Editorial: Real Estate with Heart — How Park City REALTORS® Are Building Community  In today’s news cycle, the real estate industry is often painted with a broad—and sometimes critical—brush. But here in Park City, the story is much deeper, richer, and more community-centered than many people realize.

The Park City Board of REALTORS® and its more than 1,200 members are not just helping people find homes—they’re helping build a stronger, more compassionate community. Through the generous giving of time, money, and resources, our agents and brokerages are deeply woven into the fabric of this town, making a real difference far beyond the closing table.

As a Board, we proudly support a wide range of local organizations that contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of our region. From environmental efforts like Recycle Utah and the stewardship of Mountain Trails and Wasatch Trails, to cultural staples such as KPCW and Mountain Town Music, our members are committed to preserving and enriching what makes Park City so special.

We also believe that strong communities are built through access to education and housing. That’s why we support organizations like the Park City and Wasatch Education Foundations, Mountainlands Community Housing Trust, Habitat for Humanity, and PC Tots. Our Board’s Philanthropic Foundation provides high school scholarships to students in need and raises funds for affordable housing—critical investments in the future of families throughout the Wasatch Back.

This year alone, over 140 students applied for scholarships through our Foundation, and our Trustees awarded $20,000 to deserving recipients. We are also actively working to raise awareness around the affordable housing crisis and to generate funding for projects that create housing opportunities for those who need it most.  So far in 2025, $60,000 has been given between our Association, MLS and Philanthropic Foundation to Habitat for Humanity and in the last 4 years over $250,000 has been raised for different affordable housing projects in our community.

"The Park City Board of REALTORS® has been an amazing supporter of PC Tots by sponsoring our annual Birthday Bash, our largest fundraiser. Their support helps fund our Brighter Tomorrow Scholarships, which subsidize tuition for workforce families. These scholarships allow children to enroll in our high-quality early education program and help parents continue working in our community. Thank you for supporting early childhood education and Park City families."
— Katie Madsen, Executive Director, PC Tots

“Park City REALTORS® have been leaders in supporting the creation of affordable housing in the Wasatch Back. From organizing fundraisers for nonprofits like Mountainlands and Habitat for Humanity to the pro bono work of agents assisting first-time buyers, their support is far-reaching and deeply appreciated.”
— Jason Glidden, Executive Director, Mountainlands Community Housing Trust

And it doesn’t stop there. Nearly every brokerage in town has developed its own philanthropic arm. From Sotheby’s Cares to the community outreach programs of BHHS Utah Properties, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Christie’s International Real Estate, Engel & Völkers, and many more, local real estate professionals are consistently stepping up. Whether they’re organizing food drives, hosting fundraising events, or rolling up their sleeves for service days, our agents and brokers lead with purpose.

“Our KW Park City associates ran in the Park City Education Foundations relay race called "Running with Ed" on May 17th.

We collectively had fun, and most importantly helped raise $245,000 (and still counting) for PCEF Programs Supporting Our Students, Educators, and Schools!”

— Michelle Parker, Executive Director, Keller Williams Park City

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties is family owned and operated and deeply committed to community involvement. Over the past 10 years, the company has contributed $2,000,000 and sponsored many events for over 50 local organizations. Among them are KPCW, National Ability Center, Summit Land Conservancy, Fraternal Order of Police (Shop with a Cop), Utah Food Bank (Turkey Drive) Kimball Art Center, and Make a Wish Utah. The firm’s over 200 agents on the Wasatch Back are also significant contributors to and volunteers for numerous local nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the owner of the firm, Steve Roney is currently serving on the board of directors for the Intermountain Park City Hospital Foundation and the Egyptian Theatre.”

— Steve Roney, Owner, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Utah Properties

“Here at Summit Sotheby's International Realty, real estate provides the means for supporting the very communities that embrace and support us, our real estate advisors, and our support staff. At the close of every sale, our real estate advisors voluntarily donate a portion of their earnings towards our very own 501(c)(3), Summit Sotheby's Cares. This program enables us to give back to over 100 worthy causes and non-profit organizations throughout the state of Utah. With donations approaching $2,300,000 since its inception, Summit Sotheby's Cares isn't just about real estate – it’s about social responsibility, gratitude, and giving back to our community.”

— Thomas Wright, Principal, Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

Yes, real estate is a business—but here in Park City, it’s also a calling. The people in our industry aren’t just selling homes; they’re actively invested in making this a better place to live for everyone. In times of economic uncertainty or rapid growth, our REALTORS® remain steadfast in their mission to serve the community they love.

So, the next time you see headlines about real estate, we invite you to take a closer look at what’s happening right here in our mountain town. You’ll find professionals who care deeply about the people and the place they serve. We’re proud of our members—not just for their market expertise, but for their generosity, their vision, and their heart.

Because here in Park City, community isn’t a buzzword—it’s a commitment.

Piece by: Jamie Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the Park City Board of REALTORS®, Park City Multiple Listing Service and Park City Board of REALTORS® Philanthropic Foundation