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Whitney González Fernández
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Salt Lake City Council Reflects on a Year of Resilience and Community Investment

Council actions in 2025 advanced housing, infrastructure and long-term planning for residents and visitors alike.

SALT LAKE CITY, December 23, 2025 – Facing rapid growth and economic pressure, the Salt Lake City Council in 2025 advanced zoning reforms, housing investments and long-term infrastructure planning to address affordability, strengthen neighborhoods and build resilience across the city. 

The Council approved major zoning updates, invested in affordable housing and infrastructure and created new tools to respond more quickly to emergencies and disasters—decisions aimed at meeting residents’ immediate needs while planning for Salt Lake City’s future.

Many proposals were shaped by public engagement across the city, and that input was considered as the Council weighed both near-term needs and long-term priorities.

In total, the Council considered hundreds of hours of public discussion and feedback as part of its work. Residents shared nearly 900 public comments, and the Council held over 70 City Council and Community Reinvestment Agency (C.R.A.) meetings, totaling more than 160 hours of public meetings and deliberation.

“Resilience isn’t just about how we respond to challenges—it’s about the systems we put in place together before the next one arrives,” said Council Chair Chris Wharton. “This year, the Council focused on making careful, values-driven decisions that support today’s residents while laying a strong foundation for the generations that follow.”

Key 2025 Council Actions and Investments

Council actions in 2025 focused on housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure and long-term resilience.

• Approved two major zoning code updates to expand housing options, including consolidating 26 commercial and mixed-use zones into six streamlined districts and updating multifamily zoning rules to allow more housing types while providing incentives to preserve existing units.
• Invested $11.5 million in housing projects through the C.R.A., supporting affordable housing, accessory dwelling units and programs that promote long-term stability and wealth-building.
• Adopted Salt Lake City’s $2.2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, investing in public safety, housing, clean and well-maintained public spaces, transit access and long-term infrastructure without raising property taxes. 
• Responded to emergencies and strengthened recovery tools, including funding support after the Main Street fire and creating a new Disaster Relief Loan Program to speed future disaster recovery.
• Advanced downtown and neighborhood redevelopment, including creation of the Convention Center Public Infrastructure District, approval of a Delta Center parking garage agreement and adoption of the Ballpark NEXT community-driven design plan.
• Protected local natural resources by approving long-term water conservation and land use plans and investments to safeguard the Great Salt Lake watershed.
• Approved new City flag designs that reflect the values of belonging and unity in Salt Lake City.
• Approved the FY26 Capital Improvement Program, allocating $44.2 million to improve streets, parks, public facilities, and sustainability across the city.

“As our city grows, so do residents’ expectations for safety, affordability and accountability,” said Council Vice Chair Alejandro “Ale” Puy. “This year’s work reflects a commitment to meeting those expectations and considering community needs as we make decisions that shape Salt Lake City’s future.”

Statistics and a list of the Council’s 2025 actions by month are available at tinyurl.com/SLCCouncil2025.

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About Salt Lake City:
Salt Lake City Corporation is the municipal government for Utah’s capital city. The Mayor is the chief executive and the City Council is the legislative body. Committed to providing outstanding public services, fostering community engagement, and promoting innovation, Salt Lake City Corporation is dedicated to creating a city that thrives and reflects the values of its diverse residents. For more information, visit slc.gov.

About The Salt Lake City Council:  

The Salt Lake City Council is the seven-member legislative branch of Utah’s capital city. The Council sets Salt Lake City’s overall policy direction and allocates resources via the adoption of annual budgets and ordinances. The Council also serves as the Board of Directors for Salt Lake City’s Community Reinvestment Agency, the Local Building Authority, and the Board of Canvassers. For more information, visit SLC.gov/Council.