Jan. 28, 2025

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall delivered her sixth State of the City address on Tuesday at the Salt Lake City Main Library, highlighting major strides in public safety, housing affordability, and sustainability while remaining purpose-driven to serve residents at the closest level. 

“Make no mistake—the future of Salt Lake City is bright. But its present is urgent,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “We continue the work we started, with resolve and with clarity, because the Salt Lake City of tomorrow depends on the decisions we make today.”

The administration continues its focus on affordable housing, with commitments to expediting 200 more homes at The Other Side Village and seeking an additional $5 million in funding toward deeply affordable housing in FY2026. The Mayor also introduced a new Affordable Housing Construction and Preservation Dashboard to transparently provide updates on the City’s progress in closing the housing gap. Since 2020, the City has funded or completed over 6,500 affordable housing units.

Mayor Mendenhall announced that the City will move forward with the partial adaptive reuse design scenario for the Smith’s Ballpark site following extensive community engagement. This design aims to transform the site into a cultural district that celebrates creativity and diversity while maintaining some elements of the existing Ballpark stadium.

The administration’s vision to reimagine the City’s wide downtown streets is also moving forward, with a full design for the Civic Campus portion of the Green Loop expected in 2025. The Mayor plans to request $3 million in the FY26 budget toward constructing the Civic Campus that would connect Library Square to Washington Square Park. Those funds would then be leveraged with private-sector support as part of a capital campaign.

“Our favorite events already call this space home,” Mendenhall said. “A civic campus will benefit Salt Lakers year-round, improving the festivals we know and love while adding a new, daily front-yard experience for our downtown community.”

Mayor Mendenhall closed her address with a call to action, reminding Salt Lakers of their shared role in shaping the city’s future.

“The work we do today matters. Because what we commit to now will shape the future for generations,” Mendenhall said. “And in Salt Lake City, we don’t wait for change. We make it.”

Watch the full address at youtube.com/@slctvmedia. 

As part of annual reporting and transparency, the Mayor’s 2024 Report has been released, outlining the progress on goals introduced in the Mayor’s 2024 Plan. Of the 69 goals laid out in the plan, the City accomplished 54 and continues working on 15 remaining goals into 2025.

2024 achievements of note

• Implementing Thriving in Place: The City’s Tenant Resource Center and Relocation Assistance Fund for Tenants (RAFT) were launched to help residents with housing issues.
• Improving public safety: Reduced crime citywide with a data-driven approach by expanding the Violent Crime Reduction Strategy. The City also expanded the Fire Department’s CHAT team to assist more people with mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
• Launched Clean Air SLC: The landscaping equipment exchange program removed more than 6,000 pounds of pollution by replacing gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives. The landscaping equipment exchange will return in 2025.
• Elektron solar project completed: Since its opening, it has powered 80% of the City’s municipal electricity.
• Downtown Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District: The City carried out a participation agreement with public benefits, supporting a growing downtown population.
• Microshelter Phase 2: The City supported the transition from the temporary location to a permanent state-run site for year-round shelter availability.
• Connect SLC: The first citywide transportation plan since 1996 was adopted.

Watch the Mayor’s full address at youtube.com/@slctvmedia. 

Read her full transcript here.

Para leer el discurso en español, oprima aqui.