My Bio
About Emily Buss
I’m not a career politician; I’m your neighbor who wound up in the Senate. As a community leader, a 2026 Utah Remarkable Women nominee, a Utah Business Forty Under 40 honoree, and a mom, I simply got tired of watching "political theater" stall the real change our families deserve.
My journey into public service started at home in Eagle Mountain. Whether it was advocating for safer streets in my own neighborhood or researching life-saving therapies for my son’s food allergies, I learned early on that if you want a system to work better, you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and fix it yourself.
A Foundation of Service
Before my appointment to the Utah State Senate, I spent my career on the front lines of community advocacy. As a Licensed Social Service Worker (SSW) with a degree in Behavioral Health and Family Science, I’ve seen exactly where the gaps in our system are. To help bridge those gaps, I co-founded the Birthday Box Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families and celebrating children experiencing hardship. That work—which earned us "Nonprofit of the Year"—taught me that real change happens when you focus on people, not paperwork.
Delivering Results for District 11
In the State Senate, I represent District 11 as an independent voice. I am not tied to party bosses or special interests; I answer only to you. During my time in office, I’ve focused on the common-sense issues that impact our daily lives:
- Infrastructure: Fighting for developer accountability and the funding for roads and utilities necessary to keep pace with our explosive growth.
- Education: Ensuring schools in high-growth areas have the resources they need so our kids don't get left behind.
- Affordability: Working to expand the State First-Time Homebuyer program by removing the "new construction only" restriction, making it easier for families to find homes they can actually afford.
- Transparency: Fighting for a government that is open, honest, and easy for every citizen to navigate.
Why I’m Running
I’m running for re-election because we are just getting started. District 11 is at a crossroads, and we need leadership that listens more than it talks. I believe in a government that solves problems through collaboration rather than partisan fighting.
If you believe in honest leadership, smart growth, and a representative who puts your family first, I’d be honored to have your support as we keep working for the future of District 11.
My Key Issues
Transportation
District 11 is growing fast, but our roads, schools, and utilities are falling behind. Responsible development has to be about more than just the price of a home; it's about making sure the infrastructure is actually there to support it. We can’t let poor planning and gridlock chip away at our quality of life. Our community and quality of life is worth fighting for, and it’s time our growth reflected that.
Housing
I firmly believe the people profiting most from building homes are not the ones who will solve our affordable housing crisis, and if developers want fewer regulations, they should have to prove those changes actually lower costs and home prices. The state has already reduced many barriers for builders, so the focus now should be on real solutions for families like homebuyer incentives and lowering the cost of land. I will continue advancing legislation that puts families over builders, including efforts like HB 541, and fight to keep corporate investors from buying up starter homes.
Urban planning and smart growth
We can’t let poor planning and gridlock chip away at our quality of life anymore. District 11 is growing fast, but our roads, schools, and utilities are falling behind. Responsible development has to be about more than just the price of a home; it's about making sure the infrastructure is actually there to support it.
Responsive Leadership for Our Growing Community
To make this section strictly about listening, transparency, and representation, I’ve shifted the focus from the specific policy "wins" to the process of how you work for District 11. This frames your leadership as a direct extension of the community's voice. Responsive Leadership for Our Growing Community I didn’t go to the Capitol to play politics; I went there to get things done for District 11.The issues keeping you up at night, whether it’s the gridlock on our morning commute or the quality of our kids' schools aren't partisan. They are common-sense challenges that require a representative who actually listens before they vote. Too often, everyone at the Capitol gets distracted by political theater while the needs of our high-growth neighborhoods are ignored. I’ve made it my mission to ignore that noise and focus on you. Because I am not tied to party bosses or special interests, I have the independence to work with anyone to get results, and the freedom to say "no" when a deal doesn’t serve our families. Your Voice is My Priority Responsive leadership means more than just holding a title; it means being accessible and accountable to the people who live here. My work is driven by your feedback, which is why I prioritize: Active Listening: Whether it’s through town halls, neighborhood meetings, or direct messages, I make sure the concerns of District 11 families are the primary force behind the legislation I sponsor. Radical Transparency: You deserve to know how decisions are made and where your tax dollars are going. My open-door policy and dedication to providing clear updates on legislative sessions, ensures the processes is transparent. Direct Representation: I answer only to you. My vote isn't for sale to lobbyists or party leadership, it belongs to the people of District 11. If a policy doesn’t improve our quality of life or protect our community’s character, I won’t support it.
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!