SLC.gov

August 28, 2025

The Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands’ Special Events office is updating its event permitting application process to better evaluate the resources needed to support public safety, minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, and further protect all individuals’ First Amendment rights.

“Our City is one where our right to free speech and peaceful assembly is both celebrated and encouraged,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “The permitting process is not about reviewing an organizer’s message or purpose—it’s a way for the City to better understand what will occur on its streets and in its public spaces. These updates will strengthen that process and give the Cityclearer information to support public safety.”

Mayor Mendenhall ordered an immediate review of the special permitting process following the tragic shooting that occurred downtown on June 14, 2025, at the “No Kings” protest. That review revealed that the individual applicant failed to disclose their plans to use armed “peacekeepers” and may have submitted the application under an alias.

In response, Mayor Mendenhall directed staff to identify improvements that would strengthen the City’s permitting process, while also maintaining First Amendment protections for those organizing events in Salt Lake City.

Beginning in 2026, applicants will be required to answer additional security-related questions, provide a day-of-event point of contact, and attest to the truthfulness of the application. Providing false information on the application could result in a criminal charge. Additionally, if an applicant is using security, they will be required to upload a security plan in advance to allow for better coordination with the Salt Lake City Police Department.