Contact: Whitney Gonzalez Fernandez
801-535-7600 – CCcommunicationsgroup@slcgov.com

Housing Affordability, Land Use and Equity Advancements Mark Banner Year for Salt Lake City Council

The Council releases its annual summary of notable legislative action.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 29, 2023 – As 2023 ends, the Salt Lake City Council reflects on a year focused on livability, equity, and sustainable growth. The City’s trajectory was shaped by groundbreaking accomplishments and policy decisions aimed at benefiting City residents and businesses. As neighborhoods continue to experience significant growth and opportunity, many decisions made will shape the City’s future, from initiatives to boost affordable housing to innovative investments and partnerships for unsheltered residents, parks and infrastructure investment.

“This year’s accomplishments have highlighted our commitment to our City’s future where every individual can belong and thrive,” remarked Salt Lake City Council Chair Darin Mano. “We made strides solving critical issues facing the City, most importantly by updating and changing zoning codes for land use to help increase affordable housing availability. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Here are some of the Council’s key 2023 highlights:

• Initiated Utah’s first sanctioned camp for unsheltered residents by funding a pilot program in the annual budget. The camp opened to residents in December and was made possible through Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s efforts and collaboration the Utah Office of Homeless Services.
• Adopted Thriving in Place, the City’s anti-displacement plan comprised of strategies to help residents remain in their homes and neighborhoods.
• Adopted Housing SLC, Salt Lake City’s housing plan for the next five years. The visioning document sets ambitious goals and outlines specific actions to make housing in Salt Lake City more accessible to all income.
• Approved zoning incentives to encourage affordable housing construction throughout the City and allocated funding to incentivize the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing.
• Adjusted the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules and allocated funding, making it easier for residents to build ADUs on their property.
• Created a new Form-Based Mixed-Use zoning district and applied to the Fleet Block (the 10-acre block between 300 and 400 West and 800 and 900 South).  The new zoning can support more flexible, community-oriented development. Once redeveloped, a public square and commissioned artwork will be included on the block.
• Approved the Glendale Regional Park Plan, the City’s first community-centered plan for a park that will become a cornerstone of the Westside (at the site of the former Raging Waters/Twin Peaks water park).
• Approved the Northpoint Small Area Plan to guide growth in the northwest part of Salt Lake City, balancing the needs of the airport, agriculture, wildlife habitats, and property rights.
• Adopted an ordinance requiring closed captioning on televisions in public areas to increase accessibility.
• Unanimously approved new Electric Vehicle (EV) standards for off-street parking at apartment buildings to promote sustainable transportation.
• Unanimously approved funding for 33 programs and projects, ranging from road safety improvements to park enhancements, supporting the City’s growth and development as part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• Approved legislation to allow taller buildings and enhanced street activation downtown, promoting growth and improving livability.
• Voted to prohibit new drive-throughs in the Sugar House Business District.
• Voted to use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) without a primary for the 2023 Municipal Elections, streamlining the electoral process for even-numbered districts’ council members and the mayoral race.
• Approved the City’s Urban Forest Action Plan. The plan provides Salt Lake City with a long-term strategy to expand and preserve trees in SLC, on both public and private property. 
• Adopted the City’s approximately $2 billion annual budget with substantial investments in affordable housing (including funding to incentivize the preservation of existing, naturally occurring units), homelessness, public safety and essential services.

A detailed list of the Council’s 2023 accomplishments is available at tinyURL.com/SLCCouncil2023. 

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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.