Raise the Roof 2026 to Recognize State and Local Housing Champions

Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities (WALC) will recognize four state and local leaders for their contributions to housing policy, land use reform, and community development at Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes on May 6, 2026.

The event brings together community members, policymakers, housing advocates, and supporters to celebrate progress on housing affordability and continue building momentum for housing reform across the Wasatch Region.

This year’s honorees include former Salt Lake City Councilmember Darin Mano, former Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, Representative Ray Ward, and Representative Jill Koford — each recognized for their leadership in advancing housing solutions and expanding housing opportunities throughout Utah.

Read the full press release and award citations below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2026

Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities (WALC) to Honor State and Local Leaders at “Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes”

Salt Lake City, UT — Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities (WALC) will recognize four leading voices in housing policy and community development at its upcoming fundraiser, Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes, taking place on May 6, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Spy Hop Rooftop Terrace (208 West Harvey Milk Boulevard, Salt Lake City).

The event will bring together community leaders, policymakers, advocates, and supporters to celebrate progress on housing affordability while building momentum for continued reform across the Wasatch Region. The evening will begin with a reception and networking period, followed by a formal program featuring remarks from WALC leadership, presentation of awards, and calls to action focused on advancing housing policy and expanding community participation. The program will conclude with additional time for attendees to connect and engage.

WALC will present four awards recognizing leadership and impact in advancing housing solutions:

The Trailblazer Award – Former Councilmember Darin Mano
The Legacy Award – Former Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini
The Blueprint Award – Representative Ray Ward
The Foundation Award – Representative Jill Koford

Turner Bitton, Executive Director of WALC released the following statement regarding the awards:

“Each of these leaders has taken a different path to the same outcome: making it easier for people to find a home in the communities they love. Their work has moved beyond conversation and into real policy change that is opening doors across our region. Raise the Roof is about recognizing that kind of leadership, and bringing more people into the work of building a future where housing is attainable, communities are connected, and everyone has a place to call home.” home.”

Biographical information for each honoree is included as an attachment, along with photos for media use.

Award Citations

The Trailblazer Award – Former Councilmember Darin Mano

Darin Mano’s time on the Salt Lake City Council fundamentally reshaped what is possible for housing policy in Salt Lake City. Trained as an architect and urban designer, Darin brought both technical precision and a bold vision to one of the city’s most urgent challenges. He became the council’s leading voice on land use reform: so much so that Building Salt Lake dubbed him the “prince of pro-housing policy” at City Hall. But beyond recognition, his work delivered real change. This change is visible throughout the city in the form of new homes and places for our neighbors to call home.

Darin’s leadership laid the groundwork for today’s most important housing reforms, including the Expanding Housing Options proposal—an effort that builds directly on the policies he championed and made possible. From legalizing accessory dwelling units by right, to reducing costly parking mandates, advancing transit-oriented rezonings, and modernizing the city’s zoning code, his impact will shape Salt Lake City for decades to come. Now continuing this work at Housing Connect, Darin remains a driving force in expanding access to housing. For his vision, leadership, and lasting impact, we are proud to present Darin Mano with the Trailblazer Award.

The Legacy Award – Former Mayor Jeff Silvestrini

As the first mayor of Millcreek, Jeff Silvestrini didn’t just lead a new city—he defined its future. Over three terms, he guided Millcreek through a transformation rooted in intentional growth, community identity, and expanded housing opportunity. By combining innovative public financing tools with thoughtful planning, he helped turn underutilized areas into thriving neighborhoods—delivering thousands of new homes, including multifamily, ownership opportunities, and deeply affordable housing for families and seniors.

Jeff’s leadership extended far beyond Millcreek. As chair of the Wasatch Front Regional Council and president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, he championed policies to increase housing supply, support density, and align growth with transit. His legacy is one of action—proving that communities can grow in ways that are both inclusive and forward-looking. For his enduring impact on housing and regional leadership, we are honored to present Jeff Silvestrini with the Legacy Award.

The Blueprint Award – Representative Ray Ward

Representative Ray Ward has been one of the Utah Legislature’s most consistent and forward-thinking champions for housing reform. At the Utah House of Representatives, he has approached housing with the same care and analytical rigor that defines his work as a physician—recognizing that stable, attainable housing is foundational to individual and community well-being.

His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the policy ideas that are now reshaping housing statewide. In 2025, he sponsored legislation to legalize detached accessory dwelling units—an effort that, while not adopted at the time, helped pave the way for the successful passage of Senate Bill 284 in 2026. In the 2026 legislative session, he sponsored House Bill 184, a bold proposal to legalize starter homes by allowing smaller lot sizes and creating a 30-day “shot clock” for municipal approval—directly confronting some of the most significant barriers to entry for homeownership. Through persistence and vision, Representative Ward has helped lay the blueprint for a more attainable housing future. For that leadership, we are proud to present him with the Blueprint Award.

The Foundation Award – Representative Jill Koford

Representative Jill Koford has quickly established herself as a thoughtful and effective leader on housing policy, bringing a strong commitment to community, opportunity, and practical solutions to her work in the Utah House of Representatives. Grounded in a belief in property rights and local opportunity, she has focused on removing barriers that prevent homeowners and communities from meeting today’s housing needs.

That leadership was central to the passage of Senate Bill 284 in 2026, landmark legislation that created a statewide framework for detached accessory dwelling units. This policy represents a critical foundation for expanding housing options that fit naturally into existing neighborhoods, opening the door to more attainable homes for young families and workers while establishing a framework that can continue to evolve in the years ahead. By helping put these building blocks in place, Representative Koford is shaping a more responsive and inclusive housing system for Utah. For her leadership in advancing durable, statewide change, we are honored to present her with the Foundation Award.

About Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities

Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities champions community development in the Wasatch Region through programs and public policies focused on housing, land use, local governance, and transportation. WALC works to expand housing options, reduce barriers to development, and create more inclusive, connected communities.