Council backs expanding PATH to Citizenship funding in straw poll, hears 42-townhome rezone briefing at 1201 16th Street

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Presentation

   Redevelopment Agency (RDA) project update

   Discussed · Citywide (Union Stockyards Exchange, Washington Boulevard, Capitol Square at 25th Street and Monroe Boulevard)

   Economic Development staff described the RDA pipeline, including a preview of the historic Union Stockyards Exchange building, which the city bought in 2013 and for which a defense company headquarters is being discussed. Staff reported building permits issued at River's Edge on Washington Boulevard, a request to change the 2015 LOTUS agreement for the Thorne Stinson building from 30 apartment lofts to 25 income-targeted artist lofts, and an exclusive negotiation with Jay Fisher for the Union Station neighborhood. Staff also covered a Gibson Avenue request for proposals, Capitol Square with Great Basin Development, and other sites. Vice Chair Graf and Council Member Myers raised concerns about the LOTUS change and past tax-increment financing; staff said a full presentation would come later. Myers also asked how the Capitol Square developer was chosen; Community Development Director Jared Johnson said the firm was engaged about eight years ago and that most future projects would use open requests for proposals.

   • Union Station: targeting late 2026 to begin the Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone process
   • Capitol Square: Great Basin Development hopes to start phase one by the end of 2026

2. Zoning

   Proposed rezone of 1201 16th Street from R-2 to R-2S/CO

   Discussed · 1201 16th Street

   Assistant Planning Director Joe Simpson described a request to rezone about four acres from R-2 to R-2S with a conditional overlay for 42 single-family row houses under a development agreement that would require owner occupation for 10 years after completion. He said current R-2 zoning could allow about 63 units, that the plan fits the Canyon Road Community Plan, and that the agreement would revert the zoning to R-2 if performance deadlines were missed. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Vice Chair Graf raised Planning Commission comments about connectivity to the western neighborhood and sidewalks.

   • Current zone → proposed: R-2 → R-2S/CO
   • Units: 42 row houses, owner-occupied for 10 years
   • Planning Commission: recommended approval 6-0

   Follow 1201 16th Street rezone (42 townhomes) in the development tracker →

3. Budget

   Fiscal Year 2025-2026 second-quarter financial and capital improvement reports

   Discussed

   Finance Director Justin Sorensen reported general-fund sales tax about 5 percent ahead of budget, the first positive trend in a couple of years, and said the Police Department was slightly over budget because of full staffing and lateral hires, with a budget opening being prepared. Over $33 million had been appropriated for capital projects as of December. Vice Chair Graf asked about the delay in downtown paid-parking kiosks and expected revenue. Council Member Richey asked for a five-year financial model; Graf asked that carryover funds be shown separately in future reports.

   • Budget$33.0 million Capital projects appropriated across general CIP, water, sanitary/storm, golf and airport funds as of December 2025 (over $33 million). Paid from City funds, restricted taxes, RAMP, WACOG, state, federal, FAA and donations

4. Presentation

   Running Up for Air donation for air quality monitors

   Discussed

   The event's organizer and Sustainability Coordinator Lorenzo Long said the Malan's Peak race, with 126 participants, raises $10,000 to $15,000 a year. Weber State Sustainability received $13,325 last year and expects close to $15,000 this year, used to buy community air monitors from Utah company Tellus; four were bought last year. Ogden has only two PM 10 monitors. Council Member Lundell and Vice Chair Graf praised the partnership.

   • PurchaseAmount not given to Tellus Community air quality monitors (four bought with last year's $13,325 in event donations). Paid from Running Up for Air event proceeds

5. Other

   Council member initiative: PATH to Citizenship expansion and Community and Family Preparedness Plan

   Discussed

   Council Member Flor Lopez proposed doubling annual funding for the PATH to Citizenship program from $21,000 to $42,000 to cover application fee assistance ($710 per application), legal support through Catholic Community Services, classes through Weber Community Library Systems and tutoring through My Hometown. She said 70 percent of initial participants naturalized and that about 3,000 permanent residents in Weber County may be eligible. She also proposed a preparedness plan giving residents toolkits on documents and services. Council Members Lundell and Washington said the two parts seemed separate and asked about the preparedness plan's specifics, funding and use of printed materials; Chair Hyer suggested electronic distribution. Lopez said she was open to separating them. A straw poll showed support to continue developing the initiative, with later work sessions to settle details.

   • Budget$42,000 Proposed annual PATH to Citizenship funding, up from $21,000. Paid from City budget (current program uses about $31,000 including carryover plus roughly $20,000 in partner grants)
   • Participants must attend 75 percent of classes and complete 40 hours of community service within six months

6. Other

   Council comments: Utah community renewable energy program

   Discussed

   Vice Chair Graf said the Utah Public Utilities Commission ruled the previous week in support of Ogden's participation in a 100 percent renewable energy program. The city has 90 days to review the ordinance, with a June 2 decision deadline. He said the cost would be about $4 per household monthly, and the program is opt-out, with the first six months fee-waived and a $30 opt-out charge afterward. Council Member Washington asked to invite the Weber County Sheriff to discuss 287(g) issues and to schedule a legislative update.

What residents said

LOTUS agreement change and property tax revenueDowntown paid parking kiosksPreparedness plan details and fundingOdors from dog food plantLantern House facility