🏠 Why some people hate SLC’s housing proposal

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission voted unanimously last Wednesday to endorse a controversial housing proposal that has some residents heated.

• The “Expanding Housing Options” ordinance would allow property owners to build small single-family homes, duplexes, and other types of housing on smaller lots, with heights capped at 30 feet. It would change the rules in six residential zones, covering about 33,000 properties. [Salt Lake City Government, KSL]
• Residents against the proposal worry about corporate investors buying up properties, loss of neighborhood character, and strain on infrastructure, such as water and parking. Even one commissioner, who voted in favor, admitted he has no idea what the unintended consequences will be. City planners say the goal is to add more housing options in the hopes of lowering costs. [KSL]
• Affordability is at the heart of the debate: A Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report found 91% of renters statewide are priced out of homeownership, and that smaller homes tend to be more affordable. For now, it’s still cheaper to rent. [Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute]
• The proposal now heads to the Salt Lake City Council, which has the final say. It’s unclear when they might review the policy, but we spoke to a former city council member about the angles they could consider. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Utah Gets $60M for Great Salt Lake

The federal government will give the state $60 million after settling a decades-long fight over who owns land at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. In return, Utah is dropping its claim to 22,311 acres along the lake, which will officially become part of the refuge. The money will arrive over the next 26 months, and all of it is earmarked for the lake. [FOX 13]

Grab Your 'El Niño' Sign

Have you seen a “Vote Super El Niño 2026-2027” campaign sign around Deer Valley? No, El Niño isn’t on the ballot this year. The signs are part of a campaign to get people talking about the weather event that skiers hope will bring lots of snow this winter. You can pick up a free sign at Ski Utah’s headquarters on Friday, Oct. 2. [KSL]

Ryan Smith Wants an MLB Expansion

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner Ryan Smith told Front Office Sports his group will aggressively pursue a Major League Baseball team for Utah if the opportunity arises. Smith pointed to how quickly he landed the Mammoth and said his group prefers to work behind the scenes when going after new franchises. [Front Office Sports 🔒]

Apply For an SLC Arts Grant

If you have a cool idea that engages the community through art, you might be able to get $2,000 or $4,000 for it from the Salt Lake City Arts Council. Some eligible projects include concerts, workshops, and murals. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Oct. 25. [Salt Lake City Arts Council]

Should You Move to the 'Burbs?

A former Salt Lake City council member left the big city for the suburbs of Davis County. Is the grass greener on the other side, and should we join him? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

• ICU Registered Nurse at Huntsman Cancer Institute
• Water Conservation Coordinator at Utah Division of Water Resources | $27.42 - $41.19 per hour
• Female Personal Care Assistants | $15 per hour or $35 per shift
• Front and Back of House at La Casa Del Tamal
• Executive Director at Ignite! Utah | $75,000 - $90,000 per year
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• Docent at Museum of Utah
• Creative Lab Supervisor at Salt Lake City Public Library | $68,993.60 per year