The current mayor, Jenny Wilson, was appointed by the Salt Lake County Democratic Party central committee on January 29, 2019, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of two-term incumbent Ben McAdams on January 2, 2019 after being elected to represent Utah's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.

[2] Salt Lake County voters approved the change in government to a nine-member council with an elected mayor by 9,844 votes out of 179,172 cast (52.75% to 47.25%).

In 2004, Workman was accused of misuse of funds, but resolved to still run for re-election, before dropping out on October 12, 2004.

The mayor does not hold supervisory authority over the other 17 elected officials of the county (the council, assessor, auditor, clerk, district attorney, recorder, sheriff, surveyor and treasurer).

The mayor enforces policies established by the County Council by assigning work in the executive branch including Public Works, Human Services, and Community and Support Services as well as exercising power of veto.