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Salt Lake City Council Invests $44.2 Million in Safer, More Accessible Streets, Parks and Sustainable Infrastructure

The Council received Mayor Mendenhall’s recommendations, held a public hearing and deliberated on the projects since July before allocating funding.

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 19, 2025 – The Salt Lake City Council has adopted the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2025-26, allocating $44.2 million to projects that will make streets safer, improve parks across the city and incorporate sustainability into public facilities.

Each year, as part of the budget process, the Council allocates funding to CIP — a program dedicated to large-scale, sustainable improvements to City-owned assets. CIP uniquely allows both City departments and residents to submit project proposals.

This year, the Council’s CIP investments largely focus on three priorities: improving streets while reducing traffic injuries, ensuring public spaces are accessible for all residents and building infrastructure that supports Salt Lake City’s long-term environmental and community goals.

“From safer crosswalks to inclusive parks, these projects reflect our commitment to building a city that is safe, accessible and welcoming to all,” said Council Chair Chris Wharton. “These community investments will keep people safe, improve our beloved public spaces and maintain critical infrastructure well into the future.”

Notable FY26 projects include:

• Transportation Safety & Accessibility – Nearly $10 million for safety and accessibility improvements on high-crash corridors, new and upgraded traffic signals, intersection enhancements and upgraded transit access, including bus shelters, benches and mobility hubs.
• Public Space Maintenance & Improvements – $12.6 million for revitalized sports courts, accessibility improvements at City parks, new restrooms, expanding Jordan Park Skatepark, infrastructure to support community events and more.
• Sustainable Infrastructure – Funding for Salt Lake City’s Civic Center, expanded electric vehicle charging at the Public Safety Building, historic preservation at Fisher Mansion and ongoing street reconstruction and concrete improvements.

Applications for the next funding cycle open in September. Eligible projects must be city-owned assets, meet minimum cost and service life requirements and include public engagement. 

For more information or to explore an interactive map of funded projects, visit tinyurl.com/SLCFY26CIP.

Votes  

The Council unanimously approved a series of new policies to preserve existing homes, expand affordable housing opportunities and ensure residents have access to safe, sustainable housing. 

“Housing is the foundation for a thriving community,” said Council Chair Chris Wharton. “By updating these policies and creating new tools to support both tenants and homeowners, we’re making a clear commitment to preserving affordability and protecting the stability of Salt Lake City residents for years to come.” 

Efforts include:

• Creating a new Housing Programs Loan Committee
• Establishing a Tenant and Homeowner Loan Fund
• Updating policies surrounding:
  • The Home Repair Program
  • The Community Land Trust Program
  • The Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Preservation Program.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/HousingFundPolicies.

The Council also approved the following items during the formal meeting:

• Improvements to Design Review Standards.
• Incorporating the City of Holladay as a member of the Central Wasatch Commission (CWC).
• Charlotte Dubiel to a position on the Library Board.

Public Hearings Held:  

Truth in Taxation Hearing
The Council held a Truth in Taxation public triggered by a judgment levy for Salt Lake City’s General Fund. After the hearing, the Council adopted the final tax rate of levy for the City and Library Fiscal Year 2025-26 budgets.

The Council also provided public input opportunities for an ordinance on the Administrative Hearing Process.

Briefings 

The Council was briefed on the following items during the work session: 

• A transportation study conducted by the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) on behalf of stakeholders in the Power District. The study recommends near and long-term projects to accommodate the future development of the Power District while preserving quality of life for adjacent neighborhoods. (Watch)  
• A proposed Text Amendment and Street Vacation at approximately 240 West 200 North for the reconstruction of West High School. (Watch) 
• Rezoning at approximately 247 North 800 West to develop a single-family home. (Watch) 
• Vacating an alleyway at approximately 373 West American Avenue for the property owner to redevelop the site. (Watch) 
• Potential changes proposed by the administration for zoning incentives for Building Preservation/Adaptive Reuse. (Watch)  
• Granting building permit fee waivers for deeply affordable housing projects. (Watch) 
• Amendments to improve operational efficiency, employee retention and recruitment throughout the city. (Watch)

City Updates

Millcreek Fire Update:
Millcreek residents who lived in the apartment affected by the fire can contact the city for support and more information. Residents can visit the city website or call (801) 535-7785. 

Votes & Hearings Scheduled 

The Council added the below items to the Tuesday, Sept. 2, meeting agenda: 

Next Meeting 

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 

The Council meets at 2 p.m. for their work session and ends at approximately 6:30 p.m. The formal meeting begins at 7 p.m. and ends upon the conclusion of items listed on the agenda.

Council staff can provide parking validations for the City Library. 

*Please confirm meeting times on agendas 24 hours in advance*