Crystal Muhlestein
Council Member, Orem
Office held
| Council Member | Orem | Source |
Education and community roots
Crystal Muhlestein grew up in California’s Central Valley and came to Utah to study exercise science at Brigham Young University. After time in Ohio while her husband completed further education, the family returned to Utah and settled in Orem. In the city’s profile, she describes parenting as the main focus of her adult life, alongside extensive volunteering in her children’s schools. [1]
School advocacy and local involvement
Muhlestein served through the PTA, volunteered in classrooms and obtained substitute-teaching certification when her local school needed additional help. A proposed set of elementary-school closures drew her into organized advocacy. She worked with other parents to oppose the closures, an experience she credits with motivating greater involvement in local government. After an unsuccessful first council campaign, she remained active in community and county political work. [1]
Representation and leadership
Orem’s profile records Muhlestein beginning council service in January 2026. She describes her aim as understanding and representing residents’ needs, without having entered office committed to a single signature project. She also values adding the perspective of a younger parent to the council. Her account emphasizes adapting when circumstances change, listening carefully and continuing to learn about the services and institutions that shape residents’ daily lives. [1]
Current responsibilities
Muhlestein’s council term runs 2026–2030. Assignments include the Events Advisory Commission, Youth Council, Public Works Advisory Commission and local government legislative and community-housing work through the Utah League of Cities and Towns. [2]
Profile sources
In the news
- Politics
Orem council approved moving $3.68 million to capital projects after the fiscal 2025 reserve finding
The council adopted a February 2026 budget amendment, Ordinance O-2026-0004, that includes a $3,680,788.60 transfer from the general fund to the capital projects fund after an audit found the general fund over the state cap. The records reviewed do not show whether the money moved by June 30.
- Politics
Orem council raises property tax revenue $450,000 for two police officers
The Aug. 27 vote, 4-2 among council members with the mayor also voting yes, also moved all of the city's general operations property tax into a new public safety fund.