Council hears Smith Entertainment Group pitch for Delta Center revitalization zone and library, airport and water budget requests
May 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
At its May 7 work session the Council heard Smith Entertainment Group, the Mayor and Salt Lake County's Mayor discuss a Capital City Revitalization Zone around the Delta Center, ahead of a May 21 public hearing. It also reviewed library, airport and Metropolitan Water District budgets, backed five items of Budget Amendment No. 5 in straw polls and supported authorizing assistance for the Fairmont Heights senior housing project.
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 reported on park and arts projects (Glendale Regional Park, Liberty Park playground, Cottonwood Park Peace Labyrinth, a westside public art site), a landscaping equipment program open through May 12, and Pothole Palooza (6,759 potholes repaired). On homelessness, resource centers were at 86% capacity, and the State Office of Homeless Services was working with Switchpoint to move the MicroShelter community to a site at 700 West 500 South by the end of July.
Item 2 · Budget
Fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget: Salt Lake City Public Library
Discussed
Library leaders presented a proposed property tax increase of $5.3 million: $2.2 million for immediate needs and $3.1 million for a five-year funding strategy. Requests include a $5.50 hourly wage increase, a 10% rise in medical premiums, tuition assistance, 10 new or backfilled positions, 15 reclassifications, more electronic materials, safety and security upgrades, mobile patrol and social services positions, and $200,000 for added legal costs anticipated with possible unionization. The library reported about 1 million visits in the past 12 months. Council Member Lopez Chavez spoke of the public benefit of libraries and the need to maintain funding.
- Budget$5.30 million
Item 3 · Budget
Fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget: Department of Airports
Discussed
Airport staff outlined budget drivers, including bridging financing for the new airport expected to be funded long term in fiscal 2026, bipartisan infrastructure law grants, a parking garage fee increase meant to encourage drop-offs and transit, and the central tunnel opening in fall 2024. Operating highlights: $3.2 million for 25 new employees, $2.8 million for six police officers, $2.5 million for cost-of-living raises, $3.1 million for janitorial scope, $1.8 million for radios. Capital projects for the year include $134,548,400 for airfield work and $6,968,000 for landslide work. Council Member Dugan asked about overnight TRAX and transit service to the airport, and Council Member Puy asked about lead in aviation gas.
- Budget$134.5 million
Item 4 · Taxes and fees
Metropolitan Water District fiscal 2024-25 budget
Discussed
District leaders proposed re-establishing the certified property tax rate at 0.00035 to raise $8,487,256 for capital projects (about $3.96 more per month for a property owner), noting its last increase was in 2008 and the rate has fallen as values rose. Other sources: a $13,282,673 assessment increase, $24,299,083 in bond funding, and 3% water rate increases to member and non-member entities. Council Member Young asked what happens if the work is not funded; the general manager said the upgrades are needed to prepare for disasters that could make treatment plants inoperable.
- Fee$8.49 million to Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy
Item 5 · Roads and utilities
Great Salt Lake State Park request for water service
Discussed
The Division of State Parks asked Public Utilities to supply water to the Great Salt Lake State Park and marina, which lie outside the city's designated water service area. Staff said serving the park would need an 8 to 10 mile water line, added treatment and storage for fire flow, and raises state constitutional and city code questions. Options are to agree by contract, possibly with conditions, or to deny, as the city has no obligation to serve outside its area. Council Member Puy asked how outside water use would be limited in a drought; Council Member Young asked about exchanging water rights.
Item 7 · Development
Capital City Revitalization Zone follow-up
Discussed
Mayor Mendenhall, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Smith Entertainment Group's Mike Maughan presented. The company cited annual economic impact of $326 million for the Jazz and Delta Center, $288 million estimated for NHL hockey and $294 million for All-Star Weekend; its site plan was still in draft. Participants discussed Olympic infrastructure, Abravanel Hall, Japantown, walkability, transparency from developers, a transportation plan, and a potential at least $1.2 billion in tax revenue over 30 years, with a $90 million limit on developer income. The public hearing was set for May 21; work session items do not take public comment.
- Grant$1200.0 million to Smith Entertainment Group
Item 8 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 5 for fiscal year 2023-24 follow-up
Discussed
The Council took five straw polls, all with every member present in favor: item A-3, 2100 South utility upgrades between 700 East and 1100 East; item A-8, North Temple Jordan River bridge riverbank rock replacement and fencing, with the city asking for reimbursement if appropriate; item A-10, $15 million one-time from general fund balance to a capital projects holding account; item D-5, a housing authority payment in lieu of taxes; and item I-1, moving $394,000 from the holding account to MicroShelter community site preparation and electricity through June.
- Budget$15.0 million
- Budget$394,000
Item 9 · Development
Fairmont Heights senior housing at 2257 South 1100 East
Discussed
The Administration plans about 110 units of affordable senior housing on 0.81 acres, with an estimated $7 million acquisition price and 80% of units affordable at 80% of area median income or below, including 50% at 50% or below, built in phases. It intends to use $5.6 million in dormant Community Development Block Grant funds and asked authority to negotiate final terms with the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, either by lending to the developer to buy the land or by the city acquiring it and granting a below-market ground lease. A tax credit deadline applies. A straw poll with all members present in favor supported authorizing either option, preferring the ground lease.
- Grant$5.60 million to Housing Authority of Salt Lake City
Item 10 · Other
Fiscal year 2024-25 open legislative intents
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the Administration's responses to open legislative intents; the Council asked about a fiscal 2021 review of decriminalization in city code and made no adjustments.
Item 11 · Taxes and fees
Consolidated fee schedule amendments (written briefing)
Discussed
A written briefing only proposed reducing athletic facility reservation and twilight golf green fees ahead of the fiscal 2025 budget. No discussion was held.
Item 12 · Budget
Library Budget Amendment No. 3 (written briefing)
Discussed
A written briefing only on required annual true-ups of property tax increments that go to the Utah Inland Port Authority, the Convention Center Hotel and the Redevelopment Agency. No discussion was held.
Item 14 · Other
Executive Director report: legislative actions
Discussed
Deputy Director Jennifer Bruno previewed two legislative actions: allowing outdoor events in the General Commercial zone, and extending protection of a reconstructed historic building from 25 to 50 years.
Item 15 · Other
Closed session
No action · 7-0
The Council voted 7-0 to enter a closed session on collective bargaining and attorney-client matters and 7-0 to exit.
What residents said
Japantown in Delta Center plansLibrary property tax increaseWater service outside city limits