Josh Kanter has served on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards. He founded Alliance for a Better Utah, one of Utah Donor Collaborative’s partners, in 2011 to empower Utah’s electorate and hold public officials accountable. He leads a wealth management advisory firm and is also the founder of leafplanner. 

As a board chair of Utah Donor Collaborative, we spoke with Josh about political representation in the state. “I’m an entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist, and Utah is my beloved home,” said Josh. 

“Utah Donor Collaborative funds and builds the needed political infrastructure and a sustainable civic ecosystem in Utah,” he continued.  

The goal of UDC is to transform the state legislature and create a state where fairness, justice, and opportunity are accessible to everyone. Josh believes a majority of Utahns are united on many issues, and that the unchecked power of the super-majority controlled state legislature does not act in the best interests of all Utah citizens or represent them in public policy-making processes. 

“We all deserve to have our voices heard and all Utah residents should have political representation, regardless of their background,” continued Josh. “Utah is growing and has many diverse communities and voices that are not being represented in state politics.”

“From the very beginning when we first came to Utah in 1993, my notion was to build collaboration and power through community,” said Josh. “I’m as knowledgeable as anyone, but our political environment is complex and it’s not possible for one person alone to keep up with every single thing that’s happening. UDC helps me understand how to direct my attention and resources in a meaningful way that has significance.”

Josh continued, “I’m interested in social and economic justice because that’s where the supermajority is most out of touch – the lives of people who don’t always have privilege, like access to a good education, clean air, and clean water.”

“I’ve gained a sense of community through Utah Donor Collaborative. It has strong and smart leadership and its approach is solid. If we want to change Utah politics, this is the only way to do it,” concluded Josh.