At the Council and RDA Meeting:

• the Board discussed and unanimously approved a loan amendment for Housing Assistance Management Enterprise (HAME), a non-profit entity of the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, which is developing a new mixed-income, mixed-use development that will include 93 housing units and 2,300 square feet of commercial space. The project will replace the Capitol Hotel and adjacent properties at 1749 South State Street. The loan amendment waives the 95% loan-to-value requirement for the project because of two-thirds of the units will be affordable for residents who earn 25% to 50% of AMI. It is expected to be completed end of 2021.
  
  
• the Board discussed options for using future funding to be generated by the 10% tax “differential” (increment) on property in the Northwest Quadrant. This revenue was set aside for affordable housing initiatives in the City as the result of negotiations with the State. Board Members expressed particular interest in exploring ways that Westside community improvements—including new construction, rehabilitation and housing-related infrastructure—could transform these neighborhoods into high-opportunity areas. RDA staff will use these ideas to plan a fact-finding session featuring experts on these issues, with the goal of identifying ways that the Salt Lake City residents most affected by the Inland Port will enjoy increased access to opportunities.
  
  
• the Council held a follow-up briefing for the City’s 2020-24 Consolidated Plan Guiding Use of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Funds and discussed with the Administration adding four priorities to the plan: micro-enterprise loans, increasing access to healthy food, improving access to early childhood education, and overcoming the digital divide. In discussions, Council Members expressed additional interest in addressing digital divide efforts as more concerns have come up with the pandemic. The Council also discussed possible target areas, which would identify where Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) money can be spent for building transportation amenities and supporting small businesses.
  
  
• the Council approved an extension of the Mayor’s March 18 proclamation declaring a local emergency for the magnitude 5.7 earthquake. The extension lasts until July 6 to preserve options to FEMA funds. The date accommodates delays related to COVID-19.
  
  
• the Council received an update from the Mayor about the recent emergency declarations and City operations, including: 
  • her recent Proclamation No. 7 which includes business license fee deferrals; prohibiting Salt Lake City employees from assisting with eviction proceedings; deferring outdoor dining permit fees; deferring rent payments for non-profit tenants in City buildings; and the St. Vincent may continue to operate as an overflow shelter for those experiencing homelessness. 
  • data from the second round of applications for Small Business Loans from the Department of Economic Development. The Council reviewed the demographics of businesses that applied and experiences with the application process. The Council expressed appreciation for all the hard work the Economic Development has been doing for this program, which is among the first in the nation to get small business loans out to the community. 

All agenda-related comments received through any source are shared with the Council and added to the Council public meeting record.

Visit the Council’s agenda page for meeting documents and video or view an archive of prior meeting recaps.