Jackie Biskupski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jackie Biskupski
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| 35th Mayor of Salt Lake City | |
| In office January 4, 2016 – January 6, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Ralph Becker |
| Succeeded by | Erin Mendenhall |
| Member of the Utah House of Representatives from the 30th district |
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| In office January 1999 – June 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Gene Davis |
| Succeeded by | Brian Doughty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 11, 1966 Hastings, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Betty Iverson |
| Children | 2 |
| Residences | Sugar House, Utah, U.S. |
| Education | Arizona State University (BS) |
Jackie Biskupski (born January 11, 1966) is an American politician from the Democratic Party. She served as the 35th Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the second woman to hold this important position. Before becoming mayor, she was a member of the Utah House of Representatives. She represented the 30th District in Salt Lake County from 1999 to 2011.
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About Jackie Biskupski's Early Life
Jackie Biskupski was born on January 11, 1966. She adopted a son named Archie in 2009. On August 14, 2016, she married her partner, Betty Iverson. Betty also has a son. Jackie and her family live in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City.
Jackie earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She studied criminal justice at Arizona State University.
Jackie Biskupski's First Steps in Politics
After college, Jackie Biskupski started her own private investigation business. Later, she worked in the car insurance industry. She decided to get involved in politics in 1995. This happened after a disagreement at East High School (Salt Lake City). The Salt Lake City School District and the Utah State Legislature tried to close a student club.
In 1997, Jackie was chosen for the Executive Committee of the Salt Lake County Democratic party. She also joined the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Salt Lake City.
Serving in the Utah Legislature
In 1998, Jackie Biskupski was elected to the Utah House of Representatives. She was the first person in Utah to be elected to a state office while being openly gay. She won by a large margin, even though some groups campaigned against her.
She was re-elected six times. She served in the legislature for 13 years. She left her position in 2011.
After leaving the legislature, Jackie Biskupski worked as an administrator. She joined the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in 2015.
In 2011, Jackie helped start "Real Women Run" in Utah. This group encourages women to become leaders in their communities. It also helps them run for political office.
Becoming Mayor of Salt Lake City
Jackie Biskupski was elected Salt Lake City Mayor on November 17, 2015. She won against the mayor who had served two terms, Ralph Becker. She received 51.55% of the votes.
During her first year as mayor, Jackie focused on air quality and climate change. She wanted Salt Lake City to use only clean energy by 2032. She also aimed to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2040.
In 2016, Mayor Biskupski created the Department of Economic Development. This department helps bring new businesses to Salt Lake City. It also helps existing businesses grow.
In September 2016, she made an agreement with Rocky Mountain Power. They promised to work together on clean-energy projects. This helps Salt Lake City reach its clean energy goals.
Mayor Biskupski also worked on solutions for the city's homeless population. In December 2016, she announced four new homeless shelters. This decision caused some discussion about where to build them and their cost.
In 2017, Biskupski approved Salt Lake City's first Transit Master Plan. This plan aims to improve public transportation. It includes better bus routes and new ways to share rides.
In September 2018, Mayor Jackie Biskupski started a Commission Against Gun Violence. This group looks at ways to prevent gun violence. It also suggests how to fund programs to make the city safer.
Leading on a National Level
In 2018, Jackie Biskupski played a key role. The United States Olympic Committee chose Salt Lake City to bid for the 2030 Winter Games.
Biskupski is a co-chair for the Sierra Club's Mayors for 100% Clean Energy group.
In August 2018, Salt Lake City hosted a United Nations conference. This was the first time a UN conference was held in the U.S. outside of New York City.
In November 2018, Biskupski led a group of mayors and council members. They supported legal challenges against changes to Grand Staircase–Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. These monuments are important natural areas.
In June 2017, Mayor Biskupski joined 61 U.S. mayors. They promised to follow the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement aims to fight climate change.
In 2017, the U.S. Conference of Mayors made Biskupski a vice chairwoman. She worked with businesses for a sustainable future.
In February 2018, Mayor Biskupski joined many mayors. They were against changes to the Clean Power Plan. This plan helps reduce pollution from power plants.
In July 2019, the United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution by Biskupski. It asked Congress to act on climate change. It suggested a price on carbon emissions.
On March 16, 2019, Biskupski announced she would not seek a second term as mayor. She mentioned a "serious and complex family situation."
Protecting the Environment
Jackie Biskupski is a co-chair of Sierra Club's Mayors for 100% Clean Energy. This group works to promote clean energy.
In 2016, Salt Lake City became the 16th U.S. city to adopt a 100% clean energy plan.
In May 2016, Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Rocky Mountain Power started a new project. They aimed to double Salt Lake City's use of clean solar power. Their goal was to have 50% of city operations powered by renewable energy by 2020. They aimed for 100% by 2032.
In July 2016, Mayor Jackie Biskupski launched Climate Positive 2040. This plan aims for Salt Lake City to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. It also plans to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2040.
To support these goals, the Salt Lake City Fire Department opened two new fire stations in 2018. These were the first "net-zero" fire stations in the country. This means they produce as much energy as they use.
On February 13, 2019, Biskupski asked Utah's representatives in Washington D.C. to protect clean car standards. She spoke against plans to weaken these rules.
Making Housing More Affordable
On December 12, 2017, the Salt Lake City Council approved Mayor Biskupski's Growing SLC plan. This plan helps create more housing in the city.
In February 2017, Mayor Biskupski launched the city's first affordable housing plan in 20 years. The GrowingSLC plan aims to create and keep affordable housing. Since 2017, the city has increased the number of affordable homes being built.
Improving Transportation
Biskupski created partnerships with scooter companies like Lime and Bird. These scooters help people travel short distances. They also help people get to bus or train stops.
In August 2019, Salt Lake City launched the first part of its Transit Master Plan. New frequent bus lines opened on 900 South, 200 South, and 2100 South.
Building Better Infrastructure
Under Biskupski's leadership, the Salt Lake City's International Airport is being rebuilt. This is a huge project costing $3.6 billion. What's special is that it doesn't use any taxpayer money.
In November 2018, Salt Lake City voters approved Mayor Biskupski's plan. It was an $87-million bond for road repair. This helps fix and improve city roads.
Promoting Gender Equality
In January 2017, Mayor Biskupski introduced a new city policy. It gave 6 weeks of paid time off for new parents working for Salt Lake City. This included mothers, fathers, and those who adopt or foster children. Salt Lake County soon followed this example.
On March 1, 2018, Biskupski signed Salt Lake City's Gender Pay Equity policy. This policy aims to ensure fair pay for everyone, regardless of gender. It stops employers from asking about past salaries during hiring.
At the 2019 Salt Lake City Women's March, Biskupski called on Utah to approve the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment would add gender equality to the U.S. Constitution.
Addressing the Utah Inland Port
Biskupski has spoken out against the Utah Inland Port. She was concerned about local control of the land. She also worried about a lack of openness in decisions and harm to the environment.
In March 2019, Biskupski asked the Salt Lake City Attorney's Office to sue the port. This lawsuit challenged the laws that created the port.
Supporting Public Art
In April 2017, Biskupski unveiled 18 new public art sculptures. These artworks are now a permanent part of downtown Salt Lake City.
In February 2018, Biskupski launched the Arts for All program. This program gives free tickets to performances at the Eccles Theater. To get tickets, residents must receive certain benefits or be eligible for free school lunches.
In August 2019, Mayor Biskupski finished ColorSLC. This was the largest public art project in Salt Lake City's history.
Images for kids
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Jackie Biskupski
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Biskupski at the Salt Lake City International Airport
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Biskupski speaking at the 2019 Women's March
See also
In Spanish: Jackie Biskupski para niños
