WHEREAS, April marks the 54th anniversary of the passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, commonly known as the federal Fair Housing Act, which seeks to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to affirmatively further housing choices for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has declared April to be “Fair Housing Month;” and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City welcomes the opportunity to join the federal government and state and local jurisdictions across America in this celebration of the rich diversity of our people and the right of all individuals and households to live where they choose without fear of discrimination, regardless of: race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City affirms the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which significantly expanded accessibility in housing, transportation, access to public buildings and accommodations; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City implemented Growing SLC: A Five Year Housing Plan, 2018-2022, with the guiding principles to create an equitable city by ensuring access to all City amenities for all citizens while treating everyone equitably with fairness, justice, and respect; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City remains committed to improving accessibility for all in our community in housing and our neighborhoods, including utilizing the City’s HUD Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs to facilitate enhanced accessibility throughout the City, ADA friendly public transit options, and housing modifications, and in partnership with community organizations, fund affordable housing options where accessibility needs of residents are prioritized.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, in my commitment to geographic equity, inclusion and belonging, and righting unjust and unfair housing policies and practices, do hereby proclaim April 2022, as:

Fair Housing Month

To view an electronic copy of the signed proclamation, click here.