Salt Lake City

City Council

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Catalytic Year of Community Development, Investment, and Collaboration for Salt Lake City

Contact:
Whitney González Fernández
801-707-6759
CouncilMedia@slc.gov

Catalytic Year of Community Development, Investment, and Collaboration for Salt Lake City 

2024 initiatives center residents’ needs by enhancing economic growth, supporting affordable housing, and strengthening public safety. 

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 30, 2024 – As 2024 comes to a close, the Salt Lake City Council proudly reflects on a catalytic year of community projects and engagement. Focused on economic and community development that will improve equity and livability, the Council has championed initiatives to shape a stronger Salt Lake City for generations. This year’s actions reflect the City’s commitment to preparing for a thriving future while prioritizing every resident and visitor’s safety, health, and resiliency. 

“From addressing housing to investing in our communities and infrastructure, we have worked collaboratively to ensure the city’s growth benefits everyone while laying the groundwork for future councils to build on this remarkable progress,” said Council Chair Victoria Petro. “I am especially proud of the strides we have made towards our vision of equity and opportunity across all neighborhoods.” 

Here are some of the Council’s key 2024 highlights: 

  • Approved the project area and participation agreement establishing the Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District. The decision starts a major change in downtown Salt Lake City, including significant renovations to the Delta Center, and public benefits such as revitalizing historic Japantown, public art, workforce development, investment in affordable housing, and more. 
  • Adopted an ordinance creating the Jordan River Fairpark District, a zoning designation to facilitate monumental development in Salt Lake City’s Westside and helps set the stage for a Major League Baseball stadium. The agreement emphasizes affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and improved connectivity for residents. 
  • Adopted a $2 billion City budget, including funding to further enhance the priorities of needs along the Jordan River, public restroom facilities, parks maintenance, noise enforcement, and traffic safety on neighborhood streets.  
  • Supported public safety by funding overtime for officers around homeless shelters and expanding alternative community safety response models. 
  • Increased funding for arts and culture, including $100,000 for the Arts, Culture, & Entertainment Fund and public art enhancements like the Japantown Art Project. 
  • Authorized approximately $18 million for 14 housing projects creating nearly 1,200 new dwellings, with a focus on affordable units for low-income families. 
  • Expanded air quality incentive programs, including vouchers for electric lawn care tools and e-bikes. 
  • Celebrated the success of a sanctioned camping pilot program, which provided safe, private living spaces and essential services for unsheltered residents. 
  • Enacted temporary zoning regulations to allow expanded capacity for Homeless Resource Centers. 
  • Adopted Community Benefits and Tenant Displacement Amendments to protect existing affordable housing and support tenants during redevelopment projects. 
  • Brought back Open Streets for its fourth year, expanding into the Granary District to promote vibrant public spaces. 
  • Leased Sunnyside Park to the University of Utah at a discounted rate. In return, the University will invest $4.2 million in park enhancements and provide public access to redesigned field amenities. 
  • Amended city landscaping and buffer rules to reduce air and water pollution. 
  • Approved the city-wide transportation plan, Connect SLC, outlining a 20-year vision for the city. 
  • Allocated funding to significant Westside projects, including the Jordan River Trail Food Forest, Riverside Park Pathway Loop enhancements, and stabilization of the Fire Training Tower. 
  • Passed a ceremonial resolution condemning all forms of hatred and discrimination, affirming the dignity of all human life, and advocating for peace and security. 
  • Approved a rezone request and development agreement to facilitate the development of an urban hospital, including public benefits such as open green space, a food truck plaza, and walkways connecting to public streets.  
  • Encouraged community engagement, receiving 529 more comments during public meetings than in 2023.  
  • Appointed Jennifer Bruno as Executive Director of the Council, succeeding Cindy Gust-Jenson, who will retire in 2025 after nearly 40 years of exemplary service. 

A detailed list of the Council’s 2024 accomplishments is available at tinyurl.com/SLCCouncil2024.

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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 Redevelopment Agency, the Local Building Authority, and the Board of Canvassers. For more information, visit slccouncil.com.

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