Amber Harsin For Kaysville City Council
Growth with Purpose and Leading with Heart
I believe our city thrives when development is thoughtful and sustainable, ensuring that every decision contributes to our long-term viability and enhances the quality of life for all residents. By fostering genuine collaboration, taking decisive action, and always prioritizing the well-being of our community, we can build a future that truly reflects the heart of Kaysville.
Issues Of Importance to Kaysville and My Position
Protect Services to Kaysville while Practicing Fiscal Responsibility and Transparancy
On April 11, 2025, Kaysville’s Finance Director presented a tentative FY 2026 budget that revealed a $3.2 million revenue gap. This is a serious and pressing matter for our city, and addressing it requires careful consideration of both potential revenue increases and service adjustments—each with real impacts on our community.
As a city council candidate, I believe in a collaborative approach—working alongside fellow council members, residents, city staff, and local business owners—to evaluate our options thoughtfully and transparently. My approach centers on fiscal responsibility and thoughtful service prioritization.
I intend to thoroughly examine the city’s budget with the goal of identifying areas where efficiencies can be gained and resources can be realigned to protect essential services. While the realities of inflation and unfunded mandates complicate our path forward, I support efforts to minimize undue financial pressure on residents, including exploring a full range of funding options and cost-saving strategies.
My perspective on this issue includes:
• Balancing Costs and Services: The rising cost of delivering services like public safety and public works is a growing challenge. I believe residents deserve clear, transparent communication about the true costs of these services, and I would advocate for open, inclusive discussions about the trade-offs involved in maintaining service levels without compromising safety or city function.
• Supporting City Employees: Kaysville’s staff—including firefighters, police, utility, and administrative teams—are essential to our daily lives. Recognizing that they, too, face the same financial pressures as other residents, I support efforts to ensure fair compensation and sustainable staffing policies to maintain service quality and staff well-being.
Kaysville Infrastructure and Improvements
Our city's infrastructure plays a critical role in ensuring public safety, accessibility, and long-term economic vitality. Decisions made in this space have lasting consequences for both current residents and future generations. I believe infrastructure planning should be strategic, inclusive, and forward-looking—with the goal of directly benefiting our neighborhoods, downtown areas, and business corridors.
If elected, I would advocate for and support infrastructure initiatives that align with community needs and values. My focus includes:
Enhanced Accessibility and Walkability for All:
I believe that a safe, walkable Kaysville benefits every resident—particularly our elderly, families, and differently-abled neighbors. I support prioritizing projects that improve street lighting, sidewalk condition and width, and clearly marked crosswalks—especially in the downtown area. A more accessible and walkable Main Street promotes inclusion and allows more residents to confidently and comfortably engage with our city.
Supporting Local Businesses through Thoughtful Infrastructure:
Strategic infrastructure investments can play a key role in the success of local businesses. I support exploring enhancements such as decorative lighting, street beautification, and banner hardware that highlight the character of our Main Street. These types of improvements, paired with attention to traffic flow and accessible parking, help create a more welcoming and lively downtown—one that attracts foot traffic, enhances local identity, and supports our "mom-and-pop" shops and community entrepreneurs
Kaysville City Center Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Plan and Budget
The Kaysville City Center Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Plan and Budget has been a central topic in city council discussions. This initiative has the potential to shape the long-term future of our downtown—affecting everything from infrastructure and small businesses to public finances and community identity.
As a candidate, I believe the CRA must move forward with transparency, financial accountability, and a strong alignment with our community’s values.
**To be absolutely clear—**I do not support diverting funds from our schools for the purposes of redevelopment.
Transparent and Accountable Redevelopment:
I would advocate for clear, accessible financial oversight of the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and support mechanisms to ensure the community can understand and track CRA spending. Residents deserve transparency on how tax increment financing (TIF) is generated and used—especially when it relates to school district funding. I support establishing success metrics and encouraging the RDA to remain accountable to the public it serves.
Community-Centric Development and Preserving Local Character:
The CRA offers an opportunity to revitalize our City Center, and I believe that investment should reflect and preserve the qualities that make Kaysville special. That includes supporting projects like downtown beautification and lighting that enhance walkability and create a welcoming environment for residents and local businesses alike.
At the same time, I understand and share concerns about traffic, parking, affordability, and the potential impact on existing small businesses. I will advocate for community involvement at every stage of planning and for thoughtful growth that respects our small-town character.
I support, including affordable housing options, improving accessibility for elderly and differently-abled residents, and making sure the benefits of redevelopment are shared broadly across the community.
Ask Me Anything
Interested in my position on topics you are passionate about? Ask away!