Thank you to everyone who attended our November District 5 Town Hall! For those who were not able to join us, here’s a recap of what was covered:  

City Council Updates:

Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention (SECC) District  

In March 2024, the Utah State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 272, the Capital City Revitalization Zone Bill. This enabled Salt Lake City to partner with Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) to create a downtown revitalization zone around the Delta Center.  

• This bill authorized the City to levy a sales tax increase of up to 0.5% for up to 30 years to help fund the project.  

• The bill also established a timeline for decision-making by requiring the proposed participation agreement to be completed by September 1. 

At its July 9 formal meeting, the Council unanimously endorsed the proposed participation agreement and project area. 

On August 27, the Council adopted zoning changes to facilitate the creation of the SECC District. 

On October 1, the Council voted to approve the Sports Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District, as well as a 0.5% citywide sales tax increase to fund the project. In addition to renovations of the Delta Center, the project will involve public benefits such as the revitalization of historic Japantown and installation of public art. 

Current work: The City will begin development agreement discussions with Smith Entertainment Group in the coming months. 

Learn more about the SECC District

The Power District / Jordan River Fairpark District 

In February 2024, the Utah State Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 562, the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District. This bill enables Salt Lake City to partner with Larry H. Miller (LHM) Group in a project that they are calling the Power District. 

The Planning Commission reviewed this petition on October 23 and issued a positive recommendation with conditions aimed at ensuring the proposal addresses environmental concerns, preserves open space, includes community benefits, and meets public utility standards. 

Currently, the Council is reviewing a proposal to create a new zoning district known as the Jordan River Fairpark (JRF) District. 

• In accordance with state law, the City and LHM Company must reach an agreement by December 31, 2024. 

Learn more about the Jordan River Fairpark District

Simplifying and Improving R-1 Districts 

On September 5, 2023, the Salt Lake City Council passed a legislative action requesting that staff study options for a zoning text amendment that would make changes to all R-1 single-family residential zoning districts. 

Specifically, the Council asked staff to: 

• Explore consolidating the R-1 zoning districts. 

• Provide options that may include, but not be limited to, reducing minimum lot sizes, reducing, or removing minimum lot widths, easing flag lot standards, and allowing attached single-family dwellings in all zones. 

• Consider options for zoning changes along collectors and arterials to allow greater residential density and mixed-use development 

Currently, there is no official proposal, but the Council is in the process of deciding what might be a good way forward with the R-1 study. 

Learn more about potential improvements to R-1 zoning districts and read the study. 

Commercial and Mixed-Use Zoning District Consolidation 

Salt Lake City is working to consolidate our 27 existing commercial and mixed-use zoning districts into six mixed-use (MU) districts. 

This proposal hopes to: 

• Make the zoning process more accessible and easier to understand, 

• Encourage good design and pedestrian-friendly development, 

• Reduce necessary rezones, and 

• Streamline land use processes. 

In late 2024 or early 2025, a transmittal will be sent to City Council for consideration and decision. 

Learn more about the Commercial and Mixed-Use Zoning District Consolidation

Fleet Block Updates:

Between 2019 and 2023, the Fleet Block underwent a rezoning process to enable future development. The City is now working to revive the project so its 8.75-acre parcel can continue to meet community needs. 

Next steps for this project include: 

• In 2025, the community will be engaged to shape the vision for the nearly 3 acres of public open space that will be funded by the Parks, Trails, and Open Space General Obligation (GO) Bond. 

• Large-scale public art will be commissioned to honor the legacy of murals painted on the exterior of the Fleet Block. 

• A Community Benefits Agreement between the City and the developer will be applied to ensure that important community benefits will be incorporated into the project. 

Learn more about the future of the Fleet Block

Utility Rate Changes and Stabilization Fees: 

Laura Briefer, the Director of Salt Lake City Public Utilities, provided an update on utility rate changes, rate stabilization fees, and other departmental updates. 

Rate Stabilization Fees 

For fiscal year 2025 (FY2025), Public Utilities implemented water and sewer rate stabilization fees to stabilize revenue after several years of decreased water use. 

These rate stabilization fees will expire at the end of FY2025, and a new rate structure will be reviewed during Salt Lake City’s FY2026 budget cycle, with the goal of implementing the revised rate structure beginning July 1, 2025. 

Learn more about Public Utilities rates and fees for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025.  

Utility Rate Setting 

City utility rates are informed by a thorough rates study that is performed every 6 – 8 years involving regular meetings of the Rate Advisory Committee, which is composed of a variety of stakeholders. When completed, the rate study goes to the Public Utilities Advisory Board for oversight and approval. Finally, it is approved by the Mayor and City Council, and implemented by the Public Utilities Department. 

Learn more about getting involved with the Public Utilities Advisory Committee

Crime Updates and Holiday Safety Tips: 

Salt Lake City PD Communications Director Liaison Brent Weisberg and Sergeant Southworth provided an update on crime in District 5, as well as some tips to keep in mind as the holiday season approaches. 

SLCPD Updates 

Current departmental priorities of SLCPD include 1) Reducing violent crime, 2) Improving response times, 3) Filling vacant positions, and 4) Increasing community engagement. 

In District 5, crime is down 18.1% compared to the 2023 year to date. 

Holiday Crime and Safety Tips 

• See something, say something! (In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, please reach out to 801-799-3000). 

• If you have concerns about safety in your neighborhood, reach out to the District 5 Community Liaison Officer Detective Sam Fallows. 

• Property safety: 

• Lock and close all doors and windows. Consider documenting your valuables and their serial numbers to be prepared in case of theft. 

• Personal safety: 

• Be aware of your surroundings and be sure to wear reflective clothing at night and in the early morning. 

• Drivers, now that it’s getting darker earlier, be extra cautious on the road. Stay alert and keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians. 

• Holiday travel: 

• During travel, suspend your mail delivery and have trusted neighbors check on your home. You can also request patrol checks by SLCPD at 801-799-3000.