Peterson is the longest serving council member in the city's 27-year history.

"It was a really difficult decision," she said Thursday. "I just feel like the time is right."

Peterson is not retiring from public service. She still serves as executive director of the Youth Providers Association, chairwoman of the Community Education Partnership of West Valley City and a board member of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.

During her council tenure, Peterson championed youth programs and development of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center and the city's Family Fitness Center.

"We've come a long way as a city, but we need more diversity on our council," said Peterson, one of only two women on the council. "I just hope that a really good, qualified, upstanding citizen has the motivation to run."

The candidate-filing period ends July 16 at 5 p.m. - Rosemary Winters