Ralph Becker bio

• Born May 30, 1952, in Washington, D.C.

• Two sons, Derek and Will; one granddaughter, Tiana

Education

• B.A. in American civilization, University of Pennsylvania, 1973, cum laude

• J.D., University of Utah, 1977

• M.S. in geography (planning emphasis), University of Utah, 1982

Career

• Fellow, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP, 1982-present)

• Member, Utah State Bar, past co-chairman, Public Lands Commission, Natural Resources Section

• Vice president, Bonneville Associates, 1978-81

• Special assistant to executive director, Utah Department of Natural Resources and Energy, 1981-83 (Project BOLD coordinator)

• Deputy director and state planning coordinator, Utah Office of Planning and Budget, 1983-85

• Co-founder, owner, Bear West, 1985-present

• Adjunct professor, College of Architecture and Planning, University of Utah, 1986-present (classes in environmental planning law and policy, public lands, public involvement and consensus building)

Political and community service

• Utah House Democratic leader and representative, Utah House of Representatives, 1997-2007

• Salt Lake City Planning Commission, 1988-1996 (chairman for three years)

• Member, Governor's Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee on Climate Change, 2007

• Salt Lake City Housing Appeals and Advisory Board, 1986-98

• Memory Grove Oversight Committee, 1998-2001

• Capitol Preservation Board; chairman, Preservation and Planning Subcommittee; member, Greater Avenues Community Council, 1980-84

• Board member, Policy Consensus Initiative

• Advisory board member, Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute

• Co-chairman, Utah Arts Caucus, 2002-04

• Steering Committee member, Envision Utah, 2000-06