The City of Moab is pleased to welcome Carly Castle as the new assistant city manager. A Utah native, Castle holds a Juris Doctorate from Brigham Young University and Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and anthropology from the University of Utah. Castle joined the city’s staff on Sept. 30.
For the past six years, Castle has worked in the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, first as a special projects coordinator and manager and most recently as the department’s water resources manager. During that time her work focused on water rights and resources, recreation management, intergovernmental affairs, land use issues, and sustainability programs and initiatives. She also worked to develop partnerships with local stakeholders, including community groups, nonprofit organizations, and business entities.
“Carly’s wealth of experience is just what we need to help Moab develop solutions to the many challenges we face as a community – from community resilience to water and sustainability initiatives, as well as relationship building,” said Moab Mayor Emily Niehaus. “Carly brings knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy to our city staff and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”
Castle is no stranger to Moab, having spent the summers of 2006 through 2008 living here and working as a river guide for Western River Expeditions.
“A lot has changed since that time, but I’m relieved to find the magic of Moab has persisted,” she said. “It remains a fun, eclectic town with a warm and engaged community. I’m thrilled to be back here full time.”
In her new role as assistant city manager, Castle will work with city staff to tackle a number of significant projects and issues. Those include developing a more robust portfolio of affordable housing options for the community, helping to address a backlog of infrastructure needs, maintaining a vibrant recreation system for city residents, and working to implement the city’s ambitious sustainability goals.
“All of these are rewarding undertakings from a management and political perspective,” Castle said. “I’m really excited to be part of the Moab City team as we work to tackle these projects.”
Castle said her previous work on issues affecting the Wasatch Front parallel many of the challenges facing Moab.
“My previous professional experience focused largely on natural resource management, recreation management, environmental policy, water policy, and intergovernmental affairs regarding issues in the Central Wasatch Mountains,” she said. “I see many parallels between Moab and the Central Wasatch – they are two places that are grappling with the consequences of being loved to death. The problems they face share common themes, as intense pressure from recreation and development presents similar challenges to local government’s ability to provide services and ensure a high quality of life for its residents. I believe my previous work addressing these similar problems in Salt Lake will be informative as I work with the City team to tackle big issues in Moab.”
So far, she said, the Moab community has been warm and inviting.
“The people I’ve met are enormously welcoming and accommodating. For example, when folks got word I was having trouble finding housing, I started getting dozens of tips and leads about possible housing options,” Castle said. “In fact, people I’d never even met were offering me the spare room in their homes. It was incredible to have this network of generous strangers come out of the woodwork to help me out.”
For additional information, contact Moab City’s Communications and Engagement Manager
Lisa J. Church at 435-260-7027 or email lchurch@moabcity.org.
