Council briefed on Delta Center revitalization zone law, summer shelter extensions and Connect SLC transportation plan
April 16, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
At the April 16 work session the Council heard how Senate Bill 272 could create a Capital City Revitalization Zone and a sales tax around the Delta Center, with an application from Smith Entertainment Group received April 4. It also reviewed temporary zoning for homeless resource centers, a rezone of city-owned land at 1050 West 1300 South, the Connect SLC transportation plan, Public Utilities' budget and Budget Amendment No. 5, which totals over $70 million.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff covered community events, Earth Day involvement and Mayor's office hours, and homelessness updates: resource center use, encampment mitigation locations, the April 12 resource fair, neighborhood socials at resource centers and a Kayak Court event April 19.
Item 2 · Other
Temporary zoning regulations for homeless resource centers
Discussed
Andrew Johnston asked the Council to approve temporary land use resolutions, which allow up to 180 days at a location, for the Geraldine E. King Women's Resource Center, the Gail Miller Resource Center and the Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center from May 1 through October 2024, for St. Vincent de Paul from mid-April through mid-October, and a 60-day resolution for the MicroShelter community in June and July while the State Office of Homeless Services seeks another site. The State received more operating funding this year, allowing winter beds to run through summer if providers and cities agree. The Winter Services Task Force identified a need for 900 to 1,000 beds next winter, and the state is seeking a larger year-round shelter location, though it is unknown whether or when that will happen.
Item 3 · Zoning
Rezone of city-owned property at 1050 West 1300 South from R-1/5,000 to RMF-30
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on a Mayor-initiated rezone of city-owned property at about 1050 West 1300 South to RMF-30 low-density multi-family, in line with the Westside Master Plan. The Planning Commission recommended approval. There is no development plan yet, but the site is intended for future home ownership through a community land trust model. Council Member Puy suggested pairing any needed water, sewer or drainage work with the capital-funded road resurfacing to avoid digging up new work. Council Member Petro said if a land trust is the goal, the city should expand down payment assistance and credit counseling, noting residents worried about displacement from Major League Baseball development.
- Applicant: Mayor (city-owned property)
- Current zone → proposed: R-1/5,000 → RMF-30
- Planning Commission: recommended approval
Item 4 · Roads and utilities
Connect SLC citywide transportation plan
Discussed
Transportation staff presented the 2023 plan to replace the 1996 Transportation Master Plan, a 20-year, values-based vision rather than a project list. A nine-member paid Community Advisory Council guided two engagement phases built on values of equity, health and safety, reliable options, affordability and sustainability. The eight key moves are authentic engagement, zero traffic deaths (a Vision Zero plan), active mobility networks, transit-friendly neighborhoods, healing the east-west divide, low-emissions mobility, places for people, and operationalizing complete streets.
Item 5 · Budget
Fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget: Department of Public Utilities
Discussed
The Public Utilities director briefed the Council on the Mayor's recommended budget for water, sewer, storm water and street lighting, including a proposed rate stabilization fee for water and sewer and monthly rate impacts. Projected storm water revenue is $28,159,596 and the street lighting utility rate would rise 10%. If the Metropolitan Water District's certified tax rate is not increased, a little over $6 million would pass through to the water utility and rates would need adjustment.
- Budget$28.2 million
Item 6 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 5 for fiscal year 2023-24
Discussed
Staff said the amendment has 23 items with over $70 million of new expenditures, over $24 million from general fund balance, and $7.5 million in new ongoing costs across amendments 1 through 5. Fund balance would be 27.7%, or $65.5 million above the 13% target. Items included $133,250 for fire hydrant rentals and $1,423,875 for police recruitment and retention bonuses ($1,159,375 one-time, $264,500 ongoing); the amendment also includes an infrastructure loan pilot for utilities during the 2100 South reconstruction between 700 East and 1300 East and a state appropriation for Avenues City Cemetery roads and irrigation. Council Members Petro and Young asked about police retention history (staff said 92%) and neighboring cities' lateral raises. Finance staff reported sales tax trends.
- Budget$133,250
- Budget$1.42 million
Item 7 · Development
Capital City Revitalization Zone (Senate Bill 272)
Discussed
City Attorney Katie Lewis explained the state law that lets the city create a revitalization zone of up to 100 acres around a qualified stadium and approve an up-to-0.5% citywide sales tax to fund it for an NBA or NHL franchise. The city received an application from Smith Entertainment Group on April 4, 2024, now under review. The city and applicant would negotiate a participation agreement of up to 30 years; the tax could pay debt service, stadium construction or remodel, demolition, infrastructure, public safety and other uses, with a 1% city administrative cost and no direct subsidy. Key dates: notice to Council by September 1, a public meeting within 14 days, then a Revitalization Zone Committee vote within 30 days; a May 7 work session presentation by Smith Entertainment Group, a May 21 public hearing and a July 2 work session with a possible vote. Council Member Mano said the law is an opportunity to keep professional sports downtown and to include reparations for Japantown, displaced for the Salt Palace in the 1960s, and that levying an added sales tax would not be a light decision.
Item 8 · Appointment
Business Advisory Board interview: Isaac Atencio
Discussed
The Council interviewed Isaac Atencio for a term ending December 25, 2028; his name was on the consent agenda.
What residents said
Displacement from baseball developmentSummer shelter capacityJapantown reparations in Delta Center deal