Proven Leadership.

Over the past four years, Mayor Lenise Peterman has turned vision into reality — securing over $10 million in competitive grant funding and delivering lasting improvements to Helper. These aren’t just nice ideas or long-term promises — they’re real, measurable achievements that have strengthened public safety, restored our natural spaces, improved infrastructure, and brought new life to Main Street. Each “Proof” highlights one of those wins — all earned through hard work, strategic planning, and community collaboration.

Proof #1: Award‑winning Community Revitalization

In 2017, Lenise, in conjunction with the Helper Revitalization Committee and co-chair Malarie DeVincent, initiated the SDAT-led Helper Revitalization process—engaging over 10 % of residents in shaping the town’s future. This effort resulted in a blueprint to build sustainability here in Helper, driven by and for the community. This blueprint led to multiple grants supporting Main Street improvements, the entrepreneurial training program, Dark Skies efforts, and river restoration. Along the way, Helper was awarded a Gold Facilitation Award for taking a plan and making it real.

Proof #2: Revitalized Main Street

In 2018, Lenise and co-director Malarie DeVincent led a community-driven Main Street redesign. Volunteers built the design selected by the community over nine weekends, installing 27 multilingual “Welcome Friends” plaques. Property owners engaged as well, restoring storefronts and sparking economic growth. Since then, Helper’s city budget has grown from $1 million to $1.8 million, which is attributed in great part to local sale tax increases year over year. Post SDAT, Lenise secured a strategic partnership with Utah State University’s Architecture program. The students provided an award-winning master design plan which led to wayfinding/signage, entry way pillars and new billboards! All of these were designed to help visitors (and locals) better find parks, trails, athletic fields, and historic sites—all donated and installed to create a more welcoming and navigable community.

Proof #3: Entrepreneurial Training Program

As part of the SDAT initiative, Lenise participated along with many small business owners in a 12-week Helper Cohort Entrepreneurial Training — a program designed to equip budding local entrepreneurs with essential tools and strategies. Within nine months, the effort had already sparked the creation of new micro-businesses, helped existing shops build professional websites, and fostered a stronger spirit of collaboration in our downtown business community.

Proof #4: Secured Dark Skies Certification

In April 2020, Helper became the second city in Utah and one of just a few dozen worldwide to earn the prestigious International Dark-Sky Community designation. Over two years, Lenise led the effort — coordinating lighting audits, guiding the passage of a protective lighting ordinance, as well as launching public education. The Utah University Dark Skies Program was integral in this effort with students performing light readings and developing reports and concepts to enhance dark skies. Higher education once again fills a gap for our rural community.

The result: safer, more sustainable lighting that not only protects the night sky and promotes stargazing tourism, but also lowers electricity costs for the city. These upgrades are estimated to save Helper thousands of dollars annually on energy bills, proving that smart environmental policy can also be smart fiscal policy. Local groups like the Dark Sky Observers Club host events that draw visitors, educate students, and celebrate Helper’s place under the stars.

Proof #5: River Restoration Projects

Lenise has led a multi-phase effort to restore the Price River corridor — removing invasive plants, outdated dams, and concrete debris to improve habitat and public access. With partners like RiverRestoration.org, Trout Unlimited, and Helper Middle School students, the city has completed six of six phases. In 2022, Helper secured $500,000 from the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant to fund Phase VI as well as $1.5 million from a federal program. The project has reopened river flow for native fish species and created safer, more inviting space for tubing, fishing, and community use. The city has established a private-public partnership with local river runners who assist in clearing the river, partnering with public works staff for removal.

Proof #6: Revamping Recreation Infrastructure

In early 2025, Lenise helped secure three competitive planning grants and donations to enhance recreation in Helper:

  • A $133,000 Outdoor Recreation Grant dedicated to replastering and refurbishing our community pool — a major boost for families and local recreation.

  • A UDOT multimodal planning grant to develop safer walking and biking pathways across Helper.

  • A Technical planning grant for community outreach and design services for a potential “All Wheels” Park.

  • Secured $70,000 in donations for Gardner and Heritage Fields to replace dirt, relocate the scoreboard, new bumper pads and sound systems.

These grants reflect her commitment to improving everyday amenities and supporting healthy, active lifestyles in our town. They’re currently in planning stages, with detailed designs and community feedback will be encouraged as these programs unfold. The ballfields are well on their way but still have a number of improvements and we’ll continue to partner with USU-Eastern to find funding to make these top-notch playing facilities for the Eagles and their competitors!

Proof #7: Boosting Arts & Community Events

Lenise has been a driving force in building relationships that fuel Helper’s thriving arts and events scene. She served as a Co-Director of the Helper Arts, Music & Film Festival in 2015 & 2016, and she continues to support events like the Festival and local area champions such as Mark Montoya & Brenda Deeter (Christmas Town), Kimberly Keuhn (Helper Vibes), and the Arts Festival Committee (Too many to name but you know who you are!). Lenise plays a key role in supporting these community traditions through grant writing, as well as volunteering to assist.

Results of these efforts include the amazing Main Street lighting, as well as hosting both the Utah Symphony on Main Street and the Utah Opera in all of our local area schools. Let’s not forget the strategic partnership with West Coast Show Support (Kenny & Harim Driggs) who have gifted the community Christmas A La Vivaldi, not to mention stellar films such as Remembering Castlegate. Those are just a few of the many amazing events held at the Rio and expand our artistic genres to include music, film, middle school plays and more. This public–private partnership was key in activating a city asset that was once underutilized. The arts are important because they lift our spirits, bring us joy and provide us a window into a world of beauty.

Proof #8: Modernizing Utility Infrastructure

Lenise guided Helper through critical infrastructure improvements, including securing a water revenue bond in 2025 to replace aging pipelines from Scofield Reservoir. Working with Rural Water experts, she helped the community navigate rate adjustments while ensuring long-term reliability and public trust. Water storage has been rehabilitated, SCADA implemented as well as standing up a GIS system which indicates the location of our infrastructure, easing locations when problems arise. This effort is currently underway with a projected completion in September based on permit approval.

Proof #9: Building Restoration/New Builds

Lenise has coordinated with local area businesses to utilize the State Historic Preservation Office Certified Local Government program for façade improvements. This funding has assisted a number of buildings on Main Street, along with funding from the National Park Services. All aimed at building preservation and restoration. Another key effort was rebuilding the Public Works Garage. This upgrade has provided a safer, expanded work environment, creating better storage of equipment and materials and a more comfortable space when preparing trucks for snow plowing!

Proof #10: Invited to White House Western‑States Event

In 2024, Lenise was personally invited to Washington, D.C. to represent Helper and rural Utah at the White House’s Western-States Local Government Forum—a gathering of select mayors and civic leaders from across the West. Her inclusion highlighted Helper’s transformation under her leadership and brought national visibility to the town’s innovative approach to revitalization, infrastructure, and community building. Lenise’s ability to speak alongside governors and federal officials shows that her leadership not only works locally — it earns respect far beyond city limits.

These are just ten of the many ways Lenise Peterman has delivered real results for Helper. But the work isn’t done. To see what she’s already set in motion — and what’s next for Helper’s future — visit the What’s Ahead page.