways, and adult education programs that help people reenter the workforce or transition careers in a changing economy. In the age of AI, we must remove barriers to upskilling for underemployed and unemployed residents. We should also reframe how we talk about skilled trades and labor careers before we face a serious workforce shortage.

    Healthcare

    • Every family should have access to reliable and affordable healthcare. I support efforts to improve access in underserved areas and expand preventive care, women’s healthcare, and maternal and postpartum mental health resources. We also need stronger support for youth mental health. Through my years of advocating for children and families, I have seen the real consequences of gaps in our system.

    • As a senator, I would work to expand partnerships with community organizations, improve insurance transparency, and support programs that help families navigate care without being overwhelmed. I also support reforms that reduce healthcare costs, increase efficiencies, and extend mental healthcare to more people. Better outcomes come from a system that is accessible, coordinated, and focused on people, not paperwork.

    Immigration

    • Utah has a long history of welcoming newcomers, and our state benefits from the cultural and economic strength they bring. I support opportunities for foreigners to legally immigrate to the U.S. Immigration policy should be humane and avoid separating families. Compassion and common sense can work hand in hand.

    Homelessness

    • Homelessness is a complex statewide challenge, reflecting deep issues like mental health crises and lack of affordable housing, that requires coordinated action. As a State Senator, addressing this is both an economic necessity and a moral obligation. I am deeply concerned about homeless families and youth in areas where resources are scarce. I will push for a dedicated legislative budget line-item for prevention, focusing on early intervention and short-term assistance to keep families housed. By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and wraparound support, we can provide more stability for those at risk and reduce long-term impacts on families and communities.

    • For long-term stability, we must expand Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), which includes intensive, on-site wraparound services. I will advocate for state funding to increase accessible mental health care, addiction treatment, legal services, and workforce training, recognizing that housing stability and clinical support go hand-in-hand.

    • As a State Senator, I will push for regional partnerships that implement shared data systems and unified resource distribution. This is a crucial step to maximize the efficiency of taxpayer dollars and ensure continuous care. My background in nonprofit leadership proves I understand how critical collaboration is when addressing complex issues.

  • Environment

    • Air quality is a public health issue that affects both physical and mental wellness. Poor air quality impacts lungs, contributes to health problems, and research shows it may even increase suicide risk. Utah already faces a youth mental health crisis, and we should do everything we can to prevent it from getting worse. Clean air policies save lives.

    • Utah’s landscapes are part of who we are. Our mountains, deserts, open spaces, and national parks shape our identity and our economy. We need to protect them. I support waterwise landscaping, rain barrel programs, conservation efforts, and community incentives that help families use water more efficiently.

    Great Salt Lake

    • Saving the Great Salt Lake is a priority. If we do not act, toxic dust from the exposed lakebed will threaten public health for generations. I support increasing water flow to the lake, improving management of upstream usage, and promoting responsible conservation practices. This is not optional. It is a responsibility we owe to our children. I would also sponsor legislation that creates partnerships with agriculture, industry, and cities to reduce unnecessary water loss.

    Energy

    • Utah needs more power, and clean energy from renewable sources should play a larger role in meeting that demand. I support research and policies that expand access to solar, geothermal, and hydrogen energy while keeping costs low for families. I recognize the state’s interest in nuclear energy, and while modern technology is much safer than it once was, placement matters. I would also support a statewide clean energy plan that expands solar storage, improves grid reliability, and prepares Utah for long-term demand.

    • If the state moves forward with nuclear development, I will advocate for siting it in rural desert areas, away from neighborhoods and schools, where it will not affect property values or create unnecessary risks. Clean and reliable energy should strengthen our communities and support long-term growth, not threaten the well-being of the people who live here.

What specific local issues compelled you to seek political office?

For years, I have watched Eagle Mountain and the west side of Utah County grew faster than the infrastructure meant to support it. This summer, while running for City Council, I experienced firsthand just how severe the problem has become. Nearly every day I found myself stuck in gridlock, sometimes waiting an hour just to leave town, only to end up stalled again at the same chokepoints on state-managed roads that have not been expanded in almost two decades. Our population has quadrupled, yet the roads built for a small rural community are still expected to carry the weight of a major city. The result is predictable: frustration, road rage incidents, and fatal crashes that make the news far too often. I have watched it get worse every year, and I know it will continue to worsen unless the state finally prioritizes the communities west of the Wasatch Front.

This issue pushed me to run for local office, and it is also the reason I am seeking a seat in the State Senate. Our dangerous and inadequate roads are not just a local inconvenience, they are a public safety crisis. Eagle Mountain residents depend on state roads to get in and out of our city, yet our needs have been overlooked for far too long. The state wants cities like ours to absorb more housing, including higher-density developments to meet growing demand statewide, but those mandates do not come with the infrastructure investment needed to keep residents safe. Families here feel unheard, misunderstood, and forgotten, and I understand why. They live with the daily consequences.

Connectivity across the west side of the Wasatch Front is broken, and it affects far more than traffic patterns. When state population counts are outdated or inaccurate, funding formulas shortchange communities that are growing the fastest. When transit options lag decades behind development, residents lose access to jobs, services, and opportunities. And when the state pushes more density without ensuring road expansions, impact fees, and safety resources keep pace, it places cities in an impossible position. Growth continues, but the tools to manage it do not.

During my City Council campaign, residents shared their experiences with me: emergency vehicles stuck in traffic during peak hours, commutes that doubled over the last five years, and parents who worry about their teenagers driving on roads filled with road rage and roads that were never designed for this volume of cars. I heard from families in older neighborhoods still waiting for basic safety improvements like adequate egresses and from new residents shocked at how disconnected they are from the rest of the counties. These stories made it clear that we need a stronger voice at the state level, someone who is willing to challenge outdated plans, push for accurate data, and fight for infrastructure dollars where they are needed right now, not where a decades-old study predicted they would be needed.

When I ran for City Council, I was by far the least-known candidate, but my message resonated. I ran a grassroots campaign with handmade signs and I finished only 175 votes away from unseating an incumbent, and afterward dozens of residents encouraged me to apply for this midterm Senate appointment. That support showed me that people are ready for a new kind of leadership: someone who listens, speaks up, and brings solutions that align with real community needs. The experience also strengthened my belief that local voices matter, and that our state policies must reflect the realities on the ground.

If appointed to fill the State Senate seat for district 11, I would work to champion infrastructure funding based on current population growth, not outdated projections. I would support allowing cities more flexibility to slow development when infrastructure is insufficient, and I would push to tie faster timelines for road improvements to new developments. I also believe impact fees must be updated so developers contribute their fair share, rather than placing the cost of rapid growth on current residents. And I support giving cities the ability to assess impact fees for public safety staffing, because every new development requires officers and first responders to keep pace with population increases.

My motivation for seeking office comes from a simple belief: communities deserve to be safe, connected, and heard. The west side has done its part by welcoming new families, building homes, and supporting state housing goals. Now the state must do its part by investing in the roads, transit, and safety infrastructure that makes growth sustainable. I am running because I refuse to accept the idea that some communities are destined to be an afterthought. Representation shapes outcomes, and it is time for someone who understands our challenges to fight for us at the state level.

This is not just about traffic. It is about safety, equity, and quality of life. It is about ensuring that families in district 11 and across Utah can get to work, to school, to medical appointments, and back home safely. I want us to build a state where growth is planned, not endured, and make sure the voices of the people who live here are not only heard but taken seriously.

That is why I am seeking political office. I know we can do better, and I am ready to get to work.

Legislation Idea

The Utah Public Transparency & Citizen Access Act

A practical, bipartisan bill that helps restore trust without wading into culture-war issues. This is directly aligned with what Utahns across the spectrum have voiced for over a decade. This type of bill touches on universal frustrations:

● “Government isn’t listening.”

● “Decisions are made behind closed doors.”

● “We don’t know how money is spent.”

● “People shouldn’t need lawyers or lobbyists to understand what’s going on.”

What the Bill Could Do

1. Create a Single, Searchable Public Database

All state expenditures, contracts, grants, and vendor payments available in one easy-to-search portal.

Utah already has partial systems, but people hate the fragmentation.

Bipartisan benefit:

● Reduces waste, fraud, duplication.

● Increases accountability and protects vulnerable groups.

● Improves trust.

2. Require Plain-Language Summaries for All Bills

People consistently complain that legislative language is inaccessible.

Every bill filed must include:

● A plain-English summary,

● A “what this means for you” section,

● A simple table showing costs or savings.

3. 48-Hour Public Access Rule for Bill Substitutes

This is the #1 procedural complaint from Utah citizens and journalists. No more “last-minute surprises” where substitutes appear hours before votes.

4. Strengthen Open Meetings & Public Notice Requirements

People get frustrated when the public finds out after decisions are made. Especially for:

● Budget hearings

● Land use changes

● Board appointments

● Education policy discussions

5. Create a Public Comment Portal With Required Legislative Response

This shows voters that their input is seen. Not binding — but requires a written response on:

● “Support, oppose, or neutral”

● “The rationale for the committee decision.”

Other Legislative Ideas

Youth mental health access simplification

- Improving wait times, streamlining referrals

Workforce housing for teachers, nurses, and first responders

- Not broad housing reform, just targeted, practical workforce support

Rapid emergency medical response expansion in rural counties

- Support rural strengthening EMS