June 15, 2023

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The Salt Lake City Council adopted Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s fiscal year 2023-2024 recommended general fund budget of $448.5 million this week, which includes expanded care for unsheltered residents, $20 million in affordable housing investment, and the creation of a citywide air quality incentive program.

Last summer, Mayor Mendenhall initiated a three-year budget cycle to take aggressive action on the City’s most pressing issues.

“I’m confident as we head into the second year of our three-year plan to move the City forward,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “We’ve prioritized caring for our unsheltered residents, affordable housing, maintenance of our parks, leading on environmental stewardship, and creating inclusive, safe communities.”

The budget calls for increased investments in homeless services, including an expansion of the Community Health Access Team (CHAT) to accommodate more calls for mental health needs, funding the downtown ambassador program, the creation of more transitional housing and funding for a sanctioned encampment pilot program.

The City will also continue to support emergency shelters, hotel vouchers, case management, detox beds, fire and police emergency response, social worker outreach and victim advocate outreach.

Mayor Mendenhall also continued her commitment to the creation of affordable housing with a $17 million investment through the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA) and $3 million through general funds. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) incentive program will be developed to create new units and sustain existing units through a low-interest loan program, as well as relocation support for displaced tenants and funding for homeowners to maintain and remain in their older homes that may need basic maintenance to remain safe and livable.

Since 2020, Mayor Mendenhall has led the largest increase in affordable housing investment in the City’s history, a 413% increase since she took office.

Mayor Mendenhall’s proposal of a City-led air quality incentive program was also adopted, aimed at the development of indoor air quality equipment and e-bike rebates for residents, as well as the continuation of the residential lawn equipment exchange program.

“The City has to lead on ways that residents can protect themselves from poor air quality and improve their own environmental footprint,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “I look forward to working with our Sustainability Department and City Council to stand up this program.”

Mayor Mendenhall’s fourth recommended budget was presented to the City Council in early May, building on the foundation of the mayor’s four administrative pillars.

1. Our Growth: Harness growth for the good of all residents
2. Our Environment: Lead the way on environmental resilience and stewardship
3. Our Community: Create inclusive, safe, and equitable opportunities for all
4. Our City Family: Support employees’ physical, mental, and economic well-being

The adopted budget starts on July 1, 2023.