Mendenhall Transition Memos

Economic Development
Economic Development Transition Subcommittee
December 20, 2019
Dear Mayor-Elect Mendenhall,
Thank you for the opportunity to be involved in your Mayoral transition. Included in this transition
memorandum are an executive summary, a brief review of our methodology, a comprehensive
first term plan organized around three focus areas, and a conclusion recommending City-wide
action.
We have enjoyed this process and consider ourselves allies in Salt Lake City’s efforts to be
more equitable and inclusive, to improve our environmental sustainability, and to undertake bold
efforts to improve our beautiful Capital City’s character and identity. We believe that the
recommendations set forth herein will fulfill those objectives by capitalizing on Salt Lake City’s
momentum and unlocking its economic promise. We appreciate the opportunity to share our
ideas and suggestions and we look forward to continuing to support your administration.
Sincerely,
Silvia Castro, Co-Chair, Suazo Business Center

Theresa Foxley, Co-Chair, Economic Development Corporation of Utah
LaNiece Davenport, Wasatch Front Regional Council
Sheila Rappazzo Yorkin, Westminster College
Edward Bennett, Suazo Business Center
Blake Thomas, Salt Lake County
Phil Winston, Altus Development Group
Shawn Milne, Tooele County Commission
Ana Valdemoros, Square Kitchen, Argentina’s Best Empanadas, Salt Lake City Council
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Executive Summary
100 Day Action Items
Following extensive feedback from a variety of community members, community organizations,

employers, small business owners, and development partners, we recommend that Salt Lake
City prioritize three Economic Development Areas of Focus. For each of these areas we
suggest a number of 100 Day Action Items that will improve the state of the City’s economic
development efforts. Those Focus Areas and 100 Day Action Items are summarized below. A
more comprehensive plan with additional commentary and longer-term action items is set forth
in the full memorandum.
Action Item Ordinance Budgetary Executive Utah State

Change Impact Legislature
Focus Area 1: Embrace Tech Lake City
Create a Tech Industry No No Yes No

Roundtable Chaired by Mayor
Mendenhall
Create a Development No No Yes No

Roundtable to Increase the
Amount of Available Real Estate
for Tech Companies in the City
Transition the Economic Yes No Yes No

Development Loan Fund from
the Department of Community
and Neighborhoods to the
Economic Development
Department
Focus Area 2: The West Side of I-15: Create and Off-ramp for Investment
Overhaul West Side Master Plan Yes No Yes No

and Zoning
Evaluate Use of RDA Tools on No No Yes Possibly

West Side of I-15
Focus Area 3: Salt Lake City’s Story: Brand, Districts, Art
Catalyze Business Districts Yes Yes Yes No
Public Art: Streamline and Yes Yes Yes No

Coordinate City-Wide Arts
Initiatives
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I. Methodology.
Mayor-Elect Mendenhall charged the Transition Steering Committee to be inclusive in this

process; therefore, we created opportunities for meaningful dialogue with the broadest and most
diverse group of stakeholders, experts, and community members as possible. Our methodology
included forming a subcommittee, communicating with City staff (current and past),
communicating with the Transportation, Technology, and Geographic Equity Co-Chairs, and
hosting three roundtables with development partners, employers, small businesses, and
community groups. One of the three roundtables was hosted in Spanish.
Staff (current and past) interviewed:

- Ben Kolendar; Acting Director, Economic Development Department
- Vicki Bennett; Director, Sustainability Department
- Mary Beth Thompson; Chief Financial Officer
- Laura Briefer; Director, Public Utilities
- Danny Walz; Chief Operating Officer, Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency
- Marcia White; Director, Community and Neighborhood Development
- Felicia Baca; Director, Salt Lake City Arts Council
- Orion Goff; Director, Building Services
- Jennifer McGrath; Deputy Director, Community and Neighborhood Development
- Jennifer Madrigal, Landlord/Tenant Licensing and Consumer Protection Coordinator
- Lisa McCarver; Director, Revenue and Collections
- Nick Norris; Director, Planning Division
- Debbie Lyons; Deputy Director, Sustainability Department
- Lara Fritts; Past Director, Economic Development Department
- Jill Remington Love; Past Director, Department of Community and Economic
Development
A list of roundtable attendees is provided in an attachment hereto.
The Subcommittee also reviewed the following publications and reports:

1) Economic Development Department 2019 Annual Report
2) Salt Lake City Strategic Economic Development Plan 2017-2020
3) Department of Community and Neighborhoods 2019 Mayoral Transition Team Briefing
4) “A Plan to Elevate Utah’s Economic Success,” Governor’s Office of Economic
Development
5) Accredited Economic Development Organization Accreditation Report for Salt Lake City,
Economic Development Department, May 2019.
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II. Key Opportunities.
Stakeholders expressed great enthusiasm for Salt Lake City. The contributors to this process
universally want our city to become a more equitable and economically vibrant place to live,
work, and play. As shared in the Executive Summary, we have identified three focus areas that
the City’s Economic Development Department can prioritize, in addition to short- and long-term
action items to achieve the goals set forth therein.
1. Embrace “Tech Lake City”

2. The West Side of I-15: Create an Off-ramp for Investment
3. Salt Lake Stories: Brand, Districts, Arts
The following table represents some of the most common themes represented in our SWOT
discussions with the subcommittee, roundtables, and staff:
Strengths Weaknesses
● Quality of life (e.g., arts and culture, ● Lack of interdepartmental and
proximity to outdoor recreation, intergovernmental communication and
mobility) collaboration
● Transit and transportation center of ○ Strained City/State relationship
the region ○ Strained City Council and
○ Multi-billion dollar airport Administration relationship
expansion ● Customer service
● “SLC” is Utah’s brand ● Lack of clear direction
● Diversity (both population and ○ “Who’s the Boss?”
economy) ● Outdated City codes and processes
● Culture of volunteerism, philanthropy, ● East and West inequity (e.g., zoning,
and giving transportation/transit, public/private
● Culture of industry and investment, job opportunities,
entrepreneurship representation, safety, education,
● Higher education opportunities housing, commercial opportunities)
● Momentum ● Air quality
● Communication/outreach with diverse
populations
○ Lack of translation
services/bilingual staff
● Aggressive panhandling
Opportunities Threats
● Capitalize on unique competitive ● Growing inequity and lack of
advantages to develop both Tech and affordability
Life Sciences ecosystems ○ Concern over family flight from
● Strengthen/Clarify brand the City
● Improve City’s character by ○ Housing affordability
embracing and developing Business ○ Child care
and Cultural Districts ● Shifting population and business
● West Side tax base expansion, new growth to areas outside of the City
business starts, and workforce (i.e., City losing % of statewide
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development nighttime population, threat of
● Lead state and region on key issues continued agglomeration of industry
such as sustainability, equity, air outside the City, and loss of small
quality, and affordability business)
● International hub ● Super-regional and global competition
● Embracing City’s diversity through from other mid-sized cities
better education, communication,
staffing practices, and City
services/vendor practices
● Develop best practices for working
with diverse populations in an
equitable manner
● Home to two of the State’s most
promising Opportunity Zones
Based on this feedback, we propose the following recommendations for a 100 Day and First
Term Plan.
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III. Focus Areas.
Note: Each of our focus areas assume that the City’s overall economic development goals are
to foster business development, job growth, and tax base expansion that aligns with the City’s
equity, inclusion, and sustainability values.
A. Focus Area 1: Embrace “Tech Lake City”
Although a separate committee was formed to address the Tech Ecosystem through this
transition process, we wanted to add a “+1” to its efforts and provide some additional
recommendations specifically related to the Economic Development and development
processes that are an impediment to tech development in the City. The State of Utah has six
focus sectors, including Information Technology (IT) and Life Sciences. The IT and Software
Development industry sector has grown by 53% since 2009 and has a location quotient of 1.46.
Depending on the industry NAICS codes measured, IT is the state of Utah’s largest focus sector
with 84,639 employees, adding more than 16,000 jobs since 2014. Only the Life Sciences
industry has had a higher percentage of growth over the past 10 years. Given Salt Lake City’s
economic assets, it is particularly well poised to capitalize on software and IT, biotech, and
subsets of the tech sector, such as fintech and e-commerce.
Current impediments to developing a Tech Ecosystem in Salt Lake City:

1. Talent/Connectivity: There is a perception that tech companies in Utah need to be
located toward the Point of the Mountain to access the Utah County and Salt Lake
County labor pools. However, with the regional transit and transportation nodes in Salt
Lake City, in addition to the largest public education institutions, the City is ripe to
capture and retain existing and new talent and to develop a pipeline of new startup
businesses. There are two immediate things a Mayoral administration can do to increase
talent and industry connectivity in the City:
a. Connection
i. Mayor-Elect Mendenhall may consider holding regular industry
roundtables that increase connectivity between the City and the industry
stakeholders, including education and venture partners. Establishing a
regular feedback venue and creating accountability for follow-up using
City resources could provide the institutional support necessary to attract
and retain technology companies and technologists in the City.
1. Requires time commitment of the Mayor and City staff.
2. 100 Day Action Item
b. Transit and Mobility
i. Currently only Salt Lake City residents are eligible for Hive Passes. The
Mayor-Elect may consider making Hive Passes available as a business
development tool to get more tech talent into the City in a sustainable
way.
1. Requires funding and partnerships.
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2. 100 Day Action Item
ii. The City should consider incentivizing the development of Tech Real
Estate and focusing its economic development recruitment and business
development around areas well-served by transit.
1. First Term Action Item
2. Real Estate: A lack of available real estate in Salt Lake City has led to tech sector
expansion outside the City and outside of the state of Utah. Appended to this memo is a
list of tech projects over the last three years that considered Salt Lake City for an
expansion opportunity but either elected not to expand or expanded elsewhere. In many
instances, these companies cited a lack of available real estate as a primary decision
factor in dropping Salt Lake City from consideration. The City has a reputation of being
one of the most challenging places in the State to develop real estate. This is of
particular concern as Salt Lake City has one of the best potential offerings to those tech
businesses that prefer to operate in diverse, inclusive, urban environments. A Mayor can
turn the tide of this reputation and reality by using her schedule and budget to support a
friendlier process.
a. We recommend that Mayor-Elect Mendenhall establish a Development
Roundtable that includes private developers, small business representatives, and
all relevant Department Heads as Ex Officio members to advise the Mayor on
issues of business development, retention, and growth.
i. One of the first action items at the roundtables should be a top-to-bottom
development process review: 100 Day Action Item
1. This includes an analysis of the City’s current project management
technology (Accela).
2. It should also include a review of zoning and permitting
ordinances. It is our understanding from City staff that a
comprehensive review of this nature has not occurred since 1995.
3. Consider self-certification for permitting for small business owners.
4. Consider prioritizing permit review by City priority, rather than by
the order in which applications are submitted.
a. Priority items could include: sustainable development, tech
development, affordable housing, and new business starts
on the West Side of I-15.
5. The City should consider setting a goal of having all qualifying
permits issued within 90 days of submission.
ii. 100 Day Action Item
b. Create a “Guaranteed Permit” Program for Developers
i. Several developers have expressed an interest in paying additional
permitting fees in exchange for a guaranteed permit review period. A
special purpose fund could be created to capture these additional fees
and the excess funding could be used to offer similar “fast track”
permitting to accomplish City-wide development objectives, such as West
Side business permits, small or disadvantaged business licensing, or
affordable housing.
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ii. First Term Action Item
iii. Requires City Ordinance
3. Tools: CRA and EDLF
a. A common tool used to attract and retain technology companies are “project-
specific Community Reinvestment Project Areas (CRAs).” The City has tied its
own hands on recruiting new tech (and other) businesses into the City by limiting
project-specific CRAs to be used only in instances where the business already
operates in the City. Therefore, companies that do not have an existing presence
in the City are ineligible for significant incentives. We recommend this policy be
expanded to allow for business recruitment. The parameters to qualify for tax
increment funding should be clear, should relate back to the City’s defined
objectives of tech development, sustainability, West Side growth, and should
allow for both retention and recruitment opportunities. 100 Day Action Item
i. Requires RDA policy change. No budget impact as it captures and
rebates new revenue.
b. The Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF) is housed in the Department of
Community and Housing. This appears to be a lasting vestige of the separation
of Community and Neighborhoods from Economic Development and the creation
of the latter department at the outset of the Biskupski Administration. We
recommend that the EDLF be moved into the Economic Development
Department. The EDLF should be used in a focused manner to provide loans
and credit enhancements for hiring, technology acquisition, and real estate
development. The Business Development division of the Economic Development
Department collects information from and advocates for Salt Lake City
businesses but is limited in its actual financial tools. The City may also consider
using the EDLF as credit enhancement for tech tenants in Salt Lake City. Our
development and lending community would be more likely to enter into leases
with similar terms to regional competitors if the tenant had additional
creditworthiness. 100 Day Action Item.
i. Requires Code change and resource allocation between CAN and EDD.
B. Focus Area 2: The West Side of I-15: Create an Off-ramp for Investment
Concern over the West Side, East Side economic divide was a constant theme among
subcommittee members and roundtable participants. The City has a few tools in its kit that can
be deployed and sharpened to create an “Off-ramp for Investment” on the West Side of I-15.
Of the 16,769 business licenses in the City, only 3,866 are on the West side of I-15 (or 23% of
overall City licenses). We recommend the City do goal setting around West Side business
creation. For example, the City could set a goal of 4,500 business licenses on the West Side of
Salt Lake City by 2025: a “45 by ‘25” goal. However, to meet such a goal the City will need to
ensure there is place to operate, people to hire, and business planning and financial assistance
from the City to support these newly created businesses.
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1. Land Use
a. The current West Side zoning is largely single family residential and industrial
(see Figure 2 in Appendix). We recommend the Mayor-Elect start her
development code review referenced in Section III.A.2 on the West Side of I-15.
The code could be updated to allow for other commercial uses that are
complementary to existing uses, that would be an amenity to current residents,
and that enable commercial development and investment. Start within 100
Days. Complete within first year.
b. We also recommend that there be a “fast track” development process West of I-
15 for business uses that align with the Mayor’s equity, inclusion, and
sustainability goals. This process could be underwritten by the Guaranteed
Permitting program referenced in Section III.A.2. First Term initiative.
2. Redevelopment Tools
a. Of the eight active redevelopment project areas in the City, only two are west of
I-15. The North Temple URA (expiring in two years) and the Northwest Quadrant
CRA. The City needs to deploy every tool it has available, including tax
increment financing, on the West Side. There are proposed changes to state law
that would allow RDAs to become an independent taxing entity and operate
within the entire municipal boundary (not just the existing project area
boundaries). Such a structure may allow for community development that is not
regional in nature or project-specific and could therefore benefit areas such as
the West Side that lack a commercial base from which to organize around. The
City should seriously consider whether this would provide a net benefit in its
neighborhood and economic development efforts and whether or not it should be
a legislative priority for the City in the 2020 General Session of the Utah State
Legislature. 100 Day Action Item
3. Northwest Quadrant
a. This memo cannot address the West Side of I-15 without acknowledging the
pending lawsuit over the governance and taxation issues related to the creation
of the Utah Inland Port Authority. Regardless of how those issues are resolved,
we recommend the City partner with all invested stakeholders to ensure the
development is leading edge with respect to the City’s social and environmental
goals. The focus may be on the following priorities:
i. Incentivize sustainability
1. C-PACE financing for onsite energy and water efficiency
installation and upgrades
2. Electric and autonomous vehicle research and deployment
3. Renewable energy to power the operations of the site
4. Low impact water users and storm and waste-water collection
ii. Strengthen partnerships with the Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake
Community College, and local nonprofits to create pathways for success
for Salt Lake City residents seeking job and career opportunities in
advanced manufacturing and e-commerce
iii. Small business development
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1. Create a glide path for small Salt Lake City businesses to act as
vendors to larger logistics companies and manufacturers in the
region
2. Expand small business resource centers to ensure local supply
chains are best able to compete for Inland Port work
iv. Community Spaces
1. Consider how community spaces may be incorporated into
development plans that allow for onsite job training and business
resource content delivery
4. Mobility
a. The West Side of Salt Lake City, just like all other areas of the City, should
consider transportation infrastructure when evaluating land use and economic
development. Freeway interchanges and rail transit stations have more economic
development potential, and for the residents of the City and region, development
in these locations enables residents and workers to more easily reach other
destinations. This ability to interact, or have access to opportunities, is linked with
more efficient businesses and better socio-economic upward mobility.
i. North Temple, west of downtown, features locations that are underutilized
and have significant potential access to opportunities both by transit and
by automobile. Utilizing these strategic locations would have positive
economic and social benefits that would ripple throughout the City and
region.
5. Spanish Speaking Resources To Support West Side Business Development
a. The American Consumer Survey five-year data released on December 19, 2019
indicates that approximately 35 percent of Salt Lake City was part of the minority
population in the 2014-2018 estimate window, with Hispanic/Latino at 21.6
percent. Much of our diverse population resides on the West Side of I-15. Data
from a 2016 Small Business Administration release indicates minorities own 10.8
percent of Utah businesses, while the minority population represents a much
higher percent of our overall population.
b. To address this opportunity in economic development, the City should prioritize:
i. Partnering with local nonprofits that help develop primarily Spanish-
speaking Utah businesses. Provide a competitive grant for organizations
to better serve this population within Salt Lake City, with measured
outcomes, including the number of businesses started, jobs created, and
sales revenue created.
1. First Term Initiative. Will require funding.
ii. Create a grant program for small, West-Side business owners expanding
or relocating that will lower the impact of business costs and encourage
job creation and targeted area growth. The City of Austin has a model to
explore as a benchmark.1 First Term Initiative. Will require funding.
http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Chapter_380_Business_Expansion_Program_
2018_Final_Update.pdf
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C. Focus Area 3: Salt Lake City’s Story
1. Branding
a. At our initial Subcommittee kickoff meeting, the Mayor-Elect expressed that Salt
Lake City’s brand belies how multi-dimensional our City is. Many of our
roundtable participants expressed a similar view: Salt Lake City’s Brand is
misunderstood, both within the state and outside the state. However, the quality
of this place is evident to those who have recently traveled to Salt Lake City or
that have some other relevant exposure to the City. The City should increase its
marketing efforts to deepen brand awareness and capitalize on its growing brand
equity.
i. The City may consider resourcing a stand-alone brand exploration and
business marketing initiative; however, we feel that there is an existing
entity through which the City could consider a partnership. Salt Lake
County is the largest single funding partner to Visit Salt Lake (VSL). VSL
has historically been focused on marketing the County-owned assets of
the Salt Palace Convention Center and other county facilities. However,
VSL has recently undertaken a “Blueprint Salt Lake” effort. There could
be a value added partnership between Salt Lake City and VSL in using
the blueprint to enhance SLC’s brand within the tourism, convention, and
business audiences.
1. Budget impact. First Term Action Item.
b. Create a platform for small business owners to tell their story - this could become
a function of the Economic Development Department in partnership with local
organizations to increase diffusion.
i. First Term Action Item.
c. Take the SLC story global. International business development is an area of
interest for Utah State elected officials and expanded international programming
could help with intergovernmental collaboration. The City could add value during
diplomatic visits, could help shape trading agendas, and could seek to find
additional international events that it can co-host with the State of Utah (the
United Nations 68th Conference having been successful).
2. Districts
a. 9th and 9th, Sugarhouse, 15th and 15th, the “CBD,” “So-Ho”, the Gaslamp
District, SoMa. What do all of these neighborhoods have in common? They each
have a unique focus, character, and identity. We recommend the City organize
around business district. In addition to enhancing the City’s character and
identity, catalyzing business districts will create an effective communication
channel between the City elected leaders, staff and the represented business
districts. A formalized Business District would be akin to a Community Council
whose focus is on business issues.
i. The Mayor Elect may evaluate whether the Business Districts could form
a “congress” to replace the currently constituted Business Advisory
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Board, which is rigidly structured in Code and lacks clear purpose and
direction.
ii. First Term Action Item.
b. Change of use - we recommend allowing the EDLF and RDA funding to help
business owners changing use enhancing the character of the neighborhood by
offsetting costs of increased impact. 100 Day Action Item
c. Districts should be organic and authentic to the neighborhood. The CBD may
continue to be the “Wallstreet of the West.” The 400 West Corridor may be the
BioTech corridor. However, we recommend that the City consider where there is
already potential for an Arts District, a Tech District and a “B-Hive City” (a
district for Benefit Corps (“B Corps”)).
d. Consider how City-owned spaces can be the cornerstone of any given district.
3. Art
a. Public Art can be used to catalyze and crystallize the unique brand and character
of City or districts within it. The City would benefit from an overarching Arts
strategy. There are a number of different art initiatives out of the Mayor’s office,
the RDA, the airport, public utilities, and the Arts Council. These efforts could be
enhanced through inter-departmental coordination. We recommend having the
head of the Arts Council serve as both Executive Director of the Arts Council and
as special advisor to the Mayor to help coordinate all activities.
i. 100 Day Action Item
b. The Arts Council is in the midst of a Strategic Plan update. The Arts Council has
pivoted its programming and as a result is losing ZAP Tier 1 funding due to
shrinking earned income. The pivot is beneficial to the City overall but should be
studied as it will require city funding to stabilize the Arts Council’s operating
revenue.
i. The structure of the Arts Council and its funding streams should be
evaluated within the first year of the Administration.
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IV. Conclusion.
Thank you for the opportunity to engage with our community in formulating this memorandum.
Salt Lake City’s future is bright, and we look forward to collaborating with all invested
stakeholders to help make Mayor-Elect Mendenhall’s vision a reality.
In addition to the economic development issues we have analyzed, we have also gleaned some
information on city-wide matters that we would like to highlight for your information and action.
1) A lack of communication and collaboration is holding the City back from unlocking its full
potential. The Mayor will set the tone on collaboration and we recommend that there be
a City-wide focus on increased communication and collaboration both within the City and
outside the City with statewide partners, NGOs, and other governmental and public
entities. It is our understanding that another transition committee will recommend that
there be a Task Force on this issue. Although it is out-of-scope for us, we believe the
City’s Economic Development efforts would benefit from such an initiative.
2) We have learned that the City’s annual budgeting process is not structured in a way that
allows for inter-departmental collaboration or City-wide prioritization. We recommend
that the budgeting process be evaluated to allow for more interdepartmental
transparency to facilitate collaboration on City-wide goals.
3) We walked away from our interviews with City staff highly impressed with their
dedication to their roles, their vision, and their planning. We appreciate that many City
employees committed significant time to ensuring this process was successful and we
would be remiss if we did not acknowledge their contributions to the City and to this
report. Several divisions we interviewed are in the midst of updating their Strategic Plans
and we recommend that those planning processes continue with some additional
direction from the Mayor’s Office.
Thank you again for this tremendous opportunity. Please know that through this process you
have created a team that is committed to the City and the success of Mayor-Elect Mendenhall’s
administration. We would happily continue to give of our time to consult, advise, and otherwise
contribute to these efforts on an ongoing basis.
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Appendix: Roundtable participant lists, Salt Lake City lost projects, West Side of I-15
Zoning Map
Attachment 1 – Roundtable Participant Lists
Monday, December 2, 2:00pm - 3:30pm at EDCUtah

Theresa Foxley; Co-Chair, Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Silvia Castro; Co-Chair, Suazo Business Center
Celina Milner; Office of Diversity
Shawn Newel; Industry Supply
Scott Evans; Pago Restaurant Group
Bill Coker; Red Iguana
Dee Brewer; Downtown Alliance
Nadia Letey; CBRE
Vlada Yaremenko; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Ashley Trejo; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Jonathon Bates; Executive Director, Real Estate Administration for the University of Utah
Sheila Rappazzo Yorkin; Westminster College
Blake Thomas; Salt Lake County
Alex Adema; DPS Skis
Jason Barlow; Gallagher Insurance
Nigel Swaby; Swaby Real Estate
Michael Flynn; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Edward Bennett; Suazo Business Center
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00am - 11:30am at EDCUtah

Rachel Otto; Salt Lake City Corporation
Jorge Fierro; Rico’s
Ari Bruening; Envision Utah
Ann Marie Wallace; Women’s Business Center
Tracey Dean; LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
Hoang Nguyen; Sapa Investment Group
Max Esari; Sapa Investment Group
Ashley Trejo; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Marcello Rikli; Nostalgia Cafe
Tim Rikli; Nostalgia Café
Peter Callister; Salt Lake Community College
Arthur Woodbury; Woodbury Corporation
Heather Kirkby; Recursion Pharmaceuticals
Justin Belliveau; River District Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Thesing; Mean Mugs Pottery
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Miles Hansen; World Trade Center Utah
Linda Wardell; City Creek Center
Juan Becerra; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Michael Flynn; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Fatima Dirie; Refugee Liaison SLC
Tuesday, December 10, 10:00am - 11:30am at Suazo Business Center (Spanish-Speaking)

Silvia Castro; Co-Chair, Suazo Business Center
Jose Borjon; Consul General of Mexico
Alfonso Brito; Santo Taco, and PCS Metro locations
Rossina Lake; RC2 Communications
Jeannette Villalta; JVM Diversity Consulting
Marco Muñoz; Spanish Media Freelancer
Marlon Morales; US Bank
Phil Winston; Altus Development Group
Jacob Brace; Google Fiber
Marcelo Bayon; Taco Fest
Alfonso Ayala; Zynergia
Celina Milner; Salt Lake City Corporation
Nubia Peña; State of Utah, Division of Multicultural Affairs
Analia Valdemoros; Argentina’s Best Empanadas, Square Kitchen and SLC Councilwoman
Antonella Packard; Suazo Business Center and LULAC (League of United Latin American
Citizens)
Stephanie Pack; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
Alex Wagstaff; Economic Development Corporation of Utah
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Figure 1: Salt Lake City/State of Utah Lost and Dropped Projects in the Last Three Years
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Figure 2: SLC Zoning Map West of I-15 Zoning
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Environmental Sustainability
Environment and Sustainability White Paper
SLC Mayor-Elect Mendenhall Transition
I. Methodology
Based on the timeframe and scope of work requested by the Mayor-elect’s transition
team, we determined that the most inclusive path forward would be two-fold; 1) to provide an
on-line questionnaire to receive ideas and information from interested stakeholders, and 2) to
host two in-person meetings (the meetings were held at the Glendale Public Library on
December 6th and 10th for an hour and a half each) to encourage idea sharing and
conversation around environment and sustainability. The ideas and information generated
from these two processes has been captured in a spreadsheet as well as in an itemized
document organized by subject (see Supplementary Documents, page 20). We synthesized the
information gathered into the proposed actions in this document.
To assure an inclusive process with as much participation as possible, we identified and
engaged stakeholders by starting with the list provided by the Mayor-elect’s transition team
and added others by including key individuals from active NGO groups in the environmental
and sustainability space as well as other interested stakeholders. Additionally, we reached out
to other transition subgroups leaders and asked them to share the on-line survey with
individuals they thought would be interested or who could potentially add perspective on the
environment and sustainability - particularly as it may impact or be impacted by equity and
diversity. Additionally, our communication to all stakeholders included an invitation for them to
share with other interested parties.
We had approximately 30 respondents fill out the questionnaire and/or provide
additional information through attachments. Feedback included general information on
priorities for sustainability and the environment as well as specific recommendations for
programs, policy changes and legislation. We used the information gathered through the
questionnaire to inform and supplement ideas that were presented and discussed through the
in person meetings to develop the recommendations below. As noted above, all information
gathered is linked at the end of this document (see Supplementary Documents, page 20).
There was good participation in both in-person meetings (~20 people) and robust
discussion on each issue. Our hope was to facilitate as much participation and inclusion of all
ideas in each meeting. To accomplish this, we provided four topics; air quality/climate change,
water, waste, and land. After introductions, sticky notes were dispersed and each person was
asked to spend 15 minutes placing key actions and/or solutions on flip charts for each issue.
We then broke into smaller groups for discussion and prioritization of solutions/actions. Finally
the stakeholders came back together and had a group discussion on priorities under each issue
to find consensus. All ideas were retained, and this report includes all of the solutions
presented by attendees, including those not recommended as priorities.
The solutions and actions identified through the questionnaire and in-person meetings
are the basis for the recommendations below.
II. Key Opportunities
Mayor-elect Mendenhall has an unprecedented opportunity to make a real impact on

the liveability and resilience of the City. We encourage her to take bold actions on climate
change -- with national and international attention on climate change, and the reality that Salt
Lake City will likely experience some severe effects, the mayor should use this transition period
to move the city forward on climate change mitigation and carbon drawdown (sequestration)
actions. This work will be most effective if grounded in geographic, racial and economic equity,
and offers the opportunity to repair degraded ecosystems and build stronger human and
natural communities.
While the city should continue to actively pursue technological strategies to address
climate change by reducing emissions, such as improved mass-transit, more EV charging
stations, and clean fleet vehicles, a major opportunity for the City is to pursue solutions that
restore and support our City’s living systems; these systems naturally store and utilize
greenhouse gases (drawdown), filter and store water, recycle waste products and provide
numerous other ecological services. These solutions not only provide environmental benefits,
but they can address social inequities, be levers of economic development, and promote social
well-being. Ultimately, these efforts will be necessary to help our city to adapt and/or mitigate
the worst impacts of climate change. In this work, Mayor-elect Mendenhall should maintain
and increase the City’s participation with national organizations working on climate resilience
2
as well as increase the City’s commitment to being a resource and leader on these issues for
surrounding communities and the state.
III. Short-term Goals
A. Action 1: Request a substantive review of city regulations, policies and practices for
sustainable practices, including current and potential carbon drawdown efforts. Ask each City
Department to conduct a deep review of current practices and give them a sustainability rating
and, if appropriate, make recommendations for possible changes to achieve the city’s
long-standing sustainability goals of emission reductions for air quality and climate, waste
minimization and water conservation. The review of the regulations, policies and practices and
a timeline for implementing changes to bring them into consistency with the City’s
sustainability goals should be finalized and reported to the Administration within 3 months of
the Mayor-elect’s inauguration. This idea was generated by the many comments and discussion
around real or perceived practices by the city that contradict the goals of a sustainable city.
Examples would include watering policies (time of day and quantity) on city properties, use of
fertilizers and pesticides, idling city vehicles, lighting policies, etc. Because ecosystems,
including urban ones, cross departmental boundaries, this analysis should also identify areas to
work across departments to achieve more audacious goals of ecosystem health and resilience.
To be clear, the recommendation is that the Mayor-elect’s administration continue to expand
sustainability rules, policies and practices. This recommendation is an immediate place to start
to achieve fast results as those short and long term strategies are developed.
1. Does recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?
Yes, this would impact issues city-wide and likely would be more beneficial in areas that
have been more neglected based on lack of prioritization and investment.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship?
Yes, this is one action that could achieve large-scale changes in every area of city
management.
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better?
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The city should be a model of sustainable policies, programs and practices, not only for
our residents but also for visitors and the country at large. We cannot ask our
community to do the work of sustainability without the city doing it at high standards.
As the largest city in the state, Salt Lake City has been a leader in many of these efforts
and should continue to do so in the future.
B. Action 2: Create the position of Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) that reports directly to
the Mayor. These values should run throughout city government and actions between
departments need to be coordinated, with the city viewed as a whole system. This will not
happen unless there is a high-level person tasked with these goals who has the authority to
implement changes and has real-time access to the Mayor. We recommend that the Mayor’s
office use information from and/or join the efforts of the Urban Drawdown Initiative
(https://urbandrawdown.solutions/), the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance
(https://carbonneutralcities.org/) and the 100 Resilient Cities
(https://www.100resilientcities.org/) in this work.
1. Does recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, through

coordination of policies and actions throughout departments that serve the city - all
neighborhoods will be treated more equitably and as part of a larger whole.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? By
having a person charged with thinking about the city as a whole system, focus can be on
systemic relationships and interactions, aiming to support the resilience and health of
the whole city. The CRO can work to foster diversity and redundancies that protect our
city from the worst effects of climate change at multiple scales, with attention to the
quality of connections as well as resource and information flows in the system.
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes, it
makes a clear statement about the priorities of the administration, creates
accountability and improves coordination, while creating a better future for the
residents of our city.
4
C. Action 3: Appoint an Environmental Justice Advisory Board to advise the CRO. The
primary objective of the Board will be to assure that sustainability policy and practice consider
equity and ancillary impacts on affordability. The Board should represent the racial and ethnic
diversity of the city including indigenous communities, and include subject matter experts on
water, air quality, climate change, land use and waste as well as representation from highly
impacted sectors of the city. In addition to providing guidance to the CRO, the Board should
develop a plan and timeline for addressing pressing environmental issues, including those
surrounding development of the Inland Port and assuring that the city becomes a national
leader in sustainability.
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, creation of
the Board should enhance accountability to inclusivity and equity. Additionally, we
recommend a diverse Board with representation from areas of the city most impacted
by environmental stressors.
Yes, stewardship should be a key element in the plan. By including the communities
most impacted by environmental issues in the decision making processes, the Mayor’s
office can ensure that the solutions not only address the environmental concerns but
consider social and economic well-being of the City’s residents.
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? The
goal of the recommendation is to assure that Salt Lake City becomes known for being on
the cutting edge of sustainable ideas and practices, grounded in equity and inclusion.
D. Action 4: Secure general budget funding for this work. Currently, funding for
Sustainability efforts of the City comes initially as a tax on things to force better behavior - such
as tipping fees for waste collection, rather than from a line in the general budget. As behavior
shifts, the funding resources must shift as well. The City’s budget must reflect sustainability
goals and funds saved from addressing the externalized costs and impacts.
5
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? This work
cannot continue, let alone be more transformative, without consistent and predictable
funding. However, if not done thoughtfully, funding sustainability efforts could
disproportionately impact low-income residents of our community, since flat fees or
taxes can represent a larger portion of their available funds. The Mayor’s office should
work with City Council to pursue funding with this in mind. The CRO and Environmental
Justice Advisory Board will be key to making this happen.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? As
stated previously, the City’s role in sustainability and environmental stewardship cannot
continue, let alone be more transformative, without consistent and predictable
funding.
A city’s values are reflected in our budget, not only to our residents but also to people
and organizations outside of Salt Lake City. Funding this work through the general fund
sends a clear signal that a healthy community is fundamental to who we are as a city.
IV. Long-term Goal & Objectives
A. The Mayor-elect should pursue and support solutions that restore and support our City’s
living systems and support social well-being. These efforts should target the following areas:
1. Land: The City should manage lands in a manner that considers and addresses climate
change impacts and implement practices that assist in drawing down carbon. These efforts
should ensure effective carbon sequestration; restore water quality and quantity; enhance
connectivity to trails, open space and parks; and support urban agriculture and food security for
all parts of the city.
Actions:
Living Systems and Open Space
● Conduct an audit of living systems and open-spaces - land-based and aquatic - that can
sequester carbon in ways that enhance ecological, social, and economic well-being.
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● Develop a green infrastructure/carbon drawdown master plan that supports and
expands equitable and regenerative carbon drawdown, including:
○ More large and micro open spaces (not just grass, support existing functioning
ecosystems and restore degraded ones)
■ Goal of safe access to green space within .5 miles of home for all SLC
residents
■ Change zoning to require some publicly accessible planted open space in
high-rise parcels or green roofs
○ Tree and other plantings program guided by carbon sequestration and habitat
creation as a goals
■ Emphasis on low-income communities with siting requirements to ensure
maximum ecosystems services, as well as social and economic well-being
■ Must include plan and funding for maintenance
○ Recreation assets like biking/hiking
○ Bioswales and other water storage/filtration from natural or built infrastructure
● Pass an open space/recreation bond that recognizes the modern-day needs of SLC
residents
● Develop a plan to promote these policies and leverage political influence of the City to
work with other Wasatch Front municipalities and other stakeholders to support
community-based carbon drawdown actions and economies
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

Many SLC residents live in the city because of the access to the mountains and other
ecosystems in and adjacent to the city. Yet, many other residents to not have easy
access to these same ecosystems and, in fact, suffer from lower environmental quality
and health because if it. By supporting and enhancing the living ecosystems of our
whole city, we have the opportunity to bring access to all residents of our city, while
improving the quality of the environment and human health.
We hope that this recommendation helps the city to move beyond just sustaining the
environment to a place of regeneration and resilience that benefits the entire city and
future generations.
Many cities have sustainability programs that continue to work to reduce emissions and
mitigate environmental impacts. Few cities, however, have focused their efforts on
supporting and restoring the natural systems of the city that have evolved to naturally
store and utilize greenhouse gases (drawdown), filter and store water, recycle waste
products and provide numerous other ecological services. Salt Lake City can be a state
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and regional leader in these efforts and develop collaborative relationships with
adjacent municipalities and rural partners to further these efforts.
Land used for Parking

● Utilize city planning, zoning enforcement of transit oriented design (TOD) to:
○ Limit parking requirements at developments
○ Remove existing parking or support parking rates that are punitive - free parking
is regressive
○ Utilize transportation demand management
○ Adopt currently-proposed updates to city’s parking ordinance
○ Elevate living systems, bike and pedestrian friendly design in place of more
parking

If parking lots are reduced or converted into multi-functional spaces, this has the
potential to improve equitability in the city, particularly in neighborhoods where acres
of
pavement exceed green spaces and healthy ecosystems. However, if the City reduces
parking without improving living systems or supporting active transportation, then these
actions could disproportionately impact some folks in our community more than others.
Until parking in the city is less convenient and inexpensive, visitors to and residents of
the city will not be encouraged to use alternative means of transportation, so our
vehicle emissions will be reduced. Using land for parking that could otherwise serve as a
community meeting space, garden, wildlife habitat, or other purpose, is not sustainable,
nor does it steward our resources.
No one lives or visits Salt Lake City for our parking lots. If these efforts create vibrant,
healthy environments, with active transportation for residents and visitors alike, then
the character of our city could be markedly improved.
Urban Agriculture for Carbon Drawdown and Food security

● Support and expand community gardens and other food producing spaces (aggregate
green spaces like parks, parking strips, etc.) that sequester carbon and support
community food security
● Support SLC fruitshare to use existing fruit trees to promote food security and carbon
drawdown
8
● Use existing small farms grant to establish food distribution nodes in food deserts Rose
Park and Glendale
● Require developers to include garden space and fruit trees in new developments
● Encourage fresh produce markets and grocery stores to build in neighborhoods with
limited access
● Fund and work with the state and with local developers to support the development of
a year-round public market to increase the amount and diversity of food available to
Salt Lake residents yearound and provide a sustainable and stable venue for farmers to
sell products.
● Create an "Office of Urban Agriculture and Food Equity"
● Sign the Sustainable Food Resolution (see Supplementary Documents, page 20)

Expanding access to food producing spaces and food itself can fundamentally improve
equitability in our city, since food is critical to social and economic well-being. Food
production can also be a place for sharing and celebrating our City’s cultural diversity
and help preserve the foodways of people who have been marginalized in our city.
Healthy agroecosystems can be a critical resource for drawing down carbon, protecting
water resources and fostering biodiversity in the city.
Community gardens and other food producing spaces can add aesthetic value to the
city, while also being spaces for community building and celebration of cultures and
traditions. Access to fresh produce for all of our City’s residence should be a
characteristic we celebrate and share.
City Planning and Development

● Acknowledge, address, and mitigate environmental racism in urban planning and
development. Fill the chairs that have been empty for too long.
● Support safe, walkable communities for people of all color and class, around affordable
housing
● Incentivize rooftop gardens in new and existing developments
● Support higher density zoning that includes open, green spaces and connectivity to the
City trails, reducing concrete and adding vegetation where possible
● Support office and other commercial space design, and develop programs that beyond
our current energy focus, to look at ways to improve indoor air quality, improve water
quality, add natural light, introduce more indoor plants, encourage helpful designs to
facilitate less sedentary work days for residents.
9
● Amend the City code to prevent billboard leases from being renewed and/or investigate
with the City Attorney if these leases can be broken. We have a backdrop of world class
mountains. With cleaner air, beautiful xeriscaped residences and businesses, healthier
sustainable locally produced foods and less massive ugly billboards, the city can show
off its incredible beauty.

With the input of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, the Mayor’s office can
support innovations in our city that improve inclusivity and equitability in the city
through intentional zoning and other city planning structures.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? Yes.
By addressing the environmental issues that impact marginalized members of our
community, we will inherently be improving the quality of our city for everyone.
City planning, guided by the input of our residents, can shape our City’s character by
reflecting the values of the city and meeting the needs of those who live here.
Regional Land Use

● The Mayor should engage directly and actively with Central Wasatch Commission
● Support wasatch canyons transportation improvement with public input
● Lead out on a region-wide management and planning effort for the foothills, with actual
management structure of the lands given the multiple jurisdictions and interest groups.
● Support protection of America's Red Rock Wilderness

Regional planning efforts can improve the inclusivity and equitability of the city,
particularly if they enhance access to resources and ecosystems for communities who
have been historically marginalized.
These regional planning efforts are important to environmental stewardship, as they
protect aquatic ecosystems and wild landscapes, while reducing impacts of
transportation and recreation.
These efforts shape the character of our City by protecting and enhancing the
surrounding landscapes and ecosystems. Leveraging the social and political capital of
the City can also increase support for these efforts on a national level.
10
2. Water - The City should manage water in a manner that considers and addresses climate
change impacts and should implement practices that restore water quality and water quantity
for human and wild ecosystems in all parts of the city. Areas with older and underserved
infrastructure should be prioritized.
Actions:
Existing Infrastructure Upgrades
● Replace water infrastructure to ensure that all new infrastructure is designed and built
to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, the

emphasis is on assuring that all parts of the City are addressed and treated equitably.
There is clearly a question of resources and timing. However, equity should be
considered when decisions on upgrades are made.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? Yes
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Water
infrastructure is an “invisible” amenity until it fails to work adequately. While it may not
shape character, a strong and reliable system provides the backbone of a successful city.
Sustainable Water Infrastructure

● Work with City Council to pass an ordinance for porous parking lot 1st w/ water capture
● Work with City Council to pass an ordinance for only efficient fixtures and appliances on
retail shelves in the city
● Incentivize developers to incorporate water conservation measures in new buildings
○ Gray water systems
○ Low water/high carbon capture landscapes
○ Capture rainwater
○ Low flow fixtures
● Incentivize parking lot conversion to gardens
● Limit grass cover on properties, including city properties, while maximizing carbon
drawdown through appropriate vegetation and water use
○ The City & County Building (Mayor’s office) should be landscaped to model this
type of landscape
● Develop a plan to transition from sod to landscapes that provide habitats and water
wise
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1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Efforts to
improve water infrastructure can improve equitability in the city, particularly if they
begin in the City facilities and offices. Not only can the City model sustainable water use
practices, but the city can leverage their financial capitol to make these practices and
more sustainable alternatives more affordable for all city residents.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? Water

infrastructure is critical to environmental stewardship not only to improve the quality
and quantity of water itself, but also in the efforts to drawdown Greenhouse gases and
other emissions.
Like upgrading existing infrastructure, some of these efforts may be less visible to
residents and visitors even though they have important ecosystem impacts (i.e. porous
pavement). However, other efforts can create vibrant landscapes and gardens that
enhance the character and reflect the values of the City.
Water Source Protection (Local, Regional, State)

● Inventory water quality history trends
● Reduce water waste on city property
● Regulate and reduce the sale and use of chemical pesticides and herbicides within the
city - start with the city parks and property, banning the use of these on all city parks
and playgrounds, school grounds, and other public spaces.
● Maintain involvement with Central Wasatch Commission
○ Engage directly and actively in this endeavor. (The Mayor-elect is a member of
the Central Wasatch Commission as mayor, like 8 other local-elected officials in
and around the Central Wasatch Mountains.) Everyone in Salt Lake City and
much of the Salt Lake Valley are affected by decisions in the Central Wasatch
Mountains. The Mayor’s efforts will protect and include all persons living in the
City.
● Conduct a 360 view on SLC water supply and governance, examining how the City
should and will integrate into broader policy decisions on water that are slated to
impact Salt Lake City residents.
● Work with City Council to pass an ordinance for water capture to 2500 gallons for
commercial properties
● Support 2020 State water banking legislation
● Foster better coordination with other Wasatch Front municipalities
● Increase education and assistance for residents on water conservation practices
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1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? The actions
proposed in this section should be taken at a City-wide level. So, while inclusivity and
equity are not the focus, this recommendation should be equally beneficial to all
residents .
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes,
many of these actions, specifically taking holistic view of supply and governance, will
give water conservation and use additional visibility and elevate the conservation.
Jordan River Corridor Protection and Enhancement

● Support efforts to restore the ecological and hydrological functions of the river and
adjacent riparian area

As a predominant feature of the City’s westside, restoration of the Jordan River has the
potential to bring numerous benefits to neighborhoods and residents that have
historically been marginalized. To be effective, and increase equitability, this effort must
include community members from neighborhoods along the river.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? The
Jordan River and its tributaries are critical to the carbon drawdown and habitat
improvement efforts of the city.
A restored Jordan River corridor should be a celebrated feature of our city.
Great Salt Lake/Bear River

● Support efforts to protect and promote environmental value and services provided by
GSL
○ Specifically, address impact of dust on snow melt (more rapid) and "Lake Effect"
precipitation (less snowfall)
○ Oppose Bear River Development
● Support legislation that grants GSL personhood and rights

This effort does not focus specifically on historically marginalized communities.
However, a healthier GSL ecosystem can help our community to be more resilient and
reduce the worst impacts of climate change. Some of those impacts are likely to affect
marginalized communities more because of geography, access to resources, and other
confounding factors. Protecting and improving the Lake ecosystem can indirectly
improve equitability in the city.
13
As the largest waterbody in our region, Great Salt Lake ecosystem is a critical habitat for
local and migratory wildlife, worthy of increased stewardship. Additionally, maintaining
lake water levels will be critical to protect our air quality and water supply, while also
reducing atmospheric carbon.
Great Salt Lake is an iconic natural feature that draws people from all over the world
and
gives our City its name. It seems unthinkable that we would not work to protect this
critical feature of our landscape.
3. Waste - The City should manage waste in a manner that considers and addresses climate
change impacts and implement practices that eliminates waste in all parts of the city, with the
goal of becoming a Zero Waste City. In these efforts the City should ensure equity in pricing,
access to alternatives and economic development opportunities, while working to prevent
inequities of illegal dumping.
Actions:
Reduce waste
● Understand history of waste and problem solve for future
● Change packaging regulations to reduce municipal solid waste
● Work with City Council to pass an ordinance to ban single use plastics -- in all city
owned facilities and create incentives for other companies to do the same
● Work with City Council to pass an ordinance to ban junk mail and phone books
● Investigate policies to charge for waste pickup by weight and/or pickup every other
week
● Re-evaluate haul away program (is it working to meet goals?)
● Support SLC fruitshare to eliminate waste and reduce methane pollution from rotting
fruit
● Support a Sustainable food waste resolution (attached)
● Measure, track and report all waste at source
● Support economic development for recycling providers
● Work with City Council to pass an ordinance to reduce NOx emissions from trucks at
gravel pits with yearly certification
● Support state or federal legislation that places the responsibility of the life of products
on the manufacturers of those products rather than the individuals like they do in
Germany, which has greatly increased their repair/recycling capabilities.
14
Efforts to reduce waste can improve equitability in the city, particularly if they begin in
the City facilities and offices. Not only can the City model waste reduction practices, but
the city can leverage their financial capitol to make waste reduction practices and more
sustainable alternatives more affordable for all city residents.
Stewardship is at the heart of this effort.
Cities that model waste reduction practices can shape the lives of residents and visitors
in ways that transform personal behavior even when folks leave the city.
Reuse materials
● Identify material resources that are aggregated in the urban area—organic materials,
biomass—that can be utilized to catalyze or augment carbon drawdown activities found
in audit of living systems and open-spaces mentioned in Land section above.
● Enforce/increase current waste ordinances
○ Construction waste ordinance (deconstruction)
○ Curbside recycling
● Increase composting options and education
● Develop and implement an urban wood re-utilization program with the City Forestry
Division and incentivize efforts with tree services in the City
● Support economic development for reuse providers
● Investigate opportunities to utilize the anaerobic digester in South Davis or build one in
Salt Lake City

Carbon drawdown efforts and living systems restoration present economic
opportunities (such as material reuse and recycling businesses) and opportunities to
improve the social well-being (through safe and healthy green spaces), particularly for
areas of our city that have been neglected. However, they must be done with the
community, not for or to the community, otherwise the risks of gentrification and
further marginalization of people may increase.
Reuse of materials is essential to environmental stewardship.
These efforts can shape the character of our city by helping to develop and support
15
beautiful green spaces, along with unique businesses centered on creative reuse.
Additionally, the economic benefits of materials reuse rather than disposal can free-up
resources that can be used to address other needs of the City.
B) The Mayor-elect should actively support and incentivize technology-based solutions that
reduce emissions and/or pull down carbon or other harmful air emissions from the
environment.
Actions:
Point Source Issues
● Work to pass state legislation to strengthen regulations and oversight of fugitive dust
● Work with the state Division of Air Quality and Salt Lake County to address compliance
of air quality regulations over weekends for refineries, sand and gravel operations, idling
and burning
● Promote a City ordinance to ban gas powered yard machinery like lawn mowers, leaf
blowers and snow blowers
● Promote a City ordinance to ban the use of two-stroke engines generally and prohibit
their use in city operations
● Work with the state Division of Air Quality to pass stronger regulations for restaurants,
breweries, coffee roasters and other small sources currently not regulated
● The City should work with the state Division of Air Quality to study and develop an
urban emissions regulatory program or incentive program targeting minor source
methane emissions
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, many of

the facilities (large and small) that have point source emissions are in areas of the City
that are less affluent, more urban and closer to large transportation corridors with
greater vehicle emissions. City focus on point source emissions will have an immediate
impact on air quality in these areas.
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes. As
the City develops relationships, communications and an ethic around regulating
emissions where we live, the character of the city will improve.
Vehicles:
● Promote state Legislation that creates incentives for large fleets to upgrade to 0 or low
emission vehicles
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● Enforce anti-idling ordinance in drive-throughs and eliminate exemptions for
non-critical government workers
● Invest City funds in anti-idling, clean car education (“20’s plenty”)
● Work with City Council to pass a City ordinance regulating emissions of Food Trucks
Idling and the use of “dirty” generators should be eliminated
● Increased enforcement of speed limits as a tool for reducing neighborhood emissions
● Convert City fleet to all electric with solar charging stations and solar panels on city
facilities to repower fleet
● Develop and implement a strategy that results in visitors (daily business commuters,
visitors, etc.) participating in sustainable behaviors (so the burden doesn't fall upon
residents only - for instance residents can reduce their vehicle use but on a daily basis
our population doubles and if most of that happens with commuter traffic, then our
progress is limited)
● Work with the University to Increase cost for parking at Univ Research Park
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, this is a

City-wide initiative and should provide larger relief to areas that are more impacted by
transportation.
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes,
vehicles remain the largest source of emissions, so having strong policies and
enforcement will impact the ethic of the City.
Transportation
● Update City transportation plan with more aggressive air quality goals and metrics
○ Re-engage with fixed-rail infrastructure planning and funding
■ Westside of SLC to downtown via 400 S, 800/900S and 1300S
■ Northern side of U campus to Avenues and downtown
■ 900S Trax to Sugarhouse/extend streetcar
■ Trax from Sandy to South Temple on 700 East
○ Support Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in underserved areas of the City (Beck Street and
300 West)
○ Plan and Invest in Complete Streets
■ Safe and accessible sidewalks
■ Traffic calming infrastructure
■ Connected separated active transportation routes
○ Work with UTA to provide Hive passess
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○ Create a comprehensive EV charging station plan and policy and incentives to
build out necessary infrastructure
● Support state legislation to keep large trucks from utilizing Legacy Parkway
● Work with other cities and Salt Lake County to create an off road inventory and
emission control program for heavy commercial vehicles. Loaders, dump trucks, haulers
and other commercial off road vehicles are a significant source of pollution and
currently no emission standards are in place and there is not an emission inventory
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, the

Transportation Plan should connect the entire City.
2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? Yes,
this is a “crossover” area where the City function of transportation planning is being
integrated into pollution control measures.
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes
Buildings
● Support state Legislation requiring adoption of the most current building code standards
● Support State Legislation and City Ordinance to expand the PACE program and other
incentives that provide innovative solutions for low emission buildings
● Put in place clean contracting standards for buildings permitted by the City
● Enhance focus on eliminating emissions from City buildings
○ Continue to prioritize budget and resources for the retrofitting and improved
energy efficiency in current CIty Building
○ Require net zero buildings for new construction (above LEED standards)
○ Retrofit old buildings
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? It can if an
emphasis placed on ensuring equity for how all retrofits and new development is
treated
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes
Renewable Energy
● Pass a Resolution at the City Council to have net- 100% clean energy by 2023 and
develop a Plan for accomplishing this goal in an equitable manner, considering the
following strategies:
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○ Work toward a municipal-owned renewable power company. Rocky Mountain
Power does not share the same goals or timeline as the residents of Salt Lake
when it comes to 100% renewable.
○ Suport state legislation creating a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) to
allow the City greater access to energy markets
○ Create space for the City to be innovative in technology and partnerships
■ Micro-grid technology incentives
■ Rooftop solar and home/business storage incentives
■ Public / private partnership to create a pumped storage initiatives
● Act as a regional and national leader in renewable development based on serving the
needs of all residents equally
● Pro-actively lead the implement HB411
○ Engage in Docket at the Public Service Commission for HB411 to assure
competition and fair rates
○ Engage in and drive procurement process through Rocky Mountain Power for
sustainable renewable energy projects and best pricing for residents
● Work with UCE and UT Climate Action Network to expand EmPower SLC to achieve
equity and justice-focused climate solutions that improve economic opportunity and
reduce cost for low-income residents
1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, it should

result in clean energy and lower more predictable energy prices
3. Does this recommendation help shape the character of the city for the better? Yes, it
would make Salt Lake City a leader nationally and internationally on clean energy policy.
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mayor-elect has every opportunity and a wide base of support to
move Salt Lake City to the forefront of environment and sustainability leadership both
regionally and nationally. Our biggest take-away is that while the City has a long history of
strong environmental and sustainability work - it remains behind the curve of what is possible.
We urge Mayor-elect Mendenhall to take a new look, listen to new ideas and empower the
community to participate in moving the proposed actions forward.
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Supplementary documents
Stakeholder Contacts
Stakeholder Survey
Stakeholder Survey Responses
Discussion Meeting Participants
Feedback sent as attachments

Brian Hutchinson
HEAL Utah
SL Public Utilities
Sustainable Food Resolution
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Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging & Geographic Equity

EQ UITY, INCLUSIO N, AND BELO NGING & GEO GRAPHIC EQ UITY
TRANSITIO N TEAM S JO INT M EM O RANDUM
We congratulate and commend Mayor-Elect Mendenhall and her leadership team for their
intentional design of prompting every committee to address equity and inclusion in their
recommendations and overall goals. Living in the daily practice of interrogating policies and
processes that produce unjust and inequitable community divides requires thoughtful and
strategic front end work. To that end, we encourage Mayor-Elect Mendenhall to build in equity-
minded practices from hiring a team that demonstrates a commitment to a diverse
representation to continuing to listen to and be guided by a broad representation of
community members.
This memorandum reflects the collaborative efforts of the two subcommittees focused on
equity and inclusion. Immediately following the steering committee, we determined that we
would be most effective by working together to collect community input. Utilizing Community
Based Research (CBR) methods, the data collected reflects thoughtful and hopeful community
voices address various overarching themes, particularly the effect of rising costs of living in the
City and the growing gentrification on everyday services, and a climate to thrive. Worries and
concerns about the impact of affordability are symptomatic of decade’s long economic and
political inequities.
The first 100 day goals emphasize assessment and audits to benchmark goals and create
measures of transparent accountability. Included in this document is an appendix that highlights
numerous topics and the comments associated with them.
The co-chairs stress the importance of a follow up meeting to think through definitions, starting
points and opportunities, and more importantly, relay the sentiment of desired engagement
and change. We stress the importance of transparency and follow up with community members
that provided feedback and participated in this process. We believe that Mayor-Elect
Mendenhall and her leadership have an opportunity to change the practice of engagement with
underserved communities from the beginning and set a tone for being honest and accessible,
even when there are painful but needed areas for improvement and growth.
M ETHODO LO GY
Questions and Process

We employed a critical community engagement framework to inform our methodology. We
began by asking 100 people what questions and processes we should use. The target group
consisted of academics from various fields, nonprofit leaders, city staff, diverse community
leaders, and community engagement practitioners. Their feedback was coded and themes
emerged. The themes developed into internal city, and external community questions. The
questions were then prioritized by the sub-committee chairs. In addition, to questions the
feedback guided us to develop three ways to capture data, a roundtable discussion, community
open house, and city staff interviews.
The Roundtable Discussion was a gathering of key leaders that are respected and informed
about the diverse needs of the SLC’s communities. It is important to note that the majority of
participants were women of color. The forum gathered data in small groups and in a large
group discussion. We gathered data from every participant.
The Community Open House was hosted at the Marmalade Library from 3:00-6:30 PM. 8
volunteers were trained and conducted one on one interviews in English and / or Spanish. The
questions were open ended which allowed participants to offer higher quality data.
Supplemental Key Interviews were also conducted with lawmakers, nonprofits, and community
groups. This step was necessary to capture groups that didn’t attend the forum or the open
house. For example, we hosted an evening with Pacific Islanders to share their unique
perspective on the city.
City Staff Interviews were conducted with heads of eight departments and key staff. The
majority of the questions focused on equity ranging from the internal needs to the external
engagement. There are clear infrastructural challenges that both perpetuate real barriers
towards creating inclusivity and feed misperceptions of inequity, exacerbating tensions
between those who seek greater City responsibility and those who believe they are doing what
is asked of them. Setting strategic directions and goals will better align practice with outcome.
Processing the Data from all the interviews was coded based on keywords, phrases, and ideas
that were used in each interview. The codes allowed us to cluster the data based on
commonalities. Also, in some cases we only heard from a small group or only one person from a
specific community; we took special care not to let their input get lost by weighting their
2
responses. After combining all the data clear themes emerged which guided our outcomes for
this report.
Joint Statement Outcome

This memo identifies numerous overlapping immediate key opportunities within the broader
context of equity and inclusion. In the long term goals the authors chose to keep overlapping
recommendations both as a point of emphasis and to broaden the scope of potential success.
IM M EDIATE KEY O PPO RTUNITIES

1. Acknowledge and focus on political, social, and economic realities and perceptions of
west and east side inequities. Listen to the voices collected in this process.
2. Know your starting point .Conduct an equity audit of City policies, practices, and
processes.
3. Model who you want to become. Lay groundwork for a strategic plan with a focus on
equity and inclusion. Creating a plan allows for departments and affiliated commissions
to align goals and set direction (e.g. the Human Rights Commission and the Equity
office).
3
GEOGRAPHIC EQUITY RECOM M ENDATIONS
In order to thoughtfully recommend short and long-term priorities for Geographic Equity for the
incoming Mayoral administration, our sub-committee needed to unpack and define this
complex concept to guide our process. We used a framework influenced by both the social
determinants of health and urban planning fields to inform our questions and the
recommendations provided in this transition memo.
DEFINITIO N
Geographic Equity considers community factors in the social and physical environment that
impact overall wellbeing. For example, this can be found in an institution’s priority to support
and improve infrastructure in some zip codes versus others, availability or lack of housing,
language services, food environments, physically active and welcoming spaces, art and cultural
opportunities, transit options and environmental hazards, as well as social segregation.1 This is
further found in social patterns of engagement with public service agencies including
healthcare, law enforcement, and systems of education.2
The following recommendations were inspired by a series of engagements including: one on

one interviews, a community leader roundtable that prioritized and centered voices from the
margins, and an open house that invited wide community input. We also conducted individual
interviews with city staff that serve under the current administration to better understand
longstanding practices, policies, and department priorities. We further considered both internal
and external processes that influence the disparities that exist and uniquely impact the
wellbeing of underserved Salt Lake City residents.
SHORT-TERM RECO M M ENDATIO NS: TO BE CO M PLETED W ITHIN THE FIRST 100

DAYS
1. DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIP
A consistent request shared from the various platforms we engaged in to gather
feedback and community input was for the administration to diversify representation in
positions of leadership and power. This included the cabinet, city council, commissions,
and committees, and the city’s management staff. Salt Lake City is amongst the most
1
Mary Evelyn Northridge, Lance Freeman, Urban Planning and Health Equity, US National Library of
Medicine National Institutes of Health, found at
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3126931/
2
Id.
4
diverse cities in Utah and yet those in executive decision-making roles do not represent
the 40 % of the city’s multicultural residents. The lack of diverse perspectives and
thoughts in positions of influence deeply affects policies developed and implemented
by the administration. Suggested and adopted policies rarely have community input and
fail to consider unique concerns and needs of marginalized populations. In addition,
these practices exacerbate detrimental social conditions that disenfranchised
communities experience daily and create further social isolation, lack of civic
participation, and continued distrust in systems of government.
a. To ensure progress in this area, an assessment of the current makeup of the city’s
leadership would be critical to track progress and improvement in the HIRING,
RETENTION, and PROMOTION of diverse staff and management.
b. We also recommend that candidates be recruited from various communities and

that the hiring committee consider lived experience and depth of knowledge
versus traditional qualifications. Requiring advanced degrees for all management
positions tends to eliminate a large pool of applicants from the very beginning.
c. Community input should be a part of hiring key staff members that are required
as part of their role and responsibility for the city and on behalf of the
administration, to engage with and solicit feedback from Salt Lake City residents.
2. BASELINE & M EASURING PRO GRESS

To effectively measure progress and impact around disparity, access, and equitable
distribution of resources, opportunities, and services, the incoming administration
should establish a citywide baseline to understand the health, success, and areas of
need for Salt Lake. This process can be prioritized and developed within the first 3-6
months. It is anticipated that this practice would evolve throughout the course of the
administration to improve the data collected in order to tell a more comprehensive and
inclusive story of Salt Lake. We recommend the following steps to support the creation
of this process:
a. Neighborhood Indicator and M apping Index

i. Develop a map using available data systems with overlays based on basic
needs such as food markets, affordable housing, and transportation.
Additional information such as art and cultural opportunities, pre-K
5
through 12th grade schools, mental wellness and health clinics, and
credentialed childcare options would also need to be included to better
understand geographic gaps in services and resources in Salt Lake City.
ii. Identify multicultural language patterns in Salt Lake City to understand

the greatest needs around language accessibility based on where the
population resides.
iii. Identify patterns of accessibility concerns in the city (i.e., accessible

pedestrian signals, sidewalks, and street light audit)
iv. Compare Salt Lake budget distribution to the gaps found in the mapping
index.
v. Reprioritize the new administration funding to address and strive towards

reducing and eliminating inequity.
vi. Ensure funding for language accessibility to increase engagement and

participation with all of Salt Lake City residents. Each department should
have money allocated and reserved for translation and interpretation
services, including ASL and assistance for people with visual impairments
within the first 100 days of the administration.
3. SALT LAKE CITY EQUITY PLAN

As cities and regions seek to build intercultural healing and redress historic
underinvestment in structurally minoritized and oppressed communities, citywide equity
plans can help bring an explicit racial and ethnic demographic lens to funding decisions
and distribution of resources and services.3 Centering equity as an administration priority
means that the values, policies, and practices that are proposed will ensure that all
people — including but not limited to those who have been historically
underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender,
gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion — are
represented in the development of policy and the fair distribution of programmatic,
3
Building a Cultural Equity Plan, Policy Link, found at https://www.policylink.org/our-
work/community/arts-culture/plan
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financial, and informational resources.4 In order to accomplish this task we recommend
the following steps.
a. Begin by undertaking a comprehensive assessment that considers both internal

and external assets that strengthen economies, facilitate deeper social cohesion,
and support the vibrancy of communities by focusing on what makes them so
great in the first place.5
b. The Equity plan should be used in tandem with the mapping index to identify
needs and set objectives and goals that close the gaps and address disparity.
c. The Equity plan should also center the perspective of historically resilient
communities and invite input when setting priorities. This would create a greater
process of transparency, accountability, and ensure that those most impacted by
policies can inform decision makers on what the greatest needs are for their
communities.
d. The equity plan should seek to reverse economic disinvestment to ensure

healthy and thriving communities where people feel a sense of belonging.
e. This plan should further include a formal internal coordination and training
experience to support inter-department cohesion around the meaning and
significance of equity.
f. Shared meaning of equity should be reflected in each individual department's

mission and vision for service delivery. This should be first modeled, adopted,
and implemented by the administration to set a clear tone that this will be a core
priority moving forward.
4. INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ACCO UNTABILITY

The first 100 days will be critical for the administration to demonstrate that their
intentions and commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents, but
specifically those who have gone underserved. We recommend a series of processes for
transparency and accountability that would encourage community members to feel
heard, valued and included.
4
Id.
5
Id.
7
a. Human Rights Commission
The commission’s purpose should be given additional weight and be used as the
administration’s advisory board that helps inform high impact and high-level
initiatives, ensuring that underrepresented communities would not be affected in
disparate ways (i.e., Homeless shelter placements, inland port, funding
opportunities for new service location)
b. Transition Team Follow-Up

The sub-committees that provided recommendations for equitable management
of resources and priorities should be invited at the 3, 6, and 12-month mark to
discuss how suggestions were adopted and implemented.
c. Public Forum s on the W estside

A 6-month and 12-month report should be presented to community members
during a series of open forums hosted on the Westside of Salt Lake. This should
highlight the equity plan, discuss priorities for the next 4 years, and be honest
about the progress and areas of opportunities. Community input should be
obtained and considered when crafting next steps.
LONG-TERM RECO M M ENDATIO NS: TO BE CO M PLETED W ITHIN THE NEXT 4

YEARS
1. TRANSFO RM CULTURE O F ENGAGEM ENT

A consistent request shared from community members was the need to change the
culture and practice of engagement between Salt Lake City administration, service
providers, and city representatives and its residents. This requires deep and intentional
healing work between the government and those they serve. We acknowledge that this
lift is heavy and change will not come overnight. However, the implementation of this
recommendation would create long-lasting and meaningful impact on our most
underserved communities. We recommend the following steps to begin this work that
should be viewed as a legacy initiative.
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a. Challenge and Change the Narrative
The Westside community is culturally vibrant and yet the narrative is rooted in
disempowered and fractured frames that further perpetuate lack of
economically, socially, and holistically advantageous opportunities for our
residents. We recommend strategies that elevate and counter the narrative to
rebrand this area. This could be done by incentivizing businesses and developers
to create opportunities and hold culturally enriching events on the Westside to
drive the economy and expose people to the beauty and potential of this
community.
b. Protect W estside Com m unities from Gentrification

Rebranding and revitalizing efforts have to ensure that people who live in these
areas and are long standing residents are not pushed out due to housing
increase, forced displacement and gentrification. Plans to beautify and increase
accessibility for historically underserved areas in Salt Lake City should mitigate
against rising costs, which further reduce affordable housing options and also
threaten social networks and longstanding amenities.
i. The city should create and adopt an anti-gentrification plan or anti-

displacement policies and strategies within their development priorities.
This would ensure that low-income residents as well as senior
homeowners are protected and have sufficient options that do not
include relocating.
c. Training
Create a robust orientation and training practice around diversity, inclusion, and
belonging for city officials, employees, councilmembers, and administration. This
would require a commitment to on-going experiential and facilitated
experiences with experts on topics that would increase capacity to work with
underserved and underrepresented communities. This program should prioritize
developing empathy, civility, acceptance, shared power dynamics, privilege,
abundant mentality, bystander skills, and the ability to have difficult
conversations when acknowledging historical oppression, racism, and structural
violence.
i. This was repeatedly requested for those in public service and public
safety roles, with a consistent emphasis on law enforcement.
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ii. Concerns about hyper-policing, racial profiling, and targeted
engagement with youth of color in schools was resoundingly shared as a
form of violence that needed to be addressed immediately.
iii. A need for review and revision around current police practices should be
prioritized in this legacy initiative to change the way communities of color
and law enforcement have historically engaged with one another.
Explore community-policing practices that are not rooted in suppression
and oppression of specific areas that often tend to be low-income and
racially and ethnically diverse.
iv. Changing the manner in which city employees and public service officials
engage with historically harmed communities will also be critical in
addressing the deeply ingrained fear that our residents from immigrant
and undocumented communities live with. This fear has created
significant barriers for residents who need to access public services such
as health clinics, law enforcement, schools, court, and government
assistance but choose not to due to our national and local climate around
immigration.
d. Em powered and W elcom ing Spaces

Create intentional and targeted experiences where underrepresented
communities and residents can safely access city hall and the administration.
Traditional engagement at city hall and between residents and the
administration was described as inaccessible. Thoughtful strategy to increase
empowered and welcoming spaces need to be prioritized. This would further
help heal and build trust with community members when they are openly and
warmly invited to participate.
i. Strategy around community engagement outside of official spaces are

often the most meaningful experiences and can be the most successful in
creating trust between government officials and residents. We suggest
that the incoming administration commit to meeting people in
community spaces that are frequented and considered staple locations
for social cohesion for underrepresented residents.
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2. ENHANCED PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONM ENTS
In order to ensure a fairer distribution of community aspects that enhance physical and
social environment, the administration should consider legacy improvements in the
following areas:
a. Transportation
Increase connection across the city via transit options, specifically from East to
West communities. A large part of the city’s workforce resides on the Westside
and yet limited and accessible options exist for residents to travel between other
parts of Salt Lake. The incoming administration should fund and prioritize
projects in the budget that will consider the gaps in transit routes that would
help increase access to core services found on the Eastside and can potentially
open opportunities for employment and social connectedness.
i. FREE FARE zones should extend further west of downtown and should be
refigured to include areas where the household income is near the
poverty line.
b. Healthcare
Accessibility to community-based health facilities and mental wellness providers
that are culturally responsive.
i. Funding should be supported for Promotoras and Community Health

Workers who are the most trusted advocates and engage with
communities in holistic ways by doing home visits, providing education in
faith spaces, schools, and non-traditional spaces where the community
convenes.
c. Education
Support the creation and funding of quality pre-k through 12th grade systems of
education that encourage social connection, opportunities for civic development
in our emerging youth leaders, and have practices rooted in restorative justice to
decrease the likelihood that youth will be exposed to juvenile justice system
involvement.
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i. There is currently no high school in Glendale or Rose Park and youth have
to travel to different parts of the city to access their education. High
schools are critical spaces for community meetings and social gatherings.
These spaces also inspire a sense of pride for parents and families in
these communities when graduations occur and special ceremonies
highlight our emerging leaders from culturally diverse and vibrant
backgrounds.
d. Housing and Shelter

Accessibility and affordability of safe housing and shelter options for low-income,
elderly and people experiencing temporary and chronic homelessness.
i. Everyone needs safe, decent, stable housing but this need is particularly
critical for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. For
people with chronic health conditions, mental health needs, people with
disabilities, elderly and aging populations, low-income, those with
histories of trauma, and those experiencing other struggles — housing
instability increases the likelihood of continued crisis and social isolation.
A safe home can create a sense of belonging and provide people with
the opportunity to prioritize other barriers for well-being.
ii. Transition shelters with drop-in services can also provide those
experiencing chronic homelessness with a space to have their privacy
protected when accessing basic hygiene needs. We must consider how
our work centers and prioritizes the humanity of the most vulnerable and
how we can increase treating those we serve with dignity and respect.
e. Leisure and Beautification Efforts

Prioritize funding for art and cultural engagement, tree planting, recreation
centers, parks and other open spaces in close proximity to home, work, and
school that engender physical activity and social engagement on the Westside
and other underserved communities.
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EQ UITY, INCLUSIO N, AND BELO NGING
DEFINITIO NS
While we offer broad definitions of equity, inclusion, and belonging, we want to be clear that
the actions of all three are in play everywhere, regardless of one’s awareness. Simply stated:
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can feel
welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Equity is striving to identify and eliminate barriers
that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups. Belonging requires a
willingness to change.
SHORT-TERM RECO M M ENDATIO NS: TO BE CO M PLETED W ITHIN THE FIRST 100

DAYS
Action 1:
Assess transportation needs and opportunities.
● Develop and implement processes for inclusive community input.
Action 2:
Create listening opportunities for artist communities. Three recommended listening formats are
a private group conversation, a panel event, and a dedicated press conference.
● Provide gender-neutral bathrooms at any City event, including arts related events.
● Inventory arts and cultural spaces, especially youth of color, to inform decisions and
actions.
Action 3:
Expand invitations to diverse populations. There are multiple identity populations who need to
be considered when creating public events.
● Increase resources for members with accessibility needs to attend meetings.
● Provide more resources in languages other than English.
Action 4:
Utilize existing data and request reports to benchmark current trends from budget allocation to
hiring pools and actual hires.
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Action 5:
Facilitate and invite youth engagement.
● Determine potential processes for creating youth councils and inviting youth voice to
inform and support the Mendenhall administration.
LONG-TERM RECO M M ENDATIO NS: TO BE CO M PLETED W ITHIN THE NEXT 4

YEARS
1. Leadership Development. Intentional and scaled equity and inclusion training.

a. Training extends beyond the “one shot” solution. Continued training that
includes a scaled progression increases the opportunities for more diverse hires
and changes the cultural environment in which people thrive.
b. Define equity, diversity, and inclusion goals. Message the significance of
belonging.
2. Arts Community
Recommendations in this timeframe focused on actions that will improve equity,
inclusion, and belonging through funding and promotion. Funding is viewed to benefit
all efforts related to equity in arts. Promotion leverages extensive existing Utah talent
and satisfies the hunger of this talent has “to be seen”, especially on a dedicated stage.
Priority concrete steps of funding and promotion are:
a. Double funding of Arts, Culture, and Events Fund and allow funding categories
beyond events. Engage artists in fundraising, including corporate outreach.
i. Continue funding and growth of jazz festival with authentic leadership.
ii. Create and incentivize more venues open to more artists.
b. Dedicate a Salt Lake City budget to the arts.
c. Emphasize arts in schools and afterschool programs. Collaborate with successful
tech efforts – e.g., extend Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) models.
3. Human Resources
a. Review and update job descriptions to remove gendered language, unnecessary
education requirements, and include equity language.
i. Work with 3rd party consultant to accomplish this goal.
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b. Conduct an independent, 3rd party audit of equity opportunities and challenges
citywide.
c. Review and update existing training videos and create/procure content that aligns
with equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging best practices.
d. Consider asking each employee, once they’ve had the opportunity to learn more
about equity, inclusion, and belonging to identify 3-5 goals/outcomes related to
equity that can be included in their annual performance plans.
4. Integration of Equity and Allied Programs within City Government

a. Create a home for an Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging program that is funded to
serve all city departments and has the authority to do so.
b. Consider adding the Community Engagement Team to this office/department.
c. Create an Internal Communications team that supports the Community
Engagement and Equity teams.
d. Adequately fund, train, and give authority to these programs to support all internal
staff and projects.
e. Create a database of community organizations with contacts for these teams to
use to engage equitably with all members of the community. Work with Liz Buehler
to implement this idea.
5. Create a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Within SLC Government

a. Work with Human Rights Commission as a partner, convener, and expert for all
efforts to build equity, inclusion, and belonging.
b. Include PD and Fire as equal participants to all other city departments in this work.
c. Continue the work that David Litvack was doing to develop equity indicators. Have
each department and office develop theirs and post them on their websites.
d. Create a common definition of equity that can be included in all department
missions, visions, and values.
e. Build equity into the budgeting process. This can include participatory budgeting
activities with the public, but at the very least budgets should include narrative
language and indicators that transparently address disparities in equity across the
city.
f. Celebrate and highlight the equity work the city is already doing.
i. Use paid and social media to share stories.
ii. Include equity updates in presentations to community councils, city council,
and other community organizations.
g. Work with GARE to train department heads and cabinet level staff.
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h. Create an Equity Ambassador program with staff that can be specially trained to
serve as internal consultants to city departments on equity, inclusion, and belonging
issues. These folks should come from all kinds of backgrounds and be willing/have
the capacity to take on these “other duties as assigned.” Offer an incentive to these
folks, whether extra conference travel, additional pay, days off, etc.
i. Develop a public facing website that is the number one place to find information
about equity in SLC government.
i. At some point this website could include a dashboard with equity indicators
across the city.
ii. Build a GIS map with layers specific to city efforts, for example CAN is putting
together a budget map that tracks spending by community.
iii. Include a layer of information about social determinants of health.
iv. In coordination with city staff and community, develop a list of reading
materials, resources, and action items to help build knowledge about equity,
inclusion, and building.
j. Develop a 100-Day Equity Kickoff Plan that lays out a framework for public
participation and city efforts to further work on addressing equity.
i. Consider using Arts, Youth, and Governance as places to begin as the Equity,
Inclusion, and Belonging Subcommittee has convened committees and has
input available for these areas.
k. Include equity in all procurement ordinances and request that it be included, as
relevant/appropriate, in all RFP proposals. Work with Supreet Gill in Sustainability on
implementing this.
l. Ask HRC/Mayor’s Office to convene an annual, city-wide facilitated dialogue that is
developed in coordination with community groups. Give these groups resources to
reserve rooms, procure catering, develop questions, and find facilitators. IAP2
Intermountain has a toolkit that can be updated and given to communities to
accomplish this.
m. Partner with Salt Lake City Public Library System to develop an equity speaker series
showcasing the work of local community organizations and advocates.
6. Equity Officer Position

a. Work with the Sustainability Office and CAN, specifically Nole Walkingshaw, to
discuss their ideas for this position. Both groups are doing equity work and this
position can leverage those efforts to get early wins.
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b. Work with the Human Rights Commission to convene a community process to set
goals and outcomes for the position and, at the very least, define how this position
should work with and interface with the community.
c. Consider allowing the public to provide input about the qualifications and/or
selection or this position.
d. Hold a panel discussion or facilitated dialogue with top candidates for the position
that is open to the public. Allow the public to submit their own questions.
e. Create a plan that can be provided to community groups before the position is hired
about how they can expect to work with the position and lay out a process for
engagement in the first 100 days.
CONCLUSION
The voices, sentiment, and recommendations for action reflect the collection of voices from a
wide cast of networks and recommended stakeholders. It is only a glimpse into the hope of
what is possible when we are willing to interrogate our everyday practices and assumptions
about our leadership values and actions. We hope that among the many action oriented
policies and practices named, that Mayor-Elect Mendenhall will step into this moment with the
vision that she embraced that set us out to be model of City government led by equity and
inclusion.
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APPENDIX
The following data is summary that was collected in one on one interviews, the community
leader roundtable, and the open house. The participants’ responses were coded and then
clustered with similar comments. Those comments were then assigned an overarching theme
that defined their clusters.
THEM ES
W estside Emphasis
● Environmental Racism: The inversion disproportionately impacts low income people of

color which are concentrated in westside neighborhoods. This is based on location and
the fact that low income people don’t have the means to escape air pollutants as easily.
○ Inland port will exasperate this issue
● Economic opportunities and generators
● Policing needs to be based in community policing best practices not on surveillance and
military tactics
○ Review racial profiling
● Inland port will disproportionately impact westside communities
● Beatification master plan for the westside
● Transportation plan connecting Glendale to Rosepark
● There is an enormous gap in mental health services
● Lack of access to affordable food
● There is a need for a High School in Glendale
● Mendenhall’s tree pledge should concentrate in westside communities
● Since Operation Rio Grand to the closing of the downtown Road Home Shelter occurred
there has been an increase of unsheltered people on North Temple below 300 West and
in the Glendale area . This has resulted in an increase of predators praying on
unsheltered and vulnerable people. Their is request to conduct an impact study and
develop remedies
● Perception of higher level of sex offenders living in westside commuities which can
cause famillies to feel unsafe.
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Representation
● Lack of diversity in positions of power at the city including the cabinet, departments, as
well as police and fire departments
● The city needs to include community in hiring key staff that are engaging with the
community
● More diverse representation on city boards and commissions
● Preservation of cultures. For example, using new practices of race and queer ecologies
on city designs.
○ Having cultural art, buildings, language, design infused into city-scapes
● Indicators that measure neighborhood and localized social health inequities/ disparities
and then use that data to inform department budgets
● Every city department needs an equity plan that reflects their hiring, promotion, and
retention practices.
● The city should develop signature priorities on equities based on geography
● Scapegoating and tokenism are relevant during campaign season and when there are
cultural weeks or when there are racial incidents.
Com m unity Engagem ent
● Use critical community engagement best practices to empower communities to identify

problems and help solve them
● City needs to respond to community needs based on how those communities define
success
● Every City Department needs an equity budget and engage the community on how to
use it.
● A new diversity and inclusion training program for all city employees that is developed
by both best practices and includes community input especially from marginalized
communities.
● Find ways incentive civic engagement to increase participation
● Have more working groups that solicit community feedback and coordinate across
departments. Their seems to be city redundancy which is causing community confusion
of whom to engage with and share their valuable input and concerns.
● The Mayor should host initiative to bring together organizations working on inclusion
● Better accessibility to insure better participation in city projects
● When inviting community to share their concerns their needs to be an emphasis on
making the space friendly and welcoming. Government is intimidating!
19
● Community councils don’t reflect the communities they serve. This process needs to be
revamped
● Keep having community forums on the topic of inclusion and equity
● All community facing city employees need to develop trust with the communities they
serve
● Work along side and incentives organizations that are already doing inclusion/equity
work
● Creating spaces for protests and demonstrations
● When someone who does not know how to access the appropriate channel of
government tries to engage they are discouraged when they don’t know what to say or
who to say it to. They suggest city employees are trained to get the community member
connected to the right person is a swift and friendly way.
● Different cultural groups have different needs and ways of gathering which requires the
city to develop nuance ways to reach each community.
Policing
● How to respond to social issues opposed to criminalizing and penalizing people. For
example, there are increases in infractions for people that are experiencing homeless
opposed to tackling the determinants that are causing the infractions.
● Police need to embrace a restorative justice framework
● Identify and reduce racial profiling
● Police officers need to authenticity know the communities they are serving.
○ Rookies are more likely to use force than experienced officers in westside
communities
Transportation
● Better throughways from West to East

● No nature trails to connecting the East to West
● Emphasis on mobility
● Free fair zoned concentrating in areas of poverty
● Transportation plan from West to East and from Glendale to Rose Park
Education
● The school district is losing kids because of affordable housing

● Lack of diverse representation on education boards from college to public school
20
● Work closely with undocumented students to help them navigate the school system K-
College-workforce
● Better collaboration between city and school district
● Salt Lake City School district needs to be audited for equity and inclusion
● More pre-k education opportunities
● Affordable adult education opportunities
● The education continuum relies on a lot of partnerships. These partnerships need to be
consistently convened and nurtured
● Increase in mentors
● Lack of access to affordable youth sports
● Gifted public school programs are hurting marginalized students. The programs are
challenging to access, they create hierarchy in schools, divide communities, and are
elitist
● The school to prison pipeline feels very relevant for communities of color. When their
children are put into the system for infractions they stay in the system longer than than
white children which results in increasing their chances to stay in the system. A new
approach to working with youth that doesn’t result in them having to be in the system in
the first place.
● Parents want to know if students that fall through the cracks or are really falling behind
are getting the level of support they need to get back on track. They want know if wrap
around services are being provided to help the student on multiple levels (mental
health, physical health, tutoring, transportation, harassment, spiritual needs, etc)
Affordability
● Develop a plan to reduce gentrification.

● More affordable housing
○ Affordable housing for single family dwellings (this is connected to why the
school district is not growing)
● Affordable pre-K education and care
● Lobby for the state to raise the minimum wage to 15.00 an hour
● Day passes at rec centers are $6.00+ for a day pass and that is too expensive for low
income people
● Their needs to be rent control and tenant rights
● Hep organize cultural groups come together to identify collective ways to buy property
in order to preserve their livelihoods
21
Accessibility
● Continue and strengthen the disability council

● Higher more people with disabilities
● Eliminate taxes on share riding
● The e-scooters are problematic for people with physical disabilities because they block
sidewalks
● More events for people with disabilities
● Use audio descriptions for events
● Public computers need be disability friendly
● Sundance Film festival is does not offer audio descriptions
● More language services
● A sidewalk and street lighting audit
● Public libraries need to increase their ability to accommodate English Language
Learners
● Homeless shelters need to placed where people without homes gather
● Public park bathrooms are closed in the winter which decrease park use.
● Review the red tape to put on a community event. It has become cumbersome for small
nonprofits and community organizers
Healthcare
● Review the locations of community health clinics and build them in health deserts
● Increase transportation to health clinics
● More culturally responsive health care and mental health providers
● More accessible and affordable mental health options
● More dental care in low income communities
Social Determ ents Of Health
● Increase children visiting parks, nature, and playtime (recess is eliminated on smog days)
● More business on the west side so people have more access to the basics.
● Preservation of cultures
● Identify food deserts in SLC
● Develop a map with overlays based on basic needs such as food, shelter, transportation,
mental health clinics, health clinics so the city can see the geographic gaps in services.
● Extended support for refugees after federal support runs out
● Increase air quality
22
● Develop a plan for undocumented people to navigate our systems especially when SSI
and personal information is required
● Increase nutritious and affordable food for children when school is not in session
● Spaces for leisure and privacy for those experiencing homelessness
● Leverage Dr. Pam Perlich’s demographic data on SLC to inform outcomes and where to
concentrate resources. https://gardner.utah.edu/demographics/special-topics/salt-
lake-city/
M iscellaneous
● A part of Redwood Road is slated to be named after late senator Pete Suazo. These
signs have not been put up.
● Change the Human Rights Ordinance to fund them to do bigger projects
SPECIAL THANKS
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to those who participated during the open
community forum, completed the on-line surveys, and attended the roundtable discussion.
These community leaders and members invested time and energy with a desire to inform
Mayor-Elect Mendall’s administration to better serve the underserved and underrepresented
communities in Salt Lake City. This memo would not have been possible without their support.
RO UNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS
§ Jem Locquiao
§ Glenn Bailey
§ Laís Martínez
§ Luna Banuri
§ Celina Milner
§ Silvia Castro
§ Asha Parekh
§ Ashley Cleveland
§ Pam Perlich
§ Samantha Eldridge
§ Fernando Rivero
§ Bryce Garner
§ Samah Safiullah
§ Jenny Hor
§ Julie Sieving
§ Jean Irwin
§ Crystal Young-Otterstrom
§ Claudia Loayza
RO UNDTABLE FACILITATO RS
§ Kilo Zamora
§ Stacee Adams
§ Nubia Peña
§ Rozanna Benally-Sagg
23
Homeless Services
Mayor-Elect Erin Mendenhall Subgroup on Homeless Services
Near-term and Long-term Homelessness Intervention Strategy Brief
December 20, 2019
Dear Mayor-Elect Mendenhall,

On behalf of our entire Subgroup on Homeless Services, we want to thank you for the proactive, inclusive and collaborative
effort that you have put forward to approach this new chapter in Salt Lake City as the incoming Mayor.
As the Co-Chairs of this Subgroup we were incredibly impressed with the response and engagement that we had from our
Subgroup members and although we had a very large committee, all of the members provided important representation and
feedback in a respectful, positive and helpful manner. In order to give you a better overview of the recommendations and
thoughts that we received, we have also included an organized listing of the group’s input in the Appendix of this document,
which will serve as an important repository of our collective thinking as it relates to this challenging issue.
When we began, we highlighted the point that homelessness impacts everyone in our community and the importance of each
person in that community, both those experiencing homelessness, the general public and visitors, and the businesses throughout
the city. We consciously worked to address the myriad challenges and we strived to attain balanced, executable and measurable
recommendations that strike a balance between individual rights, enforcement, humanity and respect. We believe that we
achieved this goal both in our interactions with one another as well as our 100 day and short and long-term recommendations to
you and your administration.
We wish you our very best and hope for your success and stand ready to continue in our engagement with you as you endeavor
to lead our City into the future.
With sincere thanks to you and each member of the Subgroup on Homeless Services,
Spencer P. Eccles and Brittney Nystrom
Co-Chairs Subgroup on Homeless Services
NOTE: special thanks and recognition to Mindy Vail, Dayton Kilian, and Michael Parker for their assistance.
Spencer P. Eccles (Co-Chair) The Cynosure Group Christine Ivory Ivory Homes
Brittney Nystrom (Co-Chair) ACLU of Utah Michael Parker Ivory Homes
Palmer DePaulis Utah Council on Conflict Resolution Bernie Hart Understanding Us (Library Square area)
Bill Tibbits Crossroads Urban Center Marita Hart Understanding Us (Library Square area)
Gail Miller Larry H. Miller Family (Jay Francis) David Litvack Deputy Chief of Staff - Mayor's Office
Mikelle Moore Intermountain Healthcare Jon Pierpont DWS, Exec. Director- (Nate McDonald)
Sandra Hollins Representative - State Legislature Linda Wardell City Creek Center
Kathy Bray Volunteers of America Preston Cochrane Shelter the Homeless Committee, Exec.Dir.
Amy Hawkins Community Council for Ballpark area Rick Foster Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Jean Welch Hill Dir. of Govt. Relations - Catholic Diocese of SLC Katherine Fife SLCo/SL Coalition to end Homelessness
Pamela Atkinson Advocate, Humanitarian, Pamela's Place Ari Bruening Envision Utah, Pres. and COO
Mike Brown SLC Police Chief Matt/Tony Caputo Caputos
Rich Mauro Public Defender Michael Parker Ivory Homes, VP Public Affairs
Randy Shumway Cicero Group Damien Patton Banjo - Technology
Kilian Dayton Cicero Group Shaleane Gee Zions Bank, VP Community Development
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December 20, 2019
Across the State of Utah, many are impacted by homelessness, and rates of chronic homelessness are
rising. The latest Point-In-Time count for Utah revealed that a total of 2,876 persons are experiencing
homelessness – of which 512 are experiencing chronic homelessness. Considering that 66% of those
experiencing homelessness in Utah are concentrated within the Salt Lake City Continuum of Care, our local
community efforts to address homelessness are of great significance. Already in our city, many
stakeholders and services providers are working tirelessly to provide support and solutions. To optimize
these efforts, a system-wide, strategic, and human-centered approach needs to be adopted; however, such
an approach must prioritize actions that both relieve hardships now and prevents future occurrences of
homelessness and housing instability.
Objectives
• Eliminate human suffering associated with homelessness
• Eliminate the key elements that perpetuate homelessness
• Create a safe and inviting city
Questions to Address
1. How do our short- and long-term recommendations improve inclusivity and equitability in the City?
• Our recommendations, if adopted, would include and value the voice of people experiencing
homelessness in decisions made about them. Additionally, we recommend acknowledging
and overcoming barriers and biases that historically exclude and marginalize people. Access
to homeless services and housing must be intentionally inclusive of people living with mental
illness, criminal records, addictions, and disabilities.
2. How do our short- and long-term recommendations help shape the character/identity of the City for
the better?
• All residents of Salt Lake City should feel like they belong here. We recommend planning
and delivering services to people experiencing homelessness in a way that the impacted
community and all stakeholders feel included and heard. Ending human suffering associated
with homelessness is an issue we believe can unite all residents of the City.
Recommendations for the First 100 Days

Below are select hypothesis-driven efforts that can be enacted quickly and swiftly. Robust ongoing
measurement and evaluation – with a culture of willing recalibration based on what is learned as we
collectively implement these approaches – is strongly recommended.
1. Be a leader in the ongoing discussion
a. Coordinate / Collaborate: As the Capitol City, it is imperative that the City is not only a
stakeholder, but also a leader in the effort to address our homelessness issues. There are too
many distinct silos trying to support our most vulnerable populations. We need to improve
the coordination and collaboration and provide leadership in critical conversations and
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December 20, 2019
ongoing reforms to reduce the human suffering associated with homelessness. We

recommend a person or group be tasked to coordinate the City’s efforts on an ongoing basis.
This group should coordinate the application of best practices; advocate for clients and
service providers to government bodies, service providers, healthcare providers, and
apartment managers; catalog state-, county-, and privately-funded efforts; coordinate
between providers; and oversee any independent measurement and evaluation. We also
recommend reconvening the subgroups of the Transition Team at the 100-day mark of the
Administration to revisit recommendations and gauge progress.
b. Work with Existing Groups: There are many ways to work with current unified efforts. We
recommend high amounts of collaboration between the mayor’s office and existing groups
that are making progress in the space, including the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End
Homelessness (SLVCEH) and the State Homeless Coordinating Committee.
c. Inform: With so many resources and providers available, even those of us who have been
involved in this discussion for years are learning of new services or resources available to
help individuals experiencing homelessness. All the services in the county should be
mapped, summarized, and communicated both to stakeholders and those experiencing
homelessness or utilizing the resources.
ACTIONS:
• Lead and collaborate with key stake holders in the development and application of
best practices to support the State’s homeless population. Align siloed organizations
that support the homeless.
• Assign a person to oversee a group to coordinate the City’s ongoing efforts to combat
homelessness. This group should coordinate the application of best practices;
advocate for clients and service providers, healthcare providers, and apartment
managers; catalog state-, county-, and privately funded resources; coordinate
between providers; and oversee independent measurement and evaluation.
• Increase collaboration between the mayor’s office and key stakeholders (e.g. Salt
Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness and the State Homeless Coordinating
Committee).
• Develop a strategic communications plan to foster public support using human

interest stories to educate citizens.
• Inform: Identify, summarize, map and communicate/share lists of all resources and
services available to better serve the homeless.
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December 20, 2019
• Reconvene the subgroups of the Transition Team at the 100-day mark of the
Administration to revisit recommendations and gauge progress.
2. Improve access to transportation and other services
a. Immediate Needs for the Winter Months: We’re approaching the winter months in a
period of significant transition. The emergency shelter system has been overhauled, and we
know from prior years that January is the month in which the highest number of people
require services and shelter. To address these immediate needs, we recommend:
i. Planning for a low-barrier emergency shelter available through the winter months
ii. Reviewing other capacity constraints, including serving the mentally ill, service-
resistant populations
iii. Expanding the Downtown Ambassadors and Park Rangers programs
b. Transportation: A lack of transportation should never be an obstacle for accessing a shelter,
services, or employment. The distributed Resource Center model has increased the need for
reliable transportation, pedestrian infrastructure, and accessibility to the new centers. The
solution needs to be safe, reliable, and accommodating, and it needs to be possible for
people to bring their belongings with them. The city should coordinate with other groups
providing these services to ensure people can access the resources and services they need
when they need them. Where needed and feasible, explore creative solutions that deliver
services to the people versus taking the people to the services. In addition, the city should
develop creative solutions in partnering with both public and private resources to fill gaps in
transportation services.
c. Transition Services: Ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring requires a
targeted approach to specific populations that are transitioning from the criminal justice
system and mental-health systems back into society. There should be increased access to
family mediation, emergency funds, friend/family outreach, legal advice and representation,
transportation needs, disability services, linguistic barriers, and other proven, and much
needed interventions. Look at efforts currently underway to connect all stakeholders
working to assist someone re-entering society and avoid returning to homelessness or
incarceration (e.g., the work of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association). Assess
effectiveness and apply solutions toward longer-term outcomes.
d. Become Data-Driven: Identify and implement a technology solution that will help un-silo
the city’s data and make it understandable and actionable. The solution should aggregate
data from hospitals (e.g., available mental health and addiction treatment beds),
transportation providers, service provider availability (e.g., available resource center beds),
government bodies, and private groups. In addition to helping with the transportation and
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December 20, 2019
services components listed above, it could be used to augment case work and improve
planning efforts.
ACTIONS:
• Plan for a low-barrier emergency shelter available through the winter months.
• Review other capacity constraints, including serving the mentally ill, service-resistant
populations
• Expand the Downtown Ambassador and Park Ranger programs.
• Increase safe, reliable, and accommodating transportation options (e.g. UTA’s

Flextrans, donated vans, volunteer drivers) including options for transporting pets
and belongings—consider public private partnerships.
• Expand/develop solutions for on-site case management/services—deliver the

services to the people versus taking the people to the services.
• Enhance support of those exiting correctional or inpatient facilities by increasing

access to; family mediation, emergency funds, friend/family outreach, legal advice
(e.g. Salt Lake Legal Defender) and representation, transportation, disability services,
and linguistic barriers to reduce recidivism.
• Identify and implement a technology solution that will help un-silo the city’s data and
make it understandable and actionable. The solution should aggregate data from
hospitals (e.g., available mental health and addiction treatment beds), transportation
providers, service provider availability (e.g., available resource center beds),
government bodies, and private groups.
• Implement a technology solution to augment case work and improve planning

efforts.
3. Ensure safety and consistency in laws and how they’re enforced
a. Policy, Statute, and Ordinance Review: Review and Catalog the civil and criminal statutes,
regulations, and ordinances and policies regarding or impacting homelessness (e.g.,
camping, etc.). Following the review, make recommendations as needed, for changes to
ensure that laws and regulations have continuity and are compassionate, earnest, and
protect the interests of the entire community, ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief and
non-recurring and that Salt Lake City remains a safe and inviting city.
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December 20, 2019
b. Law Enforcement: Homelessness is not a crime, and support services should be the tip of
the spear in the fight against homelessness rather than law enforcement. However, law
enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all of Salt Lake City’s
residents, and the expansive flow of illegal substances is overwhelming well-intentioned
people who yearn to recover. We suggest coupling law enforcement interaction with an
opportunity to access services, continuing the drug courts, expanding the expungement
efforts, and continuing to aid law enforcement to obstruct the flow of illegal substances
while providing a pathway and an incentive for all involved to rehabilitate with a clean break.
An increased emphasis on and prioritization of training our law enforcement community,
volunteers and other stake holders regarding the real-world implementation of policies,
statutes, and ordinances is critical and additional budget allocations if needed must be
considered.
c. Diversion: Diversion efforts toward accessing services in lieu of criminal consequences have
been proven to effectively help people experiencing homelessness. Engage law enforcement
officers and other critical stakeholders to evaluate current efforts to identify alternative
ways to expand diversion.
ACTIONS:
• Review and Catalog the civil and criminal statutes, regulations, and ordinances and
policies regarding or impacting homelessness (e.g., camping, etc.).
o Following the review, make recommendations as needed, for changes to ensure

that laws and regulations have continuity and are compassionate, earnest, and
protect the interests of the entire community.
• Couple law enforcement interaction with opportunities to better access services

including continuing the drug courts, expanding the expungement efforts, and aiding
law enforcement to obstruct the flow of illegal substances while providing a pathway
and an incentive for all involved to rehabilitate with a clean break.
• Expand diversion alternatives toward services versus criminal consequences (e.g.

Replicating Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Transitional Services Office
model, etc.).
o Engage law enforcement officers and other critical stakeholders to evaluate

current efforts to identify alternative ways to expand diversion.
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December 20, 2019
Long-term Efforts
While the above efforts will be a step in the right direction, to truly achieve a paradigm shift in the way
Utah addresses the challenge of homelessness, Salt Lake City needs to lead the homelessness discussion for
the state.
1. Increase Housing: Nobody can exit the cycle of homelessness unless there’s somewhere for them to
exit. The mayor-elect campaigned on increasing SRO housing, and we recommend following
through on this important need. Increasing the availability and the preservation of low-income
housing and alternative shelters to bolster prevention efforts as well as increase success rates of all
the services provided to people experiencing homelessness. Evaluate creative and feasible solutions
to mitigate criminal record barriers to accessing housing. Additionally, there needs to be a solution
for long-term care of those with mental illnesses, along with the necessary medical services and
case workers. This SRO housing and other deeply subsidized housing units need to be distributed
with an acknowledgment to geographical equity so as not to create concentrated ‘SRO districts’ that
have the potential to recreate the safety issues currently existing in areas of the city that host
concentrations of low-budget motels.
2. Review current efforts: Perform a comprehensive system evaluation with end-to-end journey
mapping of homelessness that identifies Utah-specific causal mechanisms and strategic intervention
spots, as well as an objective provider assessment to drive a revised governance and funding
structure that emphasizes strong ongoing measurement and evaluation around a set of rigorous,
collaboratively-defined, meaningful outcomes. Additionally, stakeholders need to clearly identify
high-impact opportunities that can be optimally scaled and funded to drive improvement in
outcomes.
3. Increase Coordination and Collaboration: With many state, city, and county leadership parties
across the state, there isn’t a clear leader in the fight against homelessness, which is why there’s
such a void in coordinating the best care in the most effective ways. We recommend the Salt Lake
City take that leadership position, in conjunction with the Governor. Hold an annual leadership
summit for all city and county mayors in Utah. This event should identify and agree upon specific
and actionable outcomes and measurable key results. People experiencing homelessness and
leaders from the non-profit, business and philanthropy sectors should be given an opportunity to
participate. Progress toward the Mayor’s objectives must be regularly reviewed and communicated
to the public to ensure accountability toward their accomplishment. There also needs to be
increased coordination between how police forces across the state treat individuals experiencing
homelessness. Salt Lake City has become a “treatment hub”—the mayor should work with local and
state leaders to share that responsibility across the state to enable people experiencing
homelessness to remain where they are and therefore, maintain a support network and access
services near friends and family.
4. Bolster Prevention Efforts: There are a number of things the city can do to prevent individuals from
facing homelessness. In addition to the thoughtful recommendations provided by the housing
group, we recommend ongoing funding and support for efforts that address intergenerational
poverty, drug addiction, and mental health issues. As an example, the Department of Workforce
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December 20, 2019
Services has a framework for addressing intergenerational poverty that can be applied to the city. In
addition to efforts to treat those currently experiencing homelessness, the city should work to
reduce the number of people who require homeless services.
5. Engage with People Experiencing Homelessness: The city should elicit feedback, possibly through
surveys or focus groups, where both qualitative and quantitative information can be used to drive
decisions. There needs to be a forum for those who are currently experiencing homelessness to
have their voices heard. There also should be some mechanism for representation within that
community. This could be a neighborhood council or other similar group. We recommend working
with other groups who are making progress in this area and creating a feedback system that will
bolster trust, increase communication, and ensure that the city’s efforts are effectively meeting the
needs of one of our most vulnerable populations.
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December 20, 2019
APPENDIX
-------------------------Sub-group Recommendations Received and Discussed------------------------
First 100 days and up to the first year Actionable Items/Goal(s):
• Erin’s campaign plan for homelessness

o Work with stakeholders to develop a plan for the winter months
o Expand Downtown Ambassadors and Park Ranger programs
o Reduce no-fault evictions by strengthening tenants’ rights ordinances, increasing landlord
compliance related to fair treatment of tenants
o Increase the number of single room occupancy (SRO) housing units
• Leadership
o Dedicated resource within administration to coordinate city wide efforts related to
homelessness
o Coordinate with State and surrounding cities and counties
• Coordinate between Silos

o Identify all factions working towards homeless rehabilitation
o Align all homelessness services to maximize benefits
o Utilize technology to increase and improve real time coordination of services related to
homelessness
o Create a united front with the goal to help and solve homelessness
o Identify who "owns" the emergency shelter overflow and affordable housing issue
o Help Resource Center operators agree on a unified funding strategy to support ongoing
operations for the new resource center model.
o Support and integrate the city’s homeless goals with the county wide coordinating
committee on homeless issues and the state homeless task force.
o Improve governance, coordination and resource allocation of all entities actively servicing
the homeless population to best achieve collective impact.
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December 20, 2019
• Create processes for ongoing decision-making

o Ensure continued representation of the city on the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End
Homelessness and its core function groups, especially a police representative on the Legal
Rights and Safety group and someone on Housing and Crisis Response groups.
o Acknowledge that people experiencing homelessness are stakeholders in policy decisions
and consult with them directly whenever possible alongside other stakeholders.
o Review the work that has already been done to address this issue and coordinate efforts
with it
o Engage in sufficient outreach to the homeless population to ensure everyone has a bed and
is able to access services
o Establish a longer-term vision by engaging a wide variety of stakeholders and understanding
the data. What data do we currently have to understand the root of the problem? Do we
know what solutions work? What data needs to be gathered?
o Set in place a regulation that requires proof that any program Salt Lake City funds has data
to support suggested effectiveness. If a program has been used elsewhere, require
documentation that the program reduced homelessness.
▪ If the program seeking funding is a trial program, or is a program without supporting
data, that it be required to have a method in place for measuring and reporting
impact.
o Set up an independent audit group that oversees the effectiveness of all programs. This
committee should consist of non-service providers and include four people living in the
Resource Centers.
• Engage appropriately with Law Enforcement

o Perform a comprehensive review of all ordinances and policies related to homelessness,
vagrancy, panhandling and camping.
o Institute regular police force training to ensure all members of the force are addressing
homeless individuals in the same, trauma-informed manner and have access to updated
information about services available.
o Avoid pushing people experiencing homelessness through the criminal justice system as a
requirement to access services. This punitive approach is costly and creates additional
obstacles that can derail self-determination and self-sufficiency.
o Evaluate law enforcement policies to ensure they are protective of people experiencing
homelessness’s rights to privacy, equal treatment, and Constitutional protections.
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December 20, 2019
o Help the police maintain lawfulness and safety in the Rio Grande district and throughout the
city
o Reevaluate parking enforcement and ordinances near areas with increased criminal activity,
including the north and west sides of Pioneer Park
o Improve safety and the perception of safety by increasing the amount of downtown activity
(residents, students, families, etc. on the street), ensuring the downtown library doesn’t
become a quasi-homeless shelter, preventing the Jordan River from becoming a place for
camping and crime, etc.
• Create and Maintain Programs / Infrastructure

o Dedicate RDA resources to the preservation of natural occurring affordable housing.
o Adopt a policy for “service enriched” housing
▪ Transitional housing paired with 24/7 medical or psychiatric support onsite
▪ An alternative to jail/emergency rooms for individuals with issues that aren’t quite
extensive enough to qualify for permanent supported housing
o Establish a safe camping area for those who are not ready to seek a shelter bed or housing.
The area should have bathrooms and handwashing stations.
o Complete and maintain pedestrian pathways to and from each resource center
o Stay the course with the current dispersed services model
o Continue Downtown Alliance’s Downtown Ambassador Program
o Identify what the right approach is to providing support for those individuals suffering from
mental illness who are shelter/service resistant.
o Improve communications about how to access the resource centers for the homeless
o Immediately build/remodel about 600 SROs for those moving through the resource centers
o Improve transportation options across jurisdictions to the SSL men’s shelter.
• Technology Solutions
Develop a technology tool/APP that connects givers and receivers. The APP would educate givers
about homelessness and how to apply their resources (e.g. time, money or commodities) to the
need. The APP would also allow those experiencing homeless to share their needs and find
resources to meet their needs
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December 20, 2019
o An APP could include:
➢ Giver
▪ Where are Salt Lake’s homeless?
▪ Where can I volunteer
▪ Is it safe to volunteer?
▪ Where do I donate commodities?
▪ Who do I donate money to and how?
▪ Is it better for me to give to a panhandler or a shelter?
▪ How do I employ a homeless person?
➢ Receiver
▪ I need a ride (Uber/UTA Flex Trans)
▪ My DWS
▪ I need a blanket or hygiene kit
▪ I need clothing
▪ Where can I get food?
▪ Where can I get medical care?
▪ Where is a shelter
▪ How do I enroll my child in school?
▪ How do I get my child to school?
▪ How do I access my case worker?
▪ Who is my case worker (bishop, road home, therapist, job coach trainer, DWS
worker, CAP employee, 4th Street Clinic, law enforcement etc.)?
Longer-term Goals / Considerations:

• Work to reduce no-fault evictions by strengthening tenants’ rights ordinances, increasing landlord
compliance related to fair treatment of tenants (per Mayor-Elect Mendenhall’s campaign platform)
• Consider a mental health resource center
• Increase the number of low-cost rooms (exit areas) for people exiting homelessness
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December 20, 2019
• Build consensus with partners about the housing stock needed to make the new homeless services
model work effectively and begin working with those partners to build that housing stock
• Work with state and local partners complete the construction of the first 800 housing units
identified as priorities by the Coalition
• Create and maintain housing (temporary, transitional, and permanent)
• Increase the number of case workers
• Increase in services to provide adequate resources for the mentally ill and those with addition
• Construct or remodel at least 2000 units of permanent supportive, SROs and deeply subsidized
housing units for those moving from the resource centers out into the community. The only way the
resource center model can work is to move people into housing, otherwise the new system will be
overloaded and the resource centers will be forced to become warehousing centers.
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Housing
Transition Team Housing Subgroup Memorandum
I. Methodology. Briefly describe your methodology (e.g., who did you include? did you
conduct interviews, roundtables, divide into smaller focus groups?).
The group was comprised of a variety of housing experts with varied experience in housing
development, financing, and policy.
Mike Akerlow - Community Development Steve Erickson – Advocate / Crossroad

Corporation of Utah Urban Center
Claudia O'Grady – Utah Housing Dan Nackerman - Salt Lake City Housing
Corporation Authority
Weston Clark – Salt Lake County Lily Gray – National Development Council
Wendy Leonelli - Zions Bank Michael Lohr - Goldman Sachs
Maria Garciaz – Neighborworks Dan Lofgren - Cowboy Partners
Andrew Johnston - VOA and SLC Council Janice Kimball – Housing Connect
Marion Willey – Utah Nonprofit Housing John Montgomery- Rocky Mountain

Corporation Community Reinvestment Corporation
Janice Kimball – Housing Connect James Wood – Kem C. Gardner Policy

Institute
Ryan Hackett – Western Region Housing Marci Milligan – Lotus

Corporation
Chris Parker – Giv Group
In order to capture a wide variety of voices, the co-chairs had one-on-one conversations with
Salt Lake City staff, committee members, the homelessness subgroup, and housing generalists
throughout the community. The process by which policies were identified and selected
happened primarily through group dialogue. This was further refined through iterative
feedback, a prioritization survey, and a final consensus exercise.
II. Key Opportunities. Briefly describe the big takeaways. What are the key opportunities
and/or biggest challenges your group identified?
The opportunities identified as having the highest-net-impact among the subgroup consistently
returned to two primary rolls the City plays in addressing housing affordability and supply:
1) As a principal determiner of what land within its jurisdiction can be used for,
the process by which it may be used, and, to a certain degree, the cost at
which that use may begin and continue, Salt Lake City has a substantial
effect on housing production and quality. Aligning various city codes,
branches, and departments around a unified vision would have outsized
impacts for the city.
2) As a substantial holder of monetary and real assets, the City has greater
impact on housing than just policy making. Opportunities may exist to
increase the efficiency and renewability of these scarce resources.
*An attached matrix (Exhibit A) outlines the main policies that were identified and discussed in
detail. It looks to outline the perceived ease, alignment, policy category, and committee priority
for the various recommendations.
III. Short-Term Goals
1. Pilot a short-term-life-event perpetual loan fund for low income families.
The most humane, lowest cost way to combat homelessness is to help prevent it in the first
place. This proposed fund is intended to bring property managers, tenants, and nonprofits
together to help prevent evictions caused by short-term, non-systemic life events. Highlights of
the proposed fund are listed below.
Methods for implementation and considerations:
1. Low interest (<4%), mid-term (12-24 months) loans would be administered by

a nonprofit organization with a financial services background*.
2. Eligibility profiles for the program would be developed by said nonprofit
with an eye toward ensuring the funds go to those who have been, and could
be, financially stable but for a short-term life event.
3. An initial City funding amount of $250,000 could serve as a loan loss reserve
for $750,000 in revolving loans.
4. These funds would be extremely easy to apply for and wouldn’t require a
resident to leave their building. Tenants would be notified of the program at
the same time a 3-day Pay-or-Vacate is served, and any funds would be
deposited directly to pay outstanding rent.
5. Tenants would receive pro-bono financial counseling and planning services
as a part of the program.
*If the Mayor-elect deems it prudent/necessary to conduct an RFP for the financial-
services nonprofit, this goal may be best included in in the long-term category. If an
RFP is not deemed necessary, we’d recommend AAA Fair Credit Foundation as the
provider given how well the program dovetails with other services they offer. They
have been contacted and expressed interest.
2. Review and modernize outdated code to better achieve the goals of today
A city’s zoning code may be its most direct and impactful relationship with the quality, amount,
and appropriateness of its housing stock. And yet, many cities’ ordinances read as a
hodgepodge of various ideas from various decades that had evolving and sometimes conflicting
ideas of what their city’s needs might be in the future. Modernizing and unifying Salt Lake
City’s code to fit today’s realities would have an immediate, sizable effect on its housing stock
and greatly increase the amount of time SLC planning staff has to spend on planning vs.
administrative activities. Unfortunately, that same labyrinthine code is occupying virtually all
of the planning staff’s time with the paperwork and process it requires. Simply put, they can’t
write a more efficient code because the inefficiency of the current code is taking all their time.
While updating any zoning ordinance clearly would be a long-term goal, providing capacity to
do so would be a powerful first step. Announcing the intent to add two full-time planning
positions or to fund a contract with a code-consulting firm would be the first step in one of the
more deeply impactful things a mayor can do to address a long-term housing shortage.
1. Streamline and increase cohesion within the code by doing one of the
following:
a. Fund a third-party consultant to focus on the modernization of zoning
and priority codes. The scope should anticipate code changes that:
i. Streamline the number and type of decisions that need to go
before the commission, council, and/or upper level planning
staff.
ii. Align the code to the current needs of the city.
iii. Increase the quality and longevity of buildings constructed
within the city.
iv. Increase unity of purpose between departments within the city
b. Add two FTE to planning and one FTE to building services to help
handle the current workload.
i. This will allow senior-level staff the time needed to rewrite the
code.
2. Conduct an audit of 4-year staffing and funding needs. This audit may be
done in-house or by a third-party consultant and focus on:
a. The efficiency of current city processes
b. Whether staffing levels at various divisions are sufficient for a city of
this size
c. Whether the pay scale of staff is sufficient to attract and keep talent
i. This analysis should include where talent is generally lost to,
including non-planning divisions within this and other cities.
3. Create ordinance that, by 2023, requires all new buildings that use city money to
be all-electric, emission-free structures.
At some point, we have to stop funding the problem. Aligning the City’s housing and
sustainability initiatives ensures our community can grow without further degrading our
airshed. Setting the compliance date (2023) to align with when the City is committing to offset
100% of its own emissions will allow developers sufficient runway to modify their habits
without requiring them to redesign/delay their current projects.
a. Replace the City’s current LEED requirement for city-funded buildings with
an emission-free building requirement.
b. Consider adding incentives to help transition the industry.
c. Consider a parallel ordinance that targets water usage. This could include a
requirement and/or incentives for low-flow fixtures and landscaping.
IV. Long-Term Goals
1. Create a Strategic Plan for use of city-owned vacant and underutilized land
1. Identify a long-term land acquisition strategy. Examples include the

acquisition of tax defaulted or seized property, land in the path of
gentrification, and/or nuisance properties within the City.
2. Explore the possibility of partnering in a public benefit corporation.
3. Start a conversation with landholders adjacent to city-owned property to
create a collaborative opportunity to maximize public land.
4. Finalize inventory and appraisal of City-owned land.
2. Identify new ways of partnering with the private sector to provide more affordable
housing.
1. Explore more direct partnerships with financial institutions to reduce the cost
of construction and/or promote the preservation of housing.
2. Create a PILOT mechanism, in coordination with the County, that leverages
the City’s unique tax-exempt status.
3. Consider financing the construction and/or purchase of ADU’s.
4. Explore and support the creation of a significant housing manufacturing
facility within the state/city.
3. Co-Create a unified plan for housing throughout the city
1. There have been significant changes in funding sources and organizational

structure within the city. There needs to be one vision and one unified point
of contact for various housing issues and programs.
2. Clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of the principal housing and
land divisions within the city (RDA, HAND, RE). If possible, streamline
access to funding and information across departments.
4. Establish an ongoing housing advisory group tasked with fleshing out best practices for
housing finance and methodologies.
Methods for implementation and considerations
1. Invite members to join the advisory committee and establish a clean path of
communication between the group and staff.
5. Prioritize and strategically implement “Growing SLC”
1. The City’s current housing plan has many relevant and necessary solutions.
Focus needs to be placed on the pieces that generate the most impact and
ensure every department is invested in its outcome. The transition group
identified the following highlights:
i. Funding for resident services
ii. Inclusionary zoning
iii. Housing loss mitigation and demolition
iv. Density bonuses
v. Parking
vi. Support for supportive projects that aren’t necessarily formerly-
homeless projects
2. Consider partnering with entities already doing compliance work (UHC,
RMCRC, etc.) to inform enforcement mechanisms for the City.
5. Conduct a data-driven process review on the current permitting system in order to better
understand where bottlenecks may be occurring within the system.
1. The review should be conducted by a third party using clear data and
validated community experience. This data should include processes beyond
the first review. It will be critical that the review is inclusive of both
community and internal experiences, perceptions, and culture.
2. The policy could result in the creation of an ombudsmen or clear project-level
decision makers. Any position creation should be tied to a clear matrix of
measurable improvements. Such improvements could include time till
permit, decisiveness, customer experience, and alignment with city priorities.
6. Set ordinance parameters around housing preservation and retention
1. We have considerable naturally occurring affordable housing that is

disappearing. There is a need for different strategies for different income
levels (60% AMI and below, 60-80% AMI, and 80% AMI and above).
a. Aggregate available tracking and data models for relevant properties.
Create a reliable inventory of housing types and affordability levels.
2. Gather data related to the impact that investor-owned, single-family
properties have and their relationship to neighborhoods. This should also
include specific emphasis on non-owner-occupied peer-to-peer rentals.
3. There is a need for financing, and capital pools, for aging LIHTC projects and
naturally-occurring affordable housing.
4. Solidify a clear policy that supports the creation and maintenance of PSH
a. Partner with the State of Utah to create alternative models for voucher
funding. This should focus on the hardest to house.
i. Create local funding that could supplement federal programs.
ii. Pilot a model that uses a voucher-to-feasibility model vs.
automatically using the fair market rent maximum.
5. Alternative Housing Models
a. Amend the ordinance barring 3 unrelated parties from living together.
b. Expand the places SRO’s are allowed provided they go through an
increased level of review.
7. Pro-active engagement and education strategy around housing issues
1. Consider an outreach strategy to discuss density, expected growth, and

impact of both with the community. This would serve as a way to dialogue
about challenging issues facing communities such as parking, density, and
neighborhood amenities.
2. Create a meaningful, digital way to include community perspective and long-
term impact into neighborhood planning exercises.
Tech Ecosystem
Dear Mayor-Elect Erin Mendenhall,
Thank you for this opportunity to present our committee’s collective 100-day actionable recommendations for
Salt Lake’s City’s burgeoning Tech community.
Elected officials have three main levers of power to achieve their agenda:
● Setting budget priorities

● Allocation of time in their daily schedule
● The bully pulpit and power to convene
The key to achieving the 100 days goal set out in this document will be how the Mayor-elect exercises these
tools.
Over the course of the last few weeks, various leaders in the Tech sector met to formulate the accompanying
pages of challenges and recommendations. These recommendations allow for yourself and additional city
officials to see an attainable future inclusive of all tech sectors, growth positive strategies, and to highlight the
continued importance Tech is to our city.
Collectively, we identified the challenges this community faces into three distinct sectors that include;
1. Tech (including robotics, defense, and aerospace)

2. Biotech
3. E-Commerce
These three sectors define the Salt Lake City tech ecosystem landscape and provide areas of opportunity within
each. Because the Tech industry is a diverse group of skilled individuals and innovative companies, each with
often differentiating needs, these categories help to define the ecosystem thoroughly.
Once our challenges were established, we formulated collective solutions that touch each sector and will provide
a clear map for positive change. Many of these solutions are easy wins with high efficiency and minimal resource
drain or requirement.
We look forward to staying engaged with you and your administration and thank you for the opportunity to
present our findings.
Sincerely,
Committee Members;
Jared Bauer Arian Lewis Steve Price (Committee Co-Chair)

Clint Betts (Committee Co-Chair) Ken Madsen Katie Romney
Troy D’Ambrosio (Committee Co-Chair) Blake McClary Ron Ross
Jim Dreyfous John Melichi Ally Seeley
Margo Geirgiadis Rachel Otto Juliette Tennert
Stephen Hess Tyler Ploeger Cyndi Tetro
Jason Winkler
THE GENERAL CONSENSUS
Issue: Lack of City Focus and Strategy on Tech
Solution:
1. Mayor’s Tech Council
a. Co-Chaired by the Mayor and a Public Representative, inclusive of up to 10
CEOs/Founders, with rotating Vice-Chair from the City Council
a. Identify outcomes & metrics to measure and guide future actions
b. Supported by 2 dedicated city employees
i. One Biotech Focused
ii. One Tech Focused (Small & Big)
c. Create an SLC Tech Ambassador Program
d. Create a ‘Landing Pad’ Strategy for Tech in SLC
i. Create a program targeted to assimilating new employees (geared towards
singles and their partners). With a focus on cultural opportunities, lifestyle
benefits, the food and beverage scene, the vibe of the city and what they can
achieve here
ii. Create a strategy to increase flow between Northern California and SLC
Issue: General Misunderstanding of SLC, including cultural diversity and positive environment to build a
startup (inclusive of tech) in this city
Solution:
2. New SLC Tech Messaging & Branding
a. Develop a new tech-focused messaging & branding for SLC
b. Airport presence showcasing SLC startups
c. Mayor’s attendance at public openings and events allowing for engagement directly with
tech companies
d. Mayor’s Tech Series - hosting top tier out-of-state tech CEOs/Founders to visit SLC, to
speak to the ecosystem (panel, speaker event, etc.) & discuss growth opportunities in
SLC
Issue: Lack of clarity and focus on where to grow, can you truly grow a big tech company in SLC?
Solution:
3. RDA Development Strategy - Tech Growth by Nodes (zones)
a. Create a Tech SLC ‘Growth Map’ to show Tech companies how they can grow from 1 -
5,000 employees in SLC
b. Create an RDA / Tech plan
c. Biotech District established in the Marmalade District
d. Establish Tech in Granary to Gateway neighborhoods
Issue: Cost and Transportation for Startups
Solution:
4. UTA/TRAX Startup Pricing
a. Critical for Startups to gain better access to public transport
b. Positive impact on traffic, increased use of public transport and air quality
STATE OF AFFAIRS
Tech continues to be a mainstay of the city of Salt Lake City but also the state of Utah. In the below
sections, we list our current challenges.
A. ADDRESSING BIOTECH
Biotech Statistics (state-wide)

● 42,831 direct jobs, average compensation $86,396 (46% higher than the average for all Utah
industries)
● Every direct Biotech job supports 2 more jobs => 130,439 total jobs associated with the industry
(almost 7% of all Utah Jobs)
● The industry supports just under 8% of Utah’s GDP ($13.0B)
Salt Lake City and the state of Utah are known nationally as a leader in the Biotech field. This sector is
ripe for action to the following needs:
Opening City Interfacing

● Open and authentic communication between the city and Biotech leaders
● A city official that has a Biotech background and can “speak our language.”
Organized Clustering or Corridor

● Affordable rent, short proximity to local universities, downtown, and the I-15 corridor
● Increased cross-company collaboration, leverage communication for innovation
The Spread of Public Knowledge

● Opportunity to educate the citizens of SLC and beyond on the local biotech industry
● Showcase our innovations, history, current market, recruitment and beyond
B. ADDRESSING TECH (including general tech, robotics, defense, and aerospace)
Tech Statistics (statewide)

● 118,621 direct jobs, average compensation $106,100 (over 80% higher than in other industries
● Direct jobs support an additional 191,000 jobs outside of the tech industry => over 310,000 total
jobs
● 1 in 7 jobs is in or supported by the Tech sector
● Industry supports 18% of Utah GDP ($29.7B)
● 4.9% average annual job growth in the tech sector of the past 10 years barely second to
Washington (5.0%) almost double California pace (2.6%)
● Industry generates at least $475 M in net state and local tax revenue annually
The Tech industry in Salt Lake City continues to grow, and with its growth, new challenges arise. Below
are our findings.
Group Rider Pool with UTA

● The process for obtaining a rider partnership with UTA is challenging and has a low success rate
for smaller companies/organizations
Growth Map for Companies

● Challenging to have a plan for how to go from 1 – 5,000
● This is a make or break it moment, and we need guidance
‘Landing Pad’ for Existing Companies

● How to make it known that companies should move offices here
● Ease of employee assimilation and understanding of the positives of SLC
‘Launch’ Pad for New Companies

● Why you should start your company here
C. ADDRESSING E-COMMERCE
E-Commerce Statistics (nationwide)

● E-Commerce retail sales accounted for 11.2% of all retail sales in the U.S. in the third quarter of
2019,
● Up from 10% in the same period last year,
● Up from 6.6% in the same period 5 years ago
Defining E-Commerce:
● The E-Commerce market encompasses the sale of physical goods, via a digital channel, to a
private end user/consumer (B2C). Equally as large as the B2C economy is the rapidly expanding
B2B economy where industries, companies, the healthcare system, government, military, etc.
connect online to goods and products.
● Consumers connect through a user interface (front end) and the back end (programing and data),
which runs the front-end technology. By connecting to the supply chain through road, rail, air, and
sea, customers are linked to products that are manufactured and then warehoused in distribution
hubs throughout the US.
● Based upon delivery zip code, B2C purchasers are assessed sales tax, unless physical “Nexus”
exists (both a physical presence of the retailer in the State of Utah and of the purchaser). Taxes
are then assessed and apportioned at the State level.
The SLC E-Commerce Market

Salt Lake City, and in particular the Northwest Quadrant, is the B2C and B2B distribution hub of the
Mountain Time Zone (excluding Phoenix). This is an E-Commerce market size of 32 million consumers,
all within an eleven-hour drive time from Salt Lake City. The B2C and B2B ecosystem requires a tech
connected ecosystem. Salt Lake City has this and also provides a growing technology sector, broadband
network, transportation infrastructure and an advanced logistics/supply chain.
The manufacturing sector, from base manufacturing to advanced manufacturing (including advanced
material, aerospace defense, and life science) is a technologically advanced industry that is oftentimes
unrecognized and scattered along the Wasatch Front. The economic base multiplier is an important job
generator in Salt Lake City.
83% of Utah’s jobs are in Provo/Orem, SLC and Ogden-Clearfield MSAs. 399,000 people live and work
in Salt Lake County, which is 47% of the workforce jobs in Utah. 178,000 people commute to work in Salt
Lake County every day. 115,000 people that live in Utah County work in Utah County. 50,000 people
commute into Utah County to work every day and 74,000 Utah County residents commute out of Utah
County to work every day. I-15 is the transportation artery for the tech sector and related businesses.
The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) is positioning the State as a global technology leader in promoting
smart logistics, creating a green sustainable supply chain, attracting research and investment, and
emerging as a national thought leader in the rapidly expanding tech-mobility industry.
UIPA has a unique, generational opportunity, to create a state-of-the-art logistics system of high-
efficiency, zero or near-zero emissions operations focused around:
1. Improving economic opportunity

2. Advancing environmental sustainability
3. Enhancing community trust
4. Operational excellence
5. Integrating with the rapidly expanding e-commerce tech ecosystem in the B2C and B2B economy
An enhanced opportunity is the emergence of Utah becoming a global research and development center,
providing a competitive advantage for the State to attract investment and development of technology
centers. Overall, UIPA is positioned to improve reliability, increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve
air shed quality. All to be completed via cutting edge technological advancements in the statewide
logistics system; moving Utah from the crossroads of the west to the crossroads of the world.
Challenges:
The NWQ of SLC is a major Wasatch Front employment center with E-Commerce at the center, all driving
the e-commerce technology ecosystem. Currently, there is very little mass transit to the employment
centers that retain 200,000 + Wasatch Front residents.
● Transportation infrastructure congestion causes significant traffic delays for the trucking industry
and limits the logistics reach of the 11-hour drive time, also contributing to our poor air quality.
The city, county, and state need to continue to invest in transportation and related infrastructure.
● Lack of talent at all levels in the employment stack.
● The time required to open a business, especially new construction, renovation and office build-out
is a substantial deterrent to doing business in Salt Lake City. Additionally, the requirements to
renovate older buildings for the tech sector, creative and related businesses can be a barrier to
building out the tech sector economy in buildings that are desirable (hip, creative and cool) to the
tech workforce.
SOLUTIONS FOR ALL TECH
We found that many of our individual challenges are also shared; therefore, our recommended solutions
provide advancement for all. We hope to continue to stay engaged and aid in pushing the below actions
forward.
Mayoral Public Appearances

● Attendance of office and business openings, announcements, large celebrations, etc.
○ Former Mayor John Curtis of Provo, and Mayor Michael Hancock of Denver are known
for the legendary and passionate ‘hands-on’ support of the tech and business sector in
their cities
● Transparent relationship and accessible culture with the Mayor and City Hall officials
Mayor’s Tech Council including Two Dedicated ‘City Tech’ and Economic Development Officials
● Co-Chaired by the Mayor and a public representative, a City Council Member as Vice Chair
● One ‘empowered’ official focused on small business and one ‘empowered’ official focused on
medium to large business in tech sectors
● Each of these individuals must be able to “speak our language” of tech
● Act as liaisons between the city and private sector businesses
● Ability to help in welcoming companies, the next stages of growth, the search for appropriate
office space, etc.
● Effective in shoring up gaps in communication
Branded Airport Campaigns

● Annually, the Salt Lake City International Airport sees 27 million people, with 15% originating
locally (this figure is growing 5-7% per year)
● Passengers who travel through SLC International Airport are greeted by the outdoors, ski industry
and five National Parks (red rock country)
● Reposition Salt Lake City and Utah as a rapidly growing Tech community, which hosted the 2002
Winter Olympic Games, is an immediate and available branding board
● Branding should be included in the airport’s main terminal plaza area in the south concourse on
the two (2) dynamic screens as well as other areas in the south concourse and the tunnel that
connects the south concourse to the north concourse
● Branding efforts would enlighten both business visitors and residents alike in emphasizing social
impact, high wages, lifesaving products, and enduring employers
● Leveraging this viewership opportunity to tell the rich history and prominent stand Tech currently
has in the Salt Lake Valley
Node Corridors
● Identify, focus, brand and market areas of the city that have room for growth, those that are prime
for redevelopment, and incent the development of tech sector economy districts
● E-Commerce works on a hub (SLC) and spoke (MST) logistics ecosystem. The Tech and Biotech
sectors work on an anchor (INDUSTRY, KILN, Labs at Northgate, Seaholm Power Plant - Austin,
Station F - Paris) and district/corridor ecosystem
● Give companies a place to be around one another and make things happen
● Provide amenities and buildings specific to their needs
● Marmalade District is already taking shape for Biotech organizations
‘Landing Pad’ and ‘Launch Pad’ Strategy

● Demonstration to current business owners and startups how SLC can easily be your home
● Give guidance on growing your company from 1 – 5,000 in SLC (‘Growth Map’)
● Create a program targeted to assimilating new employees (geared towards singles and their
partners). With a focus on cultural opportunities, lifestyle benefits, the food and beverage scene,
the vibe of the city and what they can achieve here
● Establish UTA group pricing for small and mid-sized companies
● Provide the view of ease of access between SLC and the CA coast
Focus on Growing Existing Employment Sections

● Approximately 80% of the Utah workforce population live and work in Salt Lake, Utah, Weber and
Davis Counties
● There are four large employment areas along the Wasatch Front; SLC CBD, SLC NWQ, Hill
Airforce Base, Silicon Slopes Corridor centered in Lehi
● Two of the four of these ‘employment centers’ are located in SLC and can be the epicenter of the
tech ecosystem focus in the new administration
Transportation
December 20, 2019
SALT LAKE CITY MAYOR-ELECT MENDENHALL

TRANSPORTATION TRANSITION SUBCOMMITTEE MEMORANDUM
Memo Organization
1. Subcommittee members and methodology (page 2)
2. Key issues and opportunities for Salt Lake City transportation (page 3)
3. Short-term (first 100 days) goals/recommendations (page 9)
4. Longer-term (four years) goals/recommendations (page 13)
5. Appendices (page 27)
Executive Summary
As Utah’s capitol city and hub for government, culture, and business, Salt Lake City has
unique challenges and opportunities in transportation. In policy and in city
administration, transportation cannot be viewed in isolation. Transportation is
inextricably linked with and therefore must be considered in conjunction with land use,
housing, economic development, air quality, and equity.
Key issues in SLC transportation (page 3):

1. The City continues to grow and evolve as a regional destination and needs plans
and processes that match the current reality and beyond (page 3).
2. Public transit needs to be more useful to more people (page 4).
3. The City has major east/west transportation barriers (page 5).
4. Walking and biking should be more attractive travel options (page 6).
5. The Inland Port presents tremendous opportunities and challenges (page 7).
6. The transportation industry is undergoing disruptive technological change (page 7).
Short-term (first 100 days) goals/recommendations (page 9):

1. Form a task force to develop a strategy to restructure internal departments and
processes to remove barriers and streamline decision-making (page 9).
2. Expand transit affordability and accessibility by initiating a “tickets for transit”
program (page 10).
3. Engage with regional partners on sustainability priorities, through collaborative
venues such as Wasatch Front Regional Council, the Utah League of Cities &
Towns, and others (page 11).
Longer-term (four years) goals/recommendations (page 13):

1. Develop a comprehensive vision for transportation, including supporting documents,
policies, and procedures (page 14).
2. Increase public transit ridership and access through capital improvements,
operational investment, transit-supportive land use, and travel demand management
policies (page 17).
3. Encourage more walking and bicycling in and around the City (page 20).
4. Engage on Inland Port transportation issues to ensure the best outcomes (page 23).
5. Accelerate progress towards cleaner / electrified transportation system (page 25).
SLC Transportation Transition Memo 12-20-19
1. Subcommittee members and methodology
Subcommittee members:
● Co-Chair, Andrew Gruber, Executive Director, Wasatch Front Regional Council
● Co-Chair: Jim Olson, President, Utah Jazz
● Tony Allred, Salt Lake City Firefighters, Office Director
● Nathan Anderson, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Union Pacific Railroad
● Carlton Christenson, Board Chair, Utah Transit Authority
● Cameron Diehl, Executive Director, Utah League of Cities & Towns
● Reid Ewing, Professor, University of Utah
● Jon Larsen, Transportation Director, Salt Lake City
● Daniel Mendoza, Pulmonary Division, Atmospheric Sciences, University of Utah
● Teri Newell, Deputy Director, Utah Department of Transportation
● Helen Peters, Transportation Program Manager, Salt Lake County
● Andrew Riggle, Policy Director, Disability Law Center
● Angela Romero, Utah House of Representatives
● Nicole Tatom, Associate Director Commuter Services, University of Utah
● Maria Vyas, Senior Associate, Fehr & Peers
● Bill Wyatt, Director of Airports, Salt Lake City Airport
Methodology:
a. Subcommittee formation: the subcommittee co-chairs invited transportation industry
and community stakeholders to participate, incorporating recommendations from the
transition team. All subcommittee members were informed of the purpose and
timeline, as well as the direction to consider inclusivity, equitability, sustainability,
and character of the City.
b. Initial brainstorm: all subcommittee members were asked – in writing and at
committee meeting 1 – to identify key issues/opportunities for SLC transportation.
(See appendix A for an image of the results of meeting 1.)
c. Development of comprehensive list of issues and ideas: Jon Larsen and Maria Vyas
assembled a comprehensive listing of potential issues and ideas, based on
committee input and incorporating the Mendenhall campaign transportation policy
memo (see appendix B for campaign policy memo). At meeting 2 and through a
survey, subcommittee members prioritized the ideas both for short term (100 days)
and longer term (4 years).
d. Discussion with other transition committees: Several conversations were held to
solicit input from other stakeholders and subcommittees.
e. Development of transition memo and refinement of recommendations: based on the
feedback received, a preliminary transition memo was developed. At subcommittee
meeting 3, the recommendations were further prioritized and refined and grouped
into short-term, longer-term, and supplemental recommendations. The
recommendations were fleshed out with further consideration given to (i) impact on
inclusivity, equitability, sustainability, and character of the City, and (ii) strategies or
steps for implementation. The memo was reviewed and finalized at meeting 4.
2
2. Key issues and opportunities
Preface
This subcommittee believes that transportation should not be viewed in isolation but as
part of the larger built environment. People generally do not travel for the sake of travel
itself, but to engage in some activity at the destination. Thus, land use and
transportation are inextricably linked to one another. Compact, mixed use, pedestrian-
friendly development reduces the need for so much travel by automobile, and thus
reduces the external costs (such as air pollution and fatal crashes) of the automobile.
Yet, transportation and land use are typically separated in their own administrative silos,
including in Salt Lake City government.
This document, as commissioned by the new mayoral administration, focuses on
transportation issues, goals, measures, and recommendations. But these topics must
be viewed in the larger context of city design, and in the larger context of city
administration. An overriding goal and recommendation of this subcommittee is to better
coordinate land use and transportation. Other transition subcommittees, such as on
housing, may address some of the necessary links, but land use is more than housing,
and we believe that many of the goals of our subcommittee can be realized through
changes in zoning, subdivision regulations, urban design guidelines, and tax policy.
Issue Statement 1: Salt Lake City continues to be a hub of regional growth, in a state
known for extremely high growth rates. As the City grows and changes at a rapid pace,
City plans and structures need to be updated as well. Salt Lake City has a history of
visionary planning, but several key plans are incomplete or outdated. In addition, there
is a need for periodic updates to City structures and processes to ensure that the City is
making the most of available resources to deliver the highest quality services and
infrastructure projects.
● What are some of the challenges that could be holding Salt Lake City back from
keeping up with its dynamic growth and change?
o Salt Lake City has not produced a transportation master plan in more than
two decades.
o The City struggles to spend all of the impact fees that come in due to the
number of constraints placed on those fees. In addition, the Impact Fee
Facility Plan is outdated.
o Salt Lake City has had some notable success with procuring grants, but
could be positioned to take even better advantage of regional, state, and
federal sources of transportation funding. This could include funding
grants that directly benefit City projects, as well as regional projects that
are built and operated by partner agencies.
o Transportation functions are scattered across different divisions and
departments, sometimes with competing interests and emphasis areas.
3
Without clear direction from the top, divisions and departments compete
for resources instead of collaborating on City-wide goals.
o The current budgeting process doesn’t encourage or reward inter-
departmental collaboration.
Issue Statement 2: Salt Lake City is a major regional destination, doubling its
population daily with the influx of commuters from around the Wasatch Front.
Simultaneously, Salt Lake City’s public transit network is a valuable but underutilized
community asset and we are not fully tapping into its potential to address traffic
congestion and air quality issues. Moreover, it is inaccessible to some potential users,
whether due to geography, cost, or other factors. Salt Lake City needs to have a
balanced transportation system, where driving, transit, biking, and walking are viable
choices for more residents and visitors.
● Why do some struggle to access or use transit?
o A perception (or reality) of unreliable bus transit makes this a less feasible
choice for people.
o Transit passes are unaffordable to some low-income residents, and the
cost can deter people from a range of income levels from using transit
(especially if they fail to consider the hidden costs of driving a private
vehicle). Moreover, many residents are unaware of the Hive pass.
o More transit service is needed on nights and weekends to support a range
of activities.
o In many cases, the buses don’t come frequently enough, making the wait
times too long to make the bus a competitive and viable option.
o Service to the airport is limited to the TRAX Green line, which has limited
time spans and can’t accommodate employees (16,000 people work at the
airport) or travelers who need to travel to/from the airport very early or late
in the day.
o Many bus stops lack adequate seating, cover from weather, shade from
the sun, and accommodations for those with mobility challenges.
o Residents in portions of the City, particularly on the west side, lack equity
of access to transit, and to the range of employment, education,
economic, and social opportunities that can be reached via transit.
o The connection on public transit from FrontRunner to the University of
Utah is inefficient.
● What is limiting our ability to fully tap into transit as a community resource?
o Many of the costs of driving alone are hidden or sunk costs, leaving little
incentive to explore other modes of travel. Our region has yet to fully
explore pricing incentives and disincentives to encourage the public to
travel more mindfully. An example of this is the abundance of inexpensive,
easily available parking in the downtown core.
4
o While Salt Lake City has led the State in the planning and implementation
of transit oriented development, this remains an area with tremendous
untapped potential. The long-term success of the transportation system
relies as much on good land use planning as anything else.
o Transit travel time is often not competitive with driving, and can take
significantly longer for residents to get from Point A to Point B within the
city.
Issue Statement 3: Transportation contributes to an east-west divide between the
halves of Salt Lake City, with major transportation facilities acting as barriers that people
struggle to cross. Moreover, the ability for people in different areas of the city to access
opportunities for jobs, education, and other key destinations is unevenly divided across
the city.
● What are the barriers?
o State Street, I-15, rail tracks, and rail yards all act as transportation-related
barriers to east-west travel. While I-15 and rail facilities are more tangible
barriers, facilities such as State Street and 700 East create psychological
barriers in the public’s mind due to the unpleasant experience of crossing
them on foot.
● What problems do people face in relation to these barriers?
o People have limited opportunities to cross these barriers. People who are
walking or bicycling experience this in a far more acute way: a person who
is driving and whose passage is blocked by a freight train can often turn
around and find another route. Pedestrians and cyclists often have no
choice but to wait it out; some people have been known to take safety
risks and attempt to pass through or under freight vehicles.
o Opportunities to cross I-15 are fairly limited, and interchange crossings
can be particularly difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate. For
people walking and bicycling, the exposure is greater due to long crossing
distances and high traffic volumes and speeds, they are often less visible
due to lighting conditions, and many roadway interchanges (particularly
older ones) are not designed with pedestrian safety at the forefront.
● What is the distribution of access to opportunities in Salt Lake City?
o A basic purpose of our transportation system is to efficiently connect
residents to activities and destinations. Access to opportunities, also
referred to as accessibility or ATO, is a way to measure how well people
can connect to basic needs and amenities.
o Access to opportunities is unevenly distributed within Salt Lake City. In
particular, residents of the west side of the City generally have lower
access to job opportunities by using transit than in other areas of the City.
And west-side communities have a higher concentration of low-income
and/or minority households than other parts of the City. See Appendix C
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for maps and information on ATO in SLC. See WFRC website for more
information about ATO: wfrc.org/maps-data/access-to-opportunities/
Issue Statement 4: Salt Lake City currently has relatively few people who primarily
walk or bike to their destinations, but there are a wide variety of opportunities to make
public city spaces more friendly and safe for people who want to walk or bike.
● What are some of the challenges and opportunities for making Salt Lake City
friendlier for walking and bicycling?
o There is underutilized right-of-way, such as alleyways and along or on top
of canals that can be used to enhance the urban trail network.
o The west side has some particular pedestrian and bicycle challenges,
such as extra wide streets, rail tracks, industrial areas, and lack of
GreenBike stations.
o The city lacks a comprehensive strategy for dealing with new modes of
micromobility such as electric scooters, ebikes, e-skateboards, and as-yet-
unknown modes of transportation.
o Well-designed street lighting is lacking in areas throughout the city.
o Speeding is a challenge city-wide. Slower speeds have a direct correlation
with safety, particularly for vulnerable street users, such as pedestrians
and cyclists. The city hasn’t had an official traffic calming program since
2003.
o The city lacks a cohesive transportation safety policy.
o Salt Lake City’s blocks are known for their ample size, which is especially
challenging for pedestrians. A frequent issue related to the block size is
the need for mid-block crossings, whether that means a person needs to
cross the street between signalized intersections or a person wants to
pass through the middle of a block without having to walk all the way
around it.
o Many streets throughout the city lack the urban design qualities that make
walking desirable. This includes landscaping, urban forestry, public art,
and interactive ground-floor land uses.
● What conflicts are experienced while trying to make Salt Lake City better for
walking and bicycling?
o Fire Department operations representatives, charged with the protection of
the public safety, have expressed concern about some street design that
may impede response times and operations. The Fire Department has
noted that some street designs can place fire trucks outside the desired
range of access and put the public at risk. The good news is that the state
of the practice for multi-modal street design is evolving quickly. There is
an opportunity to explore design options that improve safety and
convenience for cyclists (and scooters), pedestrians, buses, etc., while still
addressing Fire Department concerns.
6
o The city currently has no guidance or policy on which modes of

transportation should be prioritized in which locations. The default has
historically been to prioritize space and time for people in private vehicles.
o The city structure and processes make it challenging to coordinate
construction and maintenance needs. This can result in problems relating
to upkeep or even having the resources to pay for maintenance for multi-
modal elements of streets.
Issue Statement 5: The Inland Port represents an enormous economic opportunity to

Salt Lake City and the region, and also presents unique transportation needs and
challenges to overcome.
● What are the potential challenges associated with the Inland Port?
o The Inland Port is located far from the reach of Salt Lake City’s public
transit network and in a part of the city where the roadway grid is much
less defined. At the same time, a significant amount of job growth is
expected at the Port, without a supply of housing to counterbalance the
demand for travel. This means that the people who will eventually work at
the Inland Port will generally need to commute to the site from elsewhere,
and will have a limited number of routes, freeway interchanges, and
modes of transportation to get to and from the site. This will impact traffic
congestion in the area and contribute to regional air quality problems.
● What issues does the city need to be prepared to confront at the Inland
Port?
o Sustainability
o Utilization of rail over truck freight
o Creating real job growth on the west side
o Addressing citizen perceptions that the area’s infrastructure
maintained by the city is in disrepair and continues to decline
(ravelling, potholes, sidewalk displacement, sidewalk surface
spalling/chipping, etc.)
o Community disruption related to Inland Port construction projects.
Issue Statement 6: Transportation has entered a cycle of disruptive change that affects
transportation options, the technology that we use, and the fuels that power the system.
Salt Lake City needs to be prepared to handle the opportunities and challenges that will
come with this disruption, and in fact has an opportunity to be a leader in this arena.
● What changes should be prepared for?
o Transportation networking companies (TNC’s) such as Uber and Lyft can
make travel more accessible for some people who currently aren’t able to
drive, but can also reduce the attractiveness of the transit system. Salt
7
Lake City needs to be prepared to address the potential risks to transit

ridership and the potential increase in travel (and associated air quality
emissions) that may come from the increase in accessibility. Coverage
from TNCs can be part of a broader strategy in allocating and prioritizing
transit service, as long as due consideration is given to costs and fares.
An additional concern with TNCs is that they are usually not set up to
accommodate people with wheelchairs or other mobility assistance
devices.
o Connected and autonomous vehicles are under exploration by many
agencies around the country (and the globe), with implications for
infrastructure and communication needs, roadway design, system
efficiency and user safety. This is a continually-evolving conversation and
Salt Lake City should be engaging with its regional transportation partners
to stay informed.
o Electric vehicles can be a key part of the solution to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and improve regional air quality. This will require public
infrastructure in Salt Lake City for charging stations and the power grid
improvements to support them.
o Electrification can apply to the public transit network as well, both in terms
of electric buses and electrification of region-wide transit resources like the
FrontRunner commuter rail system.
o Small electric vehicles are proliferating in the City and around the country,
such as stand-up and sit-down scooters and ebikes. These are owned by
individuals or available for check-out by vendors through apps. These
mobility options need to be integrated within the larger transportation
system.
8
3. Short-term goals
The short-term goals for the first 100 days are intended to put in place programs and
procedures that will promote equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. These programs and
procedures will make it easier for city departments to approve and fund priority projects,
make transit more affordable to more residents, reduce vehicle trips into the downtown
area, and set the stage for regional collaboration on quality of life issues.
Short Term Goal #1: Form a task force to develop a strategy to restructure
internal departments and processes to remove barriers and streamline decision-
making.
Form an internal task force to review city processes, focused on coordinating efforts
with Transportation, Planning, Engineering, Streets, and other City departments as
needed, and in consultation with business and community leaders and stakeholders.
The review should identify what will be needed to ensure that the City’s administrative
structure encourages growth in desired locations in the City, supports that growth with a
robust transportation network, and aligns the City’s budget priorities across all
departments to make sure that bicycle, pedestrian, and transit needs are
accommodated in construction project budgets. The review should also examine how
land use and transportation decision-making processes are tied together, to ensure that
the City’s land use vision is appropriately supported by the transportation infrastructure.
By the end of the first 100 days, announce the results of this internal review and create
a centralized administrative position that consolidates transportation-related decision-
making processes. The individual in this position will be expected to provide clear
direction on citywide policies to create and maintain a safe, accessible, and equitable
transportation network.
Internal restructuring would make decision-making processes more efficient and

responsive to residents’ needs. It could allow for faster approval of construction
projects, and a more coordinated approach to including Complete Streets components
in those projects. Making Salt Lake City’s streets more inclusive of all modes of
transportation promotes equity through creating more (and better) spaces for people
who rely on walking, bicycling, and transit to meet their daily travel needs. It also
promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship by encouraging more fuel- and
space-efficient modes of transportation, potentially decreasing vehicle emissions and
their contributions to poor air quality.
Implementation: This goal could be implemented with relative ease, as it involves

processes and resources internal to the city. Some changes resulting from the review
may require ordinance changes and potentially modest budget adjustments.
Short Term Goal #1 supports two of the Longer-Term Goals:

● It supports Longer Term Goal #1, Develop a Comprehensive Vision for
Transportation, because it will improve coordination and collaboration between
9
City divisions and departments on transportation issues, and set the stage for
revamping the budget process to encourage and reward inter-departmental
collaboration.
● It supports Longer Term Goal #3, Encourage More Walking and Bicycling,
because it will support interdisciplinary efforts among multiple divisions and
departments to develop updated and effective design standards for bicycle
facilities and more livable streets.
Short Term Goal #2: Expand transit accessibility and affordability by initiating a
“tickets for transit” program.
Take immediate steps to make transit more affordable and accessible to Salt Lake City
residents and visitors. Within the first 100 days, convene key stakeholders to develop a
“tickets for transit” program that would allow event attendees to use their ticket stub as a
transit pass. There are people regularly flowing into downtown to fill the more than
50,000 seats in the major venues, in addition to convention attendees at the Salt
Palace. This is a prime travel market that would benefit from a pass program. The
University of Utah offers an excellent model for this program, where football game
attendees are able to use their game tickets as a transit pass and the University
subsidizes the cost to UTA.
Before the end of the first 100 days, begin a pilot program with partners such as the
UTA, Utah Jazz, Salt Lake County, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
in order to reach a large number of potential transit riders quickly. This program can
eventually be rolled out to other events such as the Utah Arts Festival, Twilight Concert
Series, and other ticketed events in downtown.
Also within the first 100 days, work with internal departments to create a procedure to
include “tickets for transit” components in event permits issued by the City.
To better serve Salt Lake City residents who struggle to afford transit passes, create a
pilot program in cooperation with UTA within the first 100 days to expand transit
subsidies further for Salt Lake City’s low-income residents, and set a threshold for
eligibility for the additionally reduced passes.
Expanding transit affordability and accessibility promotes equity and inclusivity by giving
more transportation choices to Salt Lake City’s low-income residents. It would make
cultural and recreational events more accessible to lower-income Utahns. It promotes
sustainability and environmental stewardship by encouraging a higher percentage of
visitors to downtown to take transit to events, thereby reducing vehicle emissions.
Implementation: Implementing this goal would require commitment of resources by the

City, UTA, and/or participating entities to subsidize the free fares. Collaboration and
negotiation among the parties would be needed to establish the terms. Joint efforts to
publicize the opportunity would help the effort to be successful.
10
Short Term Goal #2 supports the following Longer-Term Goals:

● It supports Longer Term Goal #2, Increase Public Transit Ridership and Access,
because it will expand the transit pass programs to Salt Lake City’s most transit-
dependent residents.
● It also supports Longer Term Goal #2 because by engaging some of downtown
Salt Lake City’s largest event traffic generators in the “tickets for transit” program,
it sets the stage for future discussions for additional trip-reducing strategies and
the formation of a Traffic Management Association (TMA).
Short Term Goal #3: Engage with regional partners on sustainability priorities,
through collaborative venues such as Wasatch Front Regional Council, the Utah
League of Cities & Towns, and others.
The new Salt Lake City mayoral administration should immediately set a tone and
establish the intention to operate in a collaborative manner. This can be done by
engaging fully with regional partners such as Wasatch Front Regional Council, the Utah
League of Cities and Towns, the Salt Lake Conference of Mayors and Council of
Governments, and Salt Lake County to set shared transportation, sustainability, and air
quality priorities, and advocate for federal and regional funding for transportation
projects.
The establishment of shared priorities will likely take longer than 100 days, but within
the first 100 days the administration could announce the intention to collaborate with
leaders throughout the region on important issues that affect quality of life for everyone.
At the end of 100 days, shared announcements could be made as to shared priorities or
progress made, e.g., working with other municipalities on Inland Port, transit funding,
project-specific plans.
Engaging with regional partners on sustainability priorities is an opportunity to be

inclusive by improving quality of life for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,
whether they live inside or outside Salt Lake City. It will set the tone for the character of
the City to be a good partner and leader within the county, region, and state, not an
island apart.
Implementation: This goal will not require additional resources to implement, but it will
require a commitment to collaborate and potentially compromise with other communities
and partners outside of the City.
Short Term Goal #3 supports several of the Longer-Term Goals:

● It supports Longer-Term Goal #2, Increase Public Transit Ridership and Access,
because it sets the stage for collaboration on regional transit challenges such as:
○ Finding ways to encourage commuters from other cities in the region to
travel into Salt Lake City via transit rather than driving;
○ Expanding transit options and connections to the Salt Lake City
International Airport;
○ Making transit passes more affordable to riders throughout the region; and
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○ Expanding rail service and accessibility.

● It supports Longer-Term Goal #4, Engage on Inland Port Transportation Issues,
because freight travel to the Inland Port will affect multiple communities
throughout the region, and other communities also have opportunities to provide
supporting infrastructure and services.
● It supports Longer-Term Goal #5, Accelerate Progress Towards Electrifying the
Transportation System, by engaging with UTA and Rocky Mountain Power to
electrify bus routes, and provide supporting power infrastructure.
12
4. Longer-term goals
This section outlines five goals that could be substantially accomplished within the next
four years, and would lay the groundwork for future success beyond that.
The following table provides a summary of the goals, the key action items, and the key
issues (from section 2 of this memo) addressed by the goals and actions.
Longer-Term Goals Action Items Key Issues Addressed
1) Develop a ● Update Transportation 1) The City continues to

comprehensive vision for Master Plan grow and evolve and
transportation, including ● Become a Vision Zero City needs plans and
supporting documents, ● Bring City structure into processes that match
policies, and procedures alignment with goals the current reality and
● “One City” budgeting beyond.
approach
● Update Impact Fee Facility
Plan
2) Increase public transit ● Invest in safer, more 2) Public transit needs to

ridership and access comfortable bus stops be more useful to more
through capital ● Finish implementation of people
improvements, Phase 1 east/west bus 3) The City has major
operational investment, routes east/west transportation
transit-supportive land ● Improve access to the barriers
use, and travel demand Airport
management policies ● Set up Transportation
Management Associations
● Work with regional partners
to expand access to
affordable pass programs
● Pursue additional funding
opportunities
● Analyze opportunities /
barriers to transit use
3) Encourage more ● Mitigate barriers to 4) Walking and biking

walking and bicycling in east/west active should be more
and around the City transportation attractive travel options
● Improve intersection 3) The City has major
pedestrian safety east/west transportation
● Expand street tree program barriers
● Experiment with pedestrian
and transit malls
● Build the next generation of
13
protected bike lanes

● Integrate Safe Routes to
School into City plans
● Reintroduce traffic calming
program as “Liveable
Streets”
● Create street types that
integrate land use and
transportation
● Kickoff “Take a Walk SLC”
campaign
4) Engage on Inland Port ● Leverage state investment 5) The Inland Port

transportation Issues to ● Plan for and implement presents tremendous
ensure the best well-connected street opportunities and
outcomes network challenges
5) Accelerate progress ● Begin electrification of UTA 6) The transportation

towards cleaner / bus fleet industry is in the midst of
electrified transportation ● Promote public and private disruptive technological
system investment in electric change
vehicle charging
infrastructure
● Promote use of Tier 3 fuel
The following provides details on the goals and the key action items.
Longer-Term Goal #1: Develop a comprehensive vision for transportation,

including supporting documents, policies, and procedures.
This goal addresses Issue Statement 1 related to the need to update Transportation
Master Plan, clearly set high-level objectives, and ensure that the City structure
supports those plans and objectives.
The following table outlines action items to help create a strong, unified transportation
vision for the City. Also indicated are items that could potentially be announced, but not
implemented in the first 100 days.
Action Item Description Implementation
(a) Create a Develop a Transportation Master Plan that supports Can be

Transportati and integrates the 2015 Pedestrian and Bicycle implemented
on Master Master Plan and the 2017 Transit Master Plan. within existing
Plan that City structure and
14
provides Include clear data-driven policy objectives in the budget.

bold master plan that prioritize sustainability and the Resources have
transportatio needs of the most vulnerable users. Examples of already been
n policy key topic areas include parking policy, integration committed to this
direction with land use planning, integration of travel modes, effort. Enhanced
(100 day prioritization of public space for different travel coordination with
announcem modes, and guidelines to inform decisions regarding land use may
ent) trade-offs when there are conflicting goals. require internal
process
The Transportation Master Plan needs to include modifications.
performance measures related to the identified
goals and metrics, and the city should measure how
well the transportation system is performing based
on those goals and metrics.
The future vision and goals for transportation need

to integrate with Salt Lake City’s desired land use
pattern to ensure that streets complement the
neighborhoods around them.
The Transportation Master Plan should be

coordinated with the Wasatch Choice 2050 regional
vision.
(b) Become Provide a clear, unifying safety goal that cuts across Could be
a Vision departments. Incorporate safety into all aspects of accomplished
Zero city the transportation system from planning, design, and largely within city
(100 day construction to maintenance, operations, and departments and
announcem enforcement. This action item supports the goals for with existing
ent) improving interdepartmental coordination, as well as resources.
improving the walk and bike experience within the
City.
Key Elements of a Vision Zero City are:

1) Clear goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and
serious injuries
2) Public commitment to Vision Zero
3) Plan in place with commitment from Mayor to
implement
4) Key City departments (not just Transportation)
are engaged
(c) Make Improve coordination between City divisions and Modification of

structural departments on transportation issues. This includes structure could
and/or design, construction, maintenance and operations, be accomplished
organization as well as better coordination with land use with existing
15
al changes decisions. Create a structure that rewards resources, but

to align collaboration and sharing. Transportation functions may require
decision are scattered across different divisions and some ordinance
making, departments. Explore opportunities for consolidating changes.
budget some of the transportation functions.
decisions,
and goals Consideration should be given to hiring a third party
across to evaluate the transportation structure within the
departments City.
and
divisions
(d) Revamp The City needs a budgeting process the encourages Modification of
the and rewards inter-departmental collaboration. structure and
budgeting Revamp the budget process to create a “One City” process could be
process to approach that is more strategic, finds efficiencies accomplished
encourage through better sharing of resources, while still with existing
strategic encouraging a high level of budgetary stewardship resources, but
decision and accountability for each division and department. may require
making and some ordinance
encourage Consideration should be given to hiring a third party changes.
departments to evaluate the budgeting process and make
to work recommendations for improvements.
together
towards
common
goals
(e) Prioritize and adopt the completion of the Impact Could be done
Complete Fee Facility Plan and collaborate with other cities on with existing city
Impact Fee strategies for addressing constraints on impact fees resources, but
Facility Plan currently in place due to state statute. would require
(100 day ordinance
announcem Expand definition of “capacity” to include active changes, and
ent) transportation projects, exclusive bus lanes, first/last there would be
mile facilities, and other infrastructure that increases significant
bicycle/pedestrian capacity or transit capacity. interest from
external
stakeholders,
including
developers.
Changes in State
statute may be
necessary to fully
address this
issue.
16
Improving Inclusivity/Equitability in the City

These initiatives provide the opportunity to create a framework for intentional, data-
driven decision making, targeted at improving inclusivity and equitability in the City.
Improved transportation provides improved access to opportunity for all residents,
particularly those who need it most. Research has shown a strong tie between a
transportation system that provides access to opportunity and upward economic
mobility. It’s hard to end intergenerational poverty if those who are trying to take
advantage of opportunities can’t travel to them.
Sustainability/Environmental Stewardship Considerations

These initiatives provide the opportunity to create a framework for intentional, data-
driven decision making, targeted at improving sustainability and environmental
stewardship in the City.
Shaping the Character of the City for the Better

Transportation investments literally change the shape of the City, often for generations.
Aligning planning, goals, policies, and structures within the City will result in decision
making and outcomes that better align with high-level goals.
Longer-Term Goal #2: Increase public transit ridership and access through
capital improvements, operational investment, transit-supportive land use, and
travel demand management policies
This goal addresses issue statements 2 and 3 related to the need for improved public
transportation and mitigating barriers to east/west travel in the City.
The following table outlines action items that will help meet the goal of improving public
transit in the City.
(a) Make Set an ambitious timeline to bring all stops along The plan to make
capital Frequent Transit Network (FTN) Routes up to best these
investments design practices for people with limited mobility. improvements is in
that prioritize Ensure that these stops feel safe to a range of transit place, and the
needs of users, particularly the most vulnerable. funding stream
vulnerable (through Funding
users In particular, improve accessibility at transit stops to our Future) is
(100 day ensure they incorporate best design practices for available.
announcem people with limited mobility, and capitalize on Coordinate with
ent) opportunities to provide transit-supportive land use UTA.
on FTN Routes and surrounding TRAX stations.
(b) Finish Continue partnership with UTA to add two new The plan to make
implementati east/west bus routes to the Rose Park area, as well these
17
on of Phase as bringing the new Route 4 up to Frequent Transit improvements is in

1 Funding Network standards. place, and the
our Future funding stream
transit Move forward with “Trips to Transit” on-demand ride (through Funding
service service in key areas of the City. Ensure that this our Future) is
enhanceme service accommodates the needs of all users. available.
nts May require
(emphasize Council action.
east/west
connections)
(c) Improve Work with UTA and the SLC International Airport to Additional capital
public create a comprehensive strategy to add options and and operations
transportatio extend the hours of service to the airport. funding required.
n to the Cooperate with
airport UTA, and
encourage
employers to
provide transit
passes.
(d) Set up Transportation management associations (TMAs) This has already

Transportati work with business and other stakeholders to use been initiated
on travel demand management strategies to encourage internally.
Managemen non-single-occupant vehicle travel. For example, Resources
t parking policies can have a large impact on travel available through
Associations behavior. Work is already underway to establish a Funding our
in key areas TMA at Research Park, and potentially the Inland Future.
of the City Port area, but there is a need for others, particularly
in the downtown area.
(e) Work Currently, Salt Lake City has a partnership with UTA This would benefit
with regional for the HIVE Pass, which allows City residents to from rebranding /
partners to obtain a half-price transit pass. There are about marketing, and
expand 2,000 active users. For this program to reach its full coordination with
access to potential, it needs to be expanded in scope other partners
affordable geographically, be made less of a burden on the City such as other
pass administratively, and be made even more affordable. cities and UTA to
programs There are numerous conversations happening support the
regionally on this topic, and now is a good time to program
bring more partners to the table and revamp this
pass program.
(f) Pursue - As the region’s hub, the City is impacted by the Collaboration with
additional transportation system well beyond its borders. The other parties
federal, City is a destination for visitors from around the required.
18
state, and region, state and beyond. And it is the region’s

regional economic hub, nearly doubling in size from weekday
funding for commuters.
transportatio - The City should coordinate with regional and state
n partners to pursue additional transportation
investment. investment, particularly in regional transit service.
Improvements should be made to FrontRunner
commuter rail service to enhance its capacity,
speed, and reliability, and reduce its environmental
impact.
- The City should also pursue federal grants and
county funds for road, transit, and active
transportation projects.
g) Evaluate The City, in collaboration with UTA and WFRC, Low cost for
potential to should evaluate the potential to serve key city further analysis.
serve key destinations with enhanced transit, and assess the
regional barriers that exist to people using existing transit
destinations service to reach those destinations.
w/enhanced
transit

Improved bus service, particularly in historically underprivileged neighborhoods, directly
benefits those who now have access to more economic and other opportunities. Transit
is lower cost for users than car ownership and driving. Approaches should be designed
with consideration to needs of disabled users.

The better the public transportation system operates, the more people will use it,
resulting in fewer single-occupant vehicle trips. This reduces traffic congestion and air
emissions.

Public transit trips typically begin and end on foot. The result is more people walking
and socializing. Transit access promotes economic activity.
19
Longer-Term Goal #3: Encourage more Walking and Bicycling in and Around the
City
This goal addresses Issue Statements 3 and 4 related to the need to make the City
more friendly for walking and biking, as well as mitigating barriers to east/west travel in
the City.
The following table outlines action items that will help meet the goal of being a highly
walkable and bikable city.
(a) Improve Improve crossings over major barriers such as the High cost for
east/west railroad, large roadway facilities, highways. Example capital projects.
pedestrian projects include: Seek funding
and bicycle ● Finishing the 300 North pedestrian and from roadway
crossings at bicycle bridge over the RR tracks. owners (UDOT,
physical ● Working with UDOT to enhance county) and
barriers grants.
pedestrian and bicycle crossings at
interchanges, such as 400 South, 600
North, and 1300 South.
● Add pedestrian and bicycle bridges
over RR tracks at other key locations,
such as 900 South.
(b) Improve Develop and implement a variety of projects Modest additional

intersection that improve comfort and safety for people on city resources
pedestrian foot, such as: needed for
safety,
● Identify the top 25 most dangerous design and
including at
mid-block crosswalks (including mid-block capital
crossings crossings) and invest in safety improvements.
upgrades.
● Add longer pedestrian crossing times at
traffic signals.
● Elimination of “right turn on red” in key
intersections/areas of the City.
(c) Expands Line streets with trees in order to meet the Relatively low
the street 1,000 trees per year goal, increasing comfort, cost, but ongoing
tree safety, and air quality along streets, in close maintenance is a
program
collaboration with communities. consideration.
Engage and
20
coordinate with
local communities
and
neighborhoods.
(d) Experiment with the creation of pedestrian and Low cost, but
Experiment transit malls, starting with temporary closures requires high
with for weekends or events. Start with Main Street logistical
pedestrian
from South Temple to 400 South. coordination, and
and transit
malls potential
pushback from
drivers.
(e) Build the Develop an interdisciplinary task force to learn Low cost.
next from designs implemented by Salt Lake City, Potential
generation as well as the quickly evolving national pushback to
of protected
standards to develop practical and effective additional bike
bike lanes
design standards for protected bike lanes. lanes.
These updated design standards should be
developed with extensive feedback from the
Fire Department, persons with mobility
impairments, the aging population, etc.
(f) Integrate Safe Routes to School is a federally funded The city could
Safe Routes program that provides money for sidewalks, apply for
to School crosswalk enhancements, etc. on identified additional funding
Program
walking routes to schools. Each school is to enhance the
into City
planning required to produce a plan with safe walking program. The
and capital routes to school. However, these plans are not work to
projects well known and are not well integrated with implement would
(100 day City plans and projects. be internal, other
announcem than publicity.
ent) This action item is aimed to integrate these
plans into planning decisions to maximize the
benefit of City investments in walking safety
and improve coordination between the City
and the School District(s).
Focusing on Safe Routes to School routes

also integrates well with the Vision Zero goal.
21
SRTS could be better publicized and

encouraged as part of a broader “SLC walks”
effort. Local committees could be encouraged
to form in each school.
(g) One of the most common complaints that the Modest funding
Reintroduce Transportation Division receives is speeding for capital
the traffic on residential streets. The previous traffic improvements
calming
calming program was discontinued in 2003 would be needed.
program as
a Livable due to budget constraints and the There could also
Streets controversial nature of some traffic calming be neighborhood
program devices. A revamped program with a more resistance to
holistic approach and a neighborhood-level slowing auto
implementation strategy has the potential to speeds.
succeed. This should include a review of
street design and speed - are our streets
correctly designed for appropriate speeds?
Public Safety (Police and Fire) need to be
included in the conversations to ensure that
their needs are still met.
(h) Create Adopt and implement the street typologies Internal design
street types currently under development, which unify land and
that use types and desired street typologies to implementation.
integrate ensure that public travel spaces appropriately
land use
and reflect the characteristics of the land uses
transportatio around them.
n
(i) Define SLC could define standards for neighborhood Significant

“walkability” walkability. coordination and
and kick off outreach but
“Take a
SLC could establish a public outreach limited cost.
Walk SLC”
campaign in the Spring/Summer to encourage
walking and biking. This campaign could tie
together various other recommendations and
policies in this section.
22
Walking is the original – and lowest cost and healthiest – mode of transportation.
Experience has shown that people with a wide variety of ages and abilities will bike if
safe and comfortable infrastructure is provided. Walking and biking are also a more
social mode of travel than driving, resulting in more opportunities for social interaction
and cohesion.

Walking and bicycling are the most sustainable modes of travel, resulting in no air
emissions. They also improve health outcomes.

The most beautiful and loved streets in the world are walkable streets, built around the
needs of humans first. A more walkable Salt Lake City is one that will be healthier, more
social, and even more loved.
Longer-Term Goal #4: Engage on Inland Port transportation issues to ensure the
best outcomes.
This goal addresses issue statement 5 related to the need to mitigate impacts of the
Inland Port.
The following table outlines action items to help ensure that the transportation system in
the Inland Port area maximizes benefits and opportunities for the City and region, while
minimizing air quality and other negative outcomes.
(a) Leverage Partner with the State of Utah to explore Low cost to city;
state opportunities to shift freight from trucks onto short- significant
investment line rail, thereby reducing freight impacts on state collaboration and
as much as and local roadways and shifting travel to a more negotiation with
possible fuel-efficient mode of transportation. external
stakeholders.
Enlist the help of regional and state partners to
evaluate opportunities to expand logistical hubs in
the Provo or Ogden areas, or other parts of the
region.
(b) Take Establish an overlay zone for the Inland Port, Significant cost for
action now creating a development agreement by which capital
to create the developers must abide as construction takes place. improvements.
most Development agreements can dictate betterment Significant
appropriate requirements such as roadway improvements, coordination
transportatio multi-modal facilities, sustainable stormwater needed with
n network management practices, and other agreements. stakeholders.
23
and Enforcement of
programs in Consider establishing an “Eco-District”, a national policies once put
the Inland designation (similar to a LEED designation) that in place.
Port, and requires adherence to sustainable design
mitigate its standards for certification (see more about the
impacts on program at www.ecodistricts.org).
area
residents Create an Inland Port Transportation Management
Association, tasked with managing transportation
demand into and out of the Port, and with
collaborating with regional transportation partners
to find sustainable solutions for employees’ (and
others’) travel needs to and from the Port. This
should include exploration of public transit options
that can cost-effectively serve the Inland Port,
which is likely to have work shifts starting and
ending outside UTA’s normal bus service hours.
Adopt freight restrictions on City streets leading to

the Inland Port, and designate specific freight
routes that must be used to access the Port. Create
a monitoring and enforcement program to ensure
that drivers are obeying the restrictions, and partner
with UDOT and the Utah Highway Patrol to help
educate, increase awareness, and conduct
enforcement activities.
Create a staffed, well-lit rest area within the Inland

Port where truck drivers can safely rest and
recharge. Drivers need places where they rest
comfortably and are able to meet resting-time
requirements between shifts. Without a safe place
within the Port property, they will try to find
locations in neighborhoods where there is enough
foot traffic and people around to ensure their safety.
Revisit parking minimums for the Inland Port area.

Current parking requirements for industrial uses
may result in significant overparking in the Inland
Port, which in turn creates larger stormwater runoff
that needs to be accommodated in the utility
infrastructure.
24
The Inland Port represents job opportunities in a range of income levels and could
benefit many Salt Lake City residents, and needs to be accessible via transit to ensure
that all residents can reach those opportunities. Planning ahead for the impact of freight
helps to protect Salt Lake City’s west-side neighborhoods from the unwanted impacts of
freight traffic and truck parking.

Engaging in the development of the Inland Port is critical to ensure that construction
happens as sustainably as possible. There are tools that the City can tap into and
create to be the best environmental stewards that we can be, but these tools and
processes can take time to develop and timing will be of the essence. Encouraging
more rail and less truck freight has a lower environmental impact. Providing transit
options for workers to access the Port will limit auto-dependent travel.

The Inland Port represents a large piece of Salt Lake City’s undeveloped land. By
proactively engaging in the development approval process, Salt Lake City can create an
important regional and national transportation hub that provides employment
opportunities to residents and mitigates environmental impacts as much as possible.
Longer-Term Goal #5: Accelerate progress towards cleaner and electrified

transportation system
This goal addresses issue statement 6 related to the need to leverage emerging
technologies to meet the City’s goals.
The following table outlines action items that will help meet the goal of improving public
transit in the City.
(a) Work Work with UTA and Rocky Mountain Power to High capital cost
with UTA to electrify at least two bus routes by 2024. Likely to convert bus
make Route 2 and one other route. fleet. Coordination
meaningful with UTA
progress to required.
electrify the
bus fleet
(b) Identify Specific action items include the following: Costs for RMP to
and remove ● Convene a task force of industry experts provide
barriers for ● Work with Rocky Mountain Power to identify connectivity.
public and needed upgrades to the grid Costs for public
private ● Look for opportunity to leverage City property entities for
investment and assets installation on
25
in electric public property.

vehicle
charging
infrastructur
e
(c) Promote SLC has the opportunity to be a leader in Low cost.

Tier 3 Fuel encouraging the use of Tier 3 fuels by promoting High collaboration
availability and making the public aware of where those fuels needed with
(100 day are sold, in collaboration with other public and private
announcem private stakeholders. stakeholders, e.g.
ent) gas stations,
Work with the State to promote/require “Tier 3 Fuel state, and other
Available Here” be prominently displayed at all gas cities.
stations and kept current to fuel inventory and start
installing signage.

Poor air quality disproportionately impacts historically lower-income neighborhoods.
These initiatives will result in cleaner air, particularly in these lower-elevation
neighborhoods.

Electrifying the public and private vehicle fleets has the potential to significantly reduce
localized air pollution and reduce the City’s carbon footprint.

City pride from a cleaner transportation system. Need to be careful that space allocated
for EV charging doesn’t negatively impact walking and biking environment.
26
7. Appendices.
A. Initial issues and ideas brainstorm results
B. Mendenhall campaign policy paper on transportation
C. Access to Opportunities maps for Salt Lake City
D. Supplemental goals for consideration
27
Appendix A: Initial issues and ideas brainstorm results
28
29
Appendix B: Mendenhall campaign policy paper on transportation
30
31
32
33
Appendix C: Access to Opportunities maps for Salt Lake City
Access to opportunities, also referred to as accessibility or ATO, is a way to measure

how well people can connect to basic needs and amenities including jobs, schools,
grocery and other retail, parks, community centers, recreation, and entertainment.
Broadly, ATO metrics quantify how well the current and future transportation system
works with land use (e.g., location of housing, jobs, education) to help our economy
thrive. More directly, increased accessibility can have significant impacts on community
livability as well as individual mobility and, therein, self-determination and the ability to
ascend the socioeconomic ladder.
34
Appendix D: Supplemental goals and ideas for consideration
1. Transit:
a. Extend free fare transit south to 900 S, east to University and west to
Airport (contingent on U of U and Airport providing Eco passes to
employees).
b. Add FrontRunner to the Hive Pass, and expand awareness and
education for the Hive Pass.
c. Use value capture (e.g., Transportation Reinvestment Zone – TRZ)
to fund a free transit privilege within SLC. This could be mobile app-
based so riders would still virtually tap-on/off.
d. Consider “nudge” techniques to encourage residents to sign up for
the Hive Pass (make it the default on vehicle registrations, school
registrations, utility bills, etc.).
e. Negotiate a better price from UTA if the City is able to significantly
increase the number of pass holders, and have UTA take over the
administration of the pass.
f. Create dedicated bus lanes with transit signal priority to improve
efficiency, travel time and reliability.
g. Support the 5600 West express bus project.
h. Add weekend express ski bus service from downtown with potential
pickup at East or Highland parking lots.
i. Transit priority routes with signal priority, bus pads in-stream to
reduce pulling out, priority lanes, charging ports for scooters at bus
stops.
2. Bike/ped:
a. Update pedestrian-scale wayfinding maps/signage in downtown
areas.
b. Initiate the GREENbike vision and strategic plan – GREENbike
needs to be more nimble and inclusive of other technologies. Extend
GREENbike to U of U, Poplar Grove, Rosepark, and Sugar House.
c. Set timeline for enforcing existing SLC sidewalk upkeep
requirements, for businesses and residential owners, with fines.
Invigorate 50/50 sidewalk repair cost share for residents (and budget
for this appropriately).
d. Revamp the bike parking program, and provide more places for
people to safely secure their bikes around the City. Streamline the
process for businesses to request bike racks and get them permitted
and installed.
e. Build out the Neighborhood Byway network.
35
f. Think through funding of O+M for trails projects to ensure their long-
term quality. Consider feasibility of using alleys (mostly a privately
owned resource) to promote more walkability and connectivity.
3. Street design/safety:
a. Create a fund to be able to contract out specialized street
maintenance needs, such as repainting green bike lanes.
b. Prioritize better maintenance of roads on the west side.
c. Build more pedestrian refuge islands to help with crossing wide
streets.
4. Plans/policies:
a. Work with Council to adopt the Streetlight Master Plan (currently
underway).
b. Work with Council to adopt the Complete Street ordinance (currently
underway).
c. Work with Council to adopt the Street and Intersection Typology
Design Guide (currently underway)..
d. Update the urban design guidelines
5. Area-specific plans/projects
a. Full implementation (or committed funding) for the Foothill Trails
Master Plan.
b. Finish 9 Line.
c. Update, then implement Sugar House Circulation Plan.
d. Implement 500 South/600 South Gateways.
e. Implement Life on State (first three-block phase is underway).
6. Develop new standards on how to deal with micromobility options, or follow
national best practices on design for micromobility. Introduce camera-
enforced tickets for sidewalk scooting.
7. Explore policy tools such as a road user charge (in coordination with
UDOT), which would more directly connect an individual’s use of the
roadway system to the fees that they pay for that use, and develop
incentives to get people to change their travel behavior.
8. Launch a campaign for residents to use the existing SLC Mobile platform to
crowdsource a fuller list of street and sidewalk infrastructure issues
including those that impact cyclists, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.
9. Retrofit wide roads to accommodate multiple modes, and create a tool to
gauge whether road diets are feasible based on technical data.
10. Initiate a plan to address growth in app-based ride hailing services and to
prepare for connected/autonomous vehicles, including:
a. Efforts to encourage ride sharing, sustainability, and equity
b. Data sourcing and sharing
36
c. Coordination with state and regional agencies on planning and

infrastructure needs
d. Communications infrastructure (infrastructure speaking to the cars,
helping them speak to each other)
e. Curb management and interactions with on-street parking, transit,
and bicycling.
11. Establish an all-electric city fleet (for vehicles used more than four hours
per day).
12. Work with UP and SLG&W railroads to ensure all yard-service locomotives
are as clean as possible.
13. Adopt policies for TNCs on access/service for riders with disabilities esp.
Wheelchairs.
37

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Economic Development

Economic Development Transition Subcommittee

December 20, 2019

Dear Mayor-Elect Mendenhall,

Silvia Castro, Co-Chair, Suazo Business Center

Following extensive feedback from a variety of community members, community organizations,

Action Item Ordinance Budgetary Executive Utah State

Focus Area 1: Embrace Tech Lake City

Create a Tech Industry No No Yes No

Create a Development No No Yes No

Transition the Economic Yes No Yes No

Overhaul West Side Master Plan Yes No Yes No

Evaluate Use of RDA Tools on No No Yes Possibly

Focus Area 3: Salt Lake City’s Story: Brand, Districts, Art

Catalyze Business Districts Yes Yes Yes No

Public Art: Streamline and Yes Yes Yes No

Mayor-Elect Mendenhall charged the Transition Steering Committee to be inclusive in this

Staff (current and past) interviewed:

A list of roundtable attendees is provided in an attachment hereto.

The Subcommittee also reviewed the following publications and reports:

1. Embrace “Tech Lake City”

A. Focus Area 1: Embrace “Tech Lake City”

Current impediments to developing a Tech Ecosystem in Salt Lake City:

Attachment 1 – Roundtable Participant Lists

Monday, December 2, 2:00pm - 3:30pm at EDCUtah

Wednesday, December 4, 10:00am - 11:30am at EDCUtah

Tuesday, December 10, 10:00am - 11:30am at Suazo Business Center (Spanish-Speaking)

II. Key Opportunities

Mayor-elect Mendenhall has an unprecedented opportunity to make a real impact on

III. Short-term Goals

1. Does recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? ​Yes, through

IV. Long-term Goal & Objectives

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

Land used for Parking

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

Urban Agriculture for Carbon Drawdown and Food security

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

City Planning and Development

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

Regional Land Use

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? ​Yes, the

Sustainable Water Infrastructure

2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? ​Water

Water Source Protection (Local, Regional, State)

Jordan River Corridor Protection and Enhancement

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

Great Salt Lake/Bear River

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city?​ Yes, many of

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? ​Yes, this is a

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? ​Yes, the

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? ​Yes, it should

Stakeholder Survey Responses

Discussion Meeting Participants

Feedback sent as attachments

Sustainable Food Resolution

Questions and Process

1. Does recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, through

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, the

2. Does this recommendation consider sustainability/environmental stewardship? Water

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, many of

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, this is a

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, the

1. Does this recommendation improve inclusivity/equitability in the city? Yes, it should