Council District Four Midterm Vacancy
The process of selecting a new District Four Council Member.
On May 12, the District Four Council seat was determined to be vacant. The Council follows a process set by state law and city rules to fill the vacancy within 30 days.
On Tuesday, June 9, the Council will interview eligible applicants and may make the appointment that night.
The Council has until June 11, 2026, to fill the vacancy by appointing a member to complete the remaining term. The District Four seat will also be on the ballot in the 2027 Municipal election.
About the Process
If a Council seat opens up in the middle of a term, state law requires the remaining Council Members to select a qualified replacement within 30 days. The Council follows steps set by state law and city rules, including giving public notice, interviewing all applicants, and choosing a replacement by majority vote.
Eligibility & Application
The City Recorder’s Office accepted applications from May 18 to June 1 at 5 p.m.
To be eligible, an applicant had to:
- Be a registered voter.
- Have lived in Council District Four for at least 12 consecutive months before the appointment date and continue living in the District for the remainder of the term.
- Have not been found mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony, treason, or election-related crime, unless your rights have been legally restored.
- Not employed by Salt Lake City at the time of appointment.
- Submit a Conflict of Interest disclosure form as part of their application.
Selection Process
How is the new Council Member selected?
The Council will interview applicants at its Tuesday, June 9 meeting and may make the appointment that night. If needed, the Council will continue the interview and selection process on Thursday, June 11. Please visit the meeting page to view ways to access and participate in the meetings.
The meetings will be in person, and applicants must be available on the listed meeting days and times. Following the interviews, the Council will select an applicant to fill the vacancy by a majority vote. Once an applicant is selected, they will be sworn in by the City Recorder the same night.
Key Dates
| May 13 | Vacancy Effective Date |
| May 18 | Application Period Opens |
| June 1 | Application Deadline All applications must be received by Monday, June 1 at 5:00 PM. Late submissions will not be considered. |
| June 9, 11 | Interviews The Council will interview all eligible applicants during its June 9 meeting and if needed on June 11. |
| June 9, 11 | Council Vote |
| June 9, 11 | Sworn-in Immediately after being selected, the newly appointed Council Member will begin attending and participating in Council Meetings as early as the next scheduled Council Meeting. Staff will also reach out to begin the onboarding process for City employment. |
| June 11 | Deadline to fill Vacancy |
What does a Council Member do?
Council Members serve as the City’s legislative and policy-making body. They set the City’s overall policy direction and allocate resources through the adoption of annual budgets and ordinances. Key duties include passing laws, approving the City budget, setting City policies, and advising on mayoral appointments to City boards and commissions.
The Council also serves as the Board of Directors for Salt Lake City’s Community Reinvestment Agency, the Local Building Authority, and jointly with the Mayor as the Board of Canvassers.
Outside of their legislative role, Council Members review meeting materials to prepare for each Council meeting, which are typically held on three Tuesdays (afternoons and evenings) a month. They also meet with constituents, attend community events, and participate in trainings and conferences.
City Budget
The Council is currently reviewing the City’s budget. The Council’s role is to review, adjust, and adopt a balanced budget. Learn about the proposed city budget and how the budget process works by visiting link.slc.gov/SLCFY27.
How can I participate?
Even if you’re not applying, there are several ways for residents to have a voice in this process.
- Attend meetings: Join us as the Council reviews and interviews candidates.
- Share your thoughts at any time by emailing [email protected], calling 801-535-7654, or submitting your comments online.
- Stay informed by signing up to receive updates about the vacancy process.