Council backs targeting $14.3 million in dormant HUD program income to essential workers and extremely low-income residents
February 14, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
In a work session, all seven Council members supported in a straw poll prioritizing one-time HUD program income, about $5.7 million in CDBG funds and $8.6 million in HOME funds, for essential workers and residents at or below 30% of area median income. Members also heard briefings on the Local Link study for Sugar House, the Housing SLC plan, county animal services and changes to two city boards, and approved early advertising for the Northpointe Small Area Plan.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
The Chief of Staff said COVID-19 updates would no longer be given after this meeting. Staff reported on community engagement and a homelessness update, including added capacity during All-Star weekend, a planned encampment impact mitigation at 990 South 500 West, resource fairs, and the county 'Miami Model' sequential intercept approach. Council Member Valdemoros praised staff for the recent resource fairs.
Item 2 · City code
Parks, Natural Lands, Trails and Urban Forestry Advisory Board membership
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on an ordinance that would require at least two at-large members of the board to represent Indigenous tribes or organizations of Utah, and cap at three the at-large members who live outside the city. Council action was tentatively set for Feb. 21.
Item 3 · Contract
Salt Lake County Animal Services annual report
Discussed
County Animal Services staff reviewed their 2022 report on the contract to provide animal control for the city, including a 93% live release rate, field calls, citations and an Animal Care Campus plan. Council Member Dugan raised unleashed dogs in parks and the Eastern Fox Squirrel; Members Fowler, Wharton and Puy asked for material to share with residents.
Item 4 · City code
Sister Cities Board ordinance
Discussed
Economic Development staff proposed updating the ordinance on the Sister Cities Board, unchanged for about 20 years, covering geographic boundaries, board makeup and handling requests for new sister cities. Council Member Mano asked whether term limits could hinder relationships; staff said two consecutive four-year terms followed by non-voting membership would preserve them. Council Member Puy asked about budget and staffing, and staff said they would return with a budget later. Council action was tentatively set for Feb. 21.
Item 5 · Presentation
Overview of housing-related programs and initiatives
Discussed
Staff described the roles of the Housing Stability Division, Community and Neighborhoods, and the Redevelopment Agency, and how Housing SLC and Thriving in Place work together. Council Member Mano asked that developers have one process and aligned disposal policies for city-owned and RDA-owned property.
Item 6 · Other
Update on the five-year Housing SLC plan
Discussed
Staff presented key findings: low rental vacancy and unaffordable home prices, a shortage of deeply affordable housing, more than half of renters cost-burdened, wages lagging housing costs, and a mismatch between market production and community needs, drawn from engagement with over 6,000 people. The city has addressed 12 state-listed strategies and aims for 17 to 18 against a required six. Council Member Petro asked for small group meetings before hearings are scheduled.
Item 7 · Budget
HUD program income funds (CDBG and HOME)
Discussed
Staff reviewed eligible uses of unallocated one-time program income: $5.7 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $8.6 million in HOME Investment Partnership funds. In a straw poll, all Council members present supported targeting essential workers (to be defined) and extremely low-income residents (30% of area median income and below) through rental and mortgage assistance, new workforce or deeply affordable units, and the small business and industrial facade improvement program.
- Budget$5.70 million
- Budget$8.60 million
Item 8 · Contract
Amending two Utah Performing Arts Center interlocal agreements
Discussed
The Council Deputy Director said the item, changes to two agreements among the city, the RDA and the Utah Performing Arts Center Agency for the Eccles Theater related to cost increases and funding ongoing maintenance, had been discussed earlier that day at the RDA meeting and would come to the next formal meeting for a vote.
Item 10 · General plan
Local Link Study update to the 2013 Sugar House Circulation Plan
Discussed
Staff said the Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. Transportation staff described a county-funded joint analysis with South Salt Lake, Millcreek and Holladay recommending a southern alignment for a future transit route to Millcreek and improved bus service rather than a streetcar, with a 10 to 20 year timeline. Members asked about alternatives to road widening and bus stops lacking shelters or ADA access.
Item 12 · Other
Report from the Executive Director
Discussed
The Council agreed to start early advertising for the Northpointe Small Area Plan so action can be completed in March 2023.
What residents said
Housing affordabilityHomelessness