Alta: the numbers and what's current The Census Bureau estimates Alta's population at 227 on July 1, 2025, down 0.4% from the 228 in its April 2020 estimates base. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates ↗
Mayor: Roger Bourke. Council: Elise Morgan, Carolyn Anctil, Dan Schilling, Craig Heimark. Town of Alta: Town Council ↗
The Town Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. in the Alta Community Center, unless otherwise noted; the Planning Commission tentatively meets the fourth Wednesday. Town of Alta: Town Council ↗
From the city Public hearing at 4 p.m. at the Post Office Building on a proposal by the owners of the Shallow Shaft property to amend zoning ordinance text for the Base Facilities Zone; the council makes the final decision after the hearing. ↗ November 10, 2026 · Utah Public Notice Website: Alta notice of public hearing, Nov. 10, 2026The Town Council adopted Ordinances 2026-O-16 and 2026-O-17 on Oct. 14 and 2026-O-18 on Oct. 15, per the notices: setback decisions in forestry and recreation zones move from the council to the Planning Commission, the land use appeal authority moves from the council to an administrative law judge, and the tie-breaking procedure is adopted. ↗ October 15, 2026 · Utah Public Notice Website: Alta notices of adopted ordinances, Oct. 14, 2026Public hearing on a property tax rate increase, after which the council approved the FY27 budget including the increase ↗ August 11, 2026 · Town of Alta: town financesBudget and finances Checked against the city's own pages on October 28, 2026 . Dates and schedules change; confirm with the city before you plan around them.
Alta at a glance Salt Lake County · Utah
Alta sits at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where a former silver-mining settlement became a mountain recreation community. State Route 210 connects the town with the Salt Lake Valley. Its setting includes alpine meadows, forest and steep mountain terrain rather than the street grid of a valley suburb.
The town’s own history traces its first verified silver claim to 1865 and the construction of the Collins ski lift to 1938. That transition from mining to skiing helps explain the landscape visitors see today. The surrounding watershed is also part of Alta’s identity; town information is a useful starting point for understanding the area before a visit. Alta posts ordinance-adoption notices separately from council agendas and public-hearing packets. When tracing a decision, match the ordinance number and meeting date across those records; a hearing packet describes the material under consideration, while a separately labeled adoption notice records a later step.
Events and meetings Regional news
Sales tax in Alta The combined sales and use tax rate is 9.05% (7.45% in unincorporated Salt Lake County). Grocery food is taxed at 3.00%, restaurant meals at 10.05% and hotel stays (transient room) at 16.12%. Rates in effect as of Oct. 1, 2026. Source: Utah State Tax Commission: Sales and Use Tax Rates ↗
Places and local character Little Cottonwood Canyon ↗ In the area · The canyon is the approach to town and the setting for Alta’s mining and recreation history. Alta history ↗ In town · Follow the town’s account of the silver camps, surviving community and development of skiing. Resident essentials Use the town’s watershed guidance and current road information when planning canyon travel; ski-area operations are separate from municipal services.
Government and sources Municipal directory · Utah municipal boundary data · Roster checked Oct. 19, 2026. Check the linked agency for current services and contacts.
Local guide sources Local guide reviewed Oct 19, 2026 . Operators provide current hours, fees, reservations and access information.
