Heber Valley: My Home and My Heart

Heber Valley is my generational home, my heart, and the place that shaped who I am. As a young woman, I worked my way through college entirely on tips and scholarships. I drove from Ephraim on weekends to work at the Homestead Resort, while serving as head photo editor at Snow College—taking photos, developing film, and writing articles during the week.

After Snow, I transferred to SUU, where I worked for the Chamber of Commerce and earned degrees in advertising, public relations, and business management.

Though I tried city life working at a PR firm in downtown Salt Lake, I was always drawn home to Heber Valley. I later took a position with a global communications company so I could commute from Heber, where I eventually married, had a daughter, and bought a home in downtown Heber.

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Hard Times and Determination

When my marriage ended, I juggled multiple jobs to stay afloat—teaching preschool during the day with my baby by my side, waitressing at night to cover the mortgage, and helping with my dad’s construction company.

As my daughter grew, I stepped away from the night shifts and leaned into construction management.

Then the 2008 recession hit, and everything changed. I went from overseeing projects nationwide to scrubbing toilets just to make ends meet.

I was a single mom for 12 years. It wasn’t easy, but I kept going—raising my daughter, balancing work and life, and creating memories that shaped who I am. I traveled the world, survived an avalanche in the Andes, and once found myself in a poker game with Tiger Woods and Hootie & the Blowfish. But through it all, I stayed grounded—in Heber, in motherhood, and in purpose.

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A New Chapter: Love, Family, and Purpose

Then I met Mike Hewlett—and everything changed. Despite my fierce independence, Mike never - let go. Together, we built a blended family with six daughters.

After fertility treatments and the heartbreak of a miscarriage, we were blessed with a child together. I fell in love with his daughters just as he embraced mine.

I discovered my true calling: being a wife and mother. But I never lost my drive to serve others, connect people, and strengthen our community.

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Why I’m Running

Years ago, I asked a friend why she ran triathlons. She said, “Because my husband told me I could be anything—and I chose this.” That stuck with me.

Two years ago, after my father passed away, Mike told me the same thing: “Do whatever YOU want.”

So I did. I began serving as a public advocate—volunteering on the Envision Heber board, joining the Planning Commission, promoting local businesses, designing logos and marketing plans, consulting, and managing my own property management company.

I’m running for City Council—not just to add another voice, but to help shape a community where people are connected, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.

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My Vision for Heber

I believe in building a community with purpose—not profit. A place where:

• Families can thrive

• Neighbors know each other

• Faith and freedom aren’t squeezed out by zoning codes or high-rises

• Streets are wide, open space is preserved, and homes have land for gardens

• Schools, churches, and small businesses are at the heart of our city

Cities should reflect order, dignity, and moral purpose—not chaos, corruption, or greed. Communities should be built for people—not just planners or developers.

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What I Bring to the Table

My mentor, Renee Peterson, once said:

“Jami is the most organized and conscientious person I have ever worked with. She has a unique ability to handle pressure, work well with people, and bring out their best.”

I bring heart, hustle, history, and hands-on experience. I know how to listen. I know how to work. And I never give up on Heber.

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Setting the Record Straight

Recently, a developer-funded news outlet mischaracterized a letter I helped draft about downtown redevelopment. The intent of that letter was never to mislead—it was to promote transparency and protect historic local businesses like Lee Music and the Wasatch Wave building.

While Mr. Lee and I acknowledge our communication could have been clearer, my motivation was always to ensure the public was informed about a proposed pedestrian pathway that could impact our historic downtown.

City officials have denied plans to demolish Lee Music—but the city’s purchase of the Wasatch Wave building, combined with comments from CAMS director Rachel Kahler (who referred to these buildings as “just old buildings”), have raised real concerns.

The Wasatch Wave building is not “just an old building”—it’s where Jim Fosgate pioneered audio technology that would become Dolby Pro Logic. It’s a piece of Heber’s legacy that deserves preservation, not demolition.

Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit is being organized by other businesses impacted by the over-budget, behind-schedule park bandstand project—highlighting a pattern of poor planning and lack of communication with our city leaders.

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Heber Deserves Better. Let’s Build It—Together.

I’m not a politician. I’m a mom. A GRANDMA, A businesswoman. A local. A fighter. I’ve worked hard my whole life—through joy and heartbreak—to stay rooted in the valley I love.

I’m running to protect our heritage, promote smart growth, and preserve the values that make Heber special.

Let’s create a city built for people—not just profits. Let’s fight for beauty, order, faith, family, and freedom.

Let’s do this—together. For Heber.

Jami Hewlett

435-513-5859

#jamihewlettforheber | www.forheber.com