Beth Colosimo named Director of Salt Lake County’s Office of Regional Development

Salt Lake County has appointed Beth Colosimo as the new director of its Office of Regional Development, placing a veteran of economic development, business leadership and state-level policy work at the helm of one of the county’s most wide-reaching planning offices.

The Office of Regional Development, often referred to as ORD, plays a key role in guiding long-term growth across the county. From housing and transportation to environmental policy and economic development initiatives, the office coordinates programs and funding designed to help communities adapt to a rapidly growing population.

For Colosimo, the opportunity to guide that work comes at a pivotal moment.

“What excites me most about joining Salt Lake County, in this role and at this moment, is the unique opportunity to shape what comes next,” Colosimo said. “When I read the job description, I was intrigued by the diverse aspects of growth and development that are influenced by the Office of Regional Development and the collective community impact of county agencies.”

She said the complexity of county government was part of the appeal of the position.

“I love being pushed out of my comfort zone for my own professional and personal development,” she said. “The complexity of county government—and the challenges that come with it—keep me engaged and continually motivated to deepen my understanding of how government operations work.”

Colosimo said she was also drawn to the professionals already working in the county.

“When I interviewed for the position, I was very impressed by the caliber of professionals on the team and knew I would be surrounded by high-quality people and subject matter experts that would continually sharpen and expand my perspective and knowledge,” she said.

While many residents may not be familiar with the Office of Regional Development by name, its work affects communities across Salt Lake County. Colosimo describes the office as one that focuses on the broader picture of how the county grows.

“Salt Lake County’s Office of Regional Development helps make Salt Lake County a better place to live, work and grow,” she said. “If you haven’t heard of us before, think of ORD as a team that looks at the big picture for our whole community, not just one city or neighborhood.”

The office works across multiple sectors to plan for long-term growth and stability.

“We focus on planning for the future so our county can handle growth in a smart way,” Colosimo said. “That means working to make housing more affordable, improving transportation options, protecting our natural resources, and supporting a strong local economy.”

Much of that work involves partnerships with cities and organizations across the region.

“I see our role as aiding, encouraging and assisting in responsible and sustainable growth and development in the cities, towns and unincorporated areas we serve,” she said.

Programs administered through the office include grants and funding initiatives designed to support housing, economic development and community planning.

“Our impact is felt in various and often subtle ways,” Colosimo said. “For example, millions of grants and federal dollars are deployed throughout the county to assist in funding housing projects for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.”

Salt Lake County continues to face challenges related to population growth, housing demand and infrastructure planning. Colosimo said addressing those issues requires coordinated policy and long-term thinking.

“The redevelopment challenges facing Salt Lake County—the most populous county in the state—right now are varied, which, for me, is what makes this position interesting and rewarding,” she said.

She noted that shifting federal funding may also present challenges for programs supported by the county.

“With federal funding access shifting and declining, we are challenged to find other funding resources needed to continue the good work we’re doing around Housing Trust Fund, Revolving Loan Funds and economic development initiatives,” she said.

Even so, Colosimo said she believes the county is well positioned to manage growth responsibly.

“I believe Salt Lake County is ahead of the game in its commitment to and diligence around responsible planning, laying the groundwork for a higher quality of life for all community members,” she said.

Regional development efforts often involve cooperation among many agencies and organizations. Colosimo said partnerships will remain central to the county’s work.

“Salt Lake County is part of a large ecosystem that works on shared goals and joint solutions with public, private and nonprofit partners,” she said.

Those partners include municipal governments, state agencies, transportation planners, housing developers and community groups.

The county also aligns its economic strategies with statewide priorities.

“The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity has a longstanding focus on specific industries that incent and focus on development in key sectors where we already have strength and expertise,” Colosimo said. “Manufacturing, software, financial services, and life sciences remain strong sectors in Salt Lake County.”

Colosimo’s career spans both the public and private sectors. Her experience includes national telecommunications sales, operating her own small business and working in economic development roles at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah and the Governor’s Office.

She also previously led an entrepreneurship center focused on supporting small businesses.

“Each role taught me how to work with multiple population groups, lead teams, manage large budgets and grants, as well as adapt to change through or because of innovation and strategic planning,” she said.

As she begins her new role, Colosimo said she hopes to build on the work already underway within the county.

“I intend to bring my vast experience into this position to lead a team of new and seasoned Salt Lake County professionals, and to continue guiding the great work that is already underway within the Office of Regional Development,” she said.