🦌 Saving Utah deer

Your tax dollars are on the agenda. Tomorrow, Aug. 11, Salt Lake City leaders will hold a Truth-in-Taxation hearing, where residents can weigh in on a proposed property tax increase. At the same time, more than 70 proposals for the Capital Improvement Program are in review. If you’ve ever wanted a say in how the city invests your money, this is one of your best opportunities.

• What’s a Truth-in-Taxation hearing? Utah law requires cities to hold a public hearing before increasing property tax revenue above a certain level. It’s your chance to weigh in before the City Council finalizes the property tax rate for Fiscal year 2026-27. The proposed increase would raise the city’s property tax revenue by 9.16%, adding about $13.8 million annually. [Salt Lake City]
• What’s the Capital Improvement Program? It’s the city’s annual process for funding major public infrastructure projects, like parks, sidewalks, trails, libraries, and street safety improvements. Projects must cost at least $50,000, last five or more years, and be located on city-owned property. Many proposals come directly from residents. A final vote is expected by Aug. 25. [Salt Lake City]
• What’s on the table? This year’s proposals include safer school crossings, a new off-leash dog park, lighting for Glendale Park’s pickleball courts, more than 100 new trees along 700 East, and a $2 million landscaping overhaul of the 9 Line Trail. [Axios Salt Lake City]
• Want to weigh in? You can comment in person, online, or by email. Here’s our guide to making an effective public comment ahead of tomorrow’s hearing. [City Cast Salt Lake ]

Saving Utah’s Deer

Utah spent more than $55 million to help the mule deer population recover after drought and harsh winters. [Utah Department of Wildlife Resources]

National Parks Stop Reporting Deaths

The National Park Service has quietly stopped confirming deaths and serious injuries in national parks under new Interior Department guidance, leaving fatality announcements to unspecified “proper authorities.” [KPCW]

Avoid 700 East ConstructionConstruction on 700 East in Salt Lake City has been causing major delays. Officials from the Utah Department of Transportation say the repaving project could last through October, and they recommend taking 900 East or State Street instead, especially during evening rush hour traffic. [Salt Lake Tribune]

A Tall Arrival at the Zoo

It’s a downright baby boom at the Utah Hogle Zoo. They recently welcomed a baby female giraffe weighing 159 pounds and standing at 6 feet tall. [Utah Hogle Zoo]

What's SLC’s New Community Living Room? What can a group of Salt Lakers get from the developer of the Fleet Block on 800 South? We take a look at what's on the table for the city's first ever community benefits agreement. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

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