Hi, I’m Neal Herbert.

Portrait of Neal Herbert

I’m running for the at-large seat on the Grand County Commission. I believe great things happen when people work in genuine partnership. When differing viewpoints are treated like assets rather than obstacles. When relationships are built on respect and trust. When talented people feel empowered to do their best work. I want to bring these qualities to our local government and help lead it in a more positive direction.

Your donation will help make this possible.

My Story

When someone called to offer me a job in Canyonlands during the summer of 1994, I thought a friend was playing a prank. For years I took trips to Moab whenever I could. Being offered the chance to live and work there seemed too good to be true.

More than 30 years later, I still think Moab is one of the best places on the planet to hike, boat, ski, hunt, camp, bike and live. And while it was the landscape that drew me here, it’s community and friendships that make it home.

My professional career followed two paths. One in the public sector managing communications and technology for the Department of the Interior. This work helped me understand the complexities and compromises of public land management.

The second in the private sector building websites for artists, businesses, and nonprofits. I loved working with Moab leaders and business owners. They taught me a lot about what it takes to serve the public here. My clients included the City of Moab, Town of Castle Valley, Back of Beyond Books, Canyonlands Natural History Association, KZMU, Living Rivers, Rim Tours, Sabaku Sushi, Seekhaven, Tex’s Riverways, Tom Till, and many more.

I left Moab for 12 years to pursue opportunities in Yellowstone and Boise, Idaho. This was a time of intense personal growth for me as I stepped into roles leading projects and teams. I learned a great deal about what makes government work well, and what causes it to break down. 

Grand County was always on my mind. No matter where I was, I never stopped reading the local news. Last year I retired from my federal career and moved home with my wife Jennifer and two adorable cats.

Why I’m Running

Grand County government is struggling. Struggling to keep good staff. Struggling with finances. Struggling with divisiveness and civility. Struggling to work cooperatively and efficiently to solve real, local problems.

Last summer I started attending county commission meetings. I talked to neighbors and business owners. And what I found confirmed what I already believed: this community is full of remarkable people. We deserve an equally remarkable local government working on our behalf.

I’m running out of a deep commitment to place and a desire to lead county government in a different direction.

Listening and learning is central to developing my core campaign themes. I’ve spent hours talking with voters and community leaders. From these conversations I’ve started to focus on the following actions:

  • Establish fiscal priorities so we spend wisely and save for the future.

  • Strengthen collaboration between the county and its local partners.

  • Empower county employees through servant leadership.

  • Create pathways for the next generation to build a life here.

What do you want to see?

Let’s talk: I’d love to hear from you.