Housing SLC Engagement
From July – November 2022, we conducted focus groups, in-person activities, an AMA, and online and paper surveys to learn more about what Salt Lakers want in a housing plan. Approximately 4,070 individuals provided feedback.
Major themes
Development for All Salt Lakers: Residents are concerned Salt Lake City’s development is geared towards high-income earners instead of families with children, students, seniors, and those who work at local businesses and schools.
Help for Renters: Many who participated expressed desperation about their housing situation. Members of the public suggested improvements to the City’s Good Landlord Program (Landlord Tenant Initiative), increased education about rental resources/affordable housing, and rent control.
Cost of Living Stress: The public wants to see better and more connected transportation options and greater access to affordable and healthy food. At the heart of this feedback was mounting stress about everyday expenses.
Housing for Those Experiencing Homelessness: Housing was a more popular solution to homelessness than homeless resource centers/emergency shelters. Participants cited the need for more behavioral health and treatment options for the unsheltered.
Prioritize Equity: A major concern for participants is geographic equity. In their view, affordable housing should be distributed throughout the city to minimize the impact of gentrification and displacement on the Westside. Similarly, they felt projects and resources aimed at tackling homelessness should be more evenly distributed.