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City Cast Salt Lake

Local Civics

What's being decided in Salt Lake City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and how you can have a say in your government.

Emily Means

It's been a minute since the 2026 legislative session ended, which has been great for our collective blood pressure here in Utah.

But some of us are still noodling over what happened — like me, Emily Means, City Cast Salt Lake's executive producer and a former politics reporter. I'm obsessed with the drama that unfolded on the final night, when the Senate passed a bill after the midnight deadline and had to void the results.

, which FOX 13 reporter Ben Winslow coined the 

 Lawmakers seem keen to revisit the idea in the future, so let's talk about this proposal that asks: Is Salt Lake County too big?

The TL;DR of this 352-line legislation is it provided a pathway for a group of cities to leave a county and form their own. Why would they want to do that? Maybe their politics don't align with county leadership; maybe they think they can offer better services to their residents.

Now, there's already a way for citizens to initiate a split, but HB 212 created a different process:

The city councils of the cities that want to leave vote to do so. Their combined population needs to be at least one-third of the county's population, and they can't split a city with the proposed boundaries of the new county.

Those cities fund a study to determine the cost of leaving and how the new county will do all the things it's required to do, like having a health department and a sheriff.

In the next general election, if a majority of voters in 

 the "old" and "new" counties approve the split, it's official.

The bill specifically applies to counties with a population greater than one million residents. That means only Salt Lake County qualifies (at 1.2 million residents), though Utah County is inching closer with about 800,000.

The Salt Lake County Council voted to take a neutral stance on the bill. There was no public comment on it during its legislative hearings.

Back to this question about Salt Lake County being too big. Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, sponsored the bill. During his presentations, he kept saying — and I'm paraphrasing here — that as government gets bigger, it moves further away from who it represents.

I called up Teuscher and asked what he meant by that.

" What happens is the county continues to grow and grow and provide certain services, and they don't get as much feedback from what people really want," he said. "It becomes this sort of invisible layer of government that doesn't have a very good check and isn't well connected to people."

Teuscher said now that there are "wall-to-wall" cities across Salt Lake, there's a lot of overlap between municipal and county services, like libraries, parks, and law enforcement. Fewer than 12,000 residents live in unincorporated areas, meaning they're not part of a city and Salt Lake County government is the only local government they have.

As far as a number, Teuscher said he couldn't give a "perfect answer for what the right size" is. According to an analysis of Census data by 

, Salt Lake County is the 39th largest county in the U.S.

Mostly, Teuscher told me he hoped the bill could give cities "leverage" to challenge the county's role and how resources are allocated.

" I'm not even necessarily sold on the fact that we have to split Salt Lake County," he said. "But my fear is … that the county itself holds so tightly to those types of things that the only way that you might be able to start having a real conversation like that is by looking at splitting the county."

Here's the burning question for me: What cities want to leave Salt Lake County? I asked Teuscher directly, and he said he's talked with some mayors about it, but he "[doesn't] think there are any cities that are willing to go on the record right now to say that."

However, the Salt Lake County Council meeting on Jan. 27, 2026 gives some clues. During a discussion about HB 212, Councilmember Sheldon Stewart, from the southwestern part of the valley, said, "There is a segment of our population, which I represent, that really has struggled, especially with Salt Lake City."

Stewart elaborated that it's not about political ideology but rather transit funding. He said there's "resentment" among cities in his area that feel their access to transit isn't as robust as Salt Lake City's for what they spend.

So, I emailed the mayors of the five cities that seemed most likely to be disgruntled — Herriman, South Jordan, West Jordan, Bluffdale, and Riverton.

All of them said essentially the same thing: They aren't involved in any discussions about splitting the county.

The strongest response came from Riverton Mayor Tish Buroker.

"I do not support, and would not consider, separating from Salt Lake County," she said. "One of the reasons the County is moving their offices from 2100 South to Midvale is to be more accessible to the southwest quadrant of the valley, which is appreciated. I look forward to continuing to work with Salt Lake County."

OK, zero-for-five on the most likely cities. So, I decided to go big and ask every municipal mayor in the county — all 23 of them — if they've discussed or considered leaving Salt Lake County.

I heard back from 17 of them by the time we published this story: Alta, Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Holladay, Kearns, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, Riverton, Sandy, Salt Lake City, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Taylorsville, West Jordan, and White City. Again, 

 of them told me they had not discussed or considered leaving Salt Lake County. Except Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, who declined to comment. You can read all of the mayors' responses below.

Midvale Mayor Dustin Gettel mentioned the strength of the city's partnership with the county. But beyond that, he said the nuts and bolts of splitting "would make it extremely difficult to justify."

"Standing up a new county would come with significant costs to taxpayers, require rebuilding services and infrastructure that the county already provides effectively, and demand years of time and staff resources that our city would much rather invest in serving our residents," Gettel said. "It's just not something that makes sense for Midvale."

FYI, I asked Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson's office about the bill and if they were aware of any cities that wanted to leave. A spokesperson declined to comment, except to point to the County Council's neutral stance on the legislation.

HB 212 failed this session, but Teuscher said this is a long game for him. He introduced the bill in the 2025 general session and will likely bring it back next year. There's been whispers that the Legislature may revisit it in a special session, but Teuscher doesn't expect that.

" I think it's an important bill, but it is not an urgent bill," he said.

In the meantime, Salt Lakers will ponder: What's the proper size of a county government? Or maybe that's just what keeps nerds like me awake at night.

When the 2026 legislative session ended, the Senate passed a bill after the midnight deadline: HB 212, coined the "Salt Lake County divorce bill."  Lawmakers seem keen to revisit the idea in the future, so let's talk about it: Is Salt Lake County too big?

Do Some Cities Want to Leave Salt Lake County?

What's being decided in Salt Lake City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Salt Lake City Council. 

Salt Lake Election and City Hall News

Terina Ria

 for the first time since 2022. So what does that mean exactly and how can you help conserve water?

While reservoir levels are currently stable, this year’s snowpack and spring runoff are well below average, which means less water flowing into the system. City leaders are asking residents and businesses to use less water right now to avoid stricter restrictions later.

Reduce water use by 10 million gallons per day, citywide. For Salt Lakers, that reduction is voluntary but strongly encouraged.

You can likely delay lawn watering until early May, though trees and shrubs (especially new ones) may still need occasional watering. Follow the 

: Look for broken heads (you know, the ones spraying sidewalks instead of plants), small fixes can save a surprising amount of water.

: Dripping faucets, running toilets, or worn fixtures equal wasted water.

Extra Credit (Even More Ways to Save Water)

: Available with your water bill, it shows how much water you’re using and where you could cut back.

! An expert will come out and help you fine-tune your outdoor watering system for efficiency.

 that uses 30% less water and rebates are available for landscaping changes.

Salt Lake City is back in a Stage 2 drought advisory for the first time since 2022. So what does that mean exactly and how can you help conserve water?

SLC Just Entered a Stage 2 Drought Advisory. Here’s What to Know (and Do)

The 2026 legislative session is over, and Salt Lakers can finally stop holding their breath. While last year's meeting of lawmakers 

 on the capital city's back, this year was a bit more friendly. Still, some bills kept locals on their toes.

: Requires SLC (and only SLC) to get approval from the Utah Dept. of Transportation to improve safety on certain streets through traffic-calming measures, like bike/bus lanes.

: The city has a major goal to end traffic-related fatalities by 2035, and advocates say the way to do that is to slow traffic. There's also language in the bill to "mitigate the impacts" of recently constructed bike/bus lanes on 200 South, 300 West, and 400 South, though it's unclear what that could look like.

: ✅ Passed and headed to the governor's desk

: Renames 900 South aka Harvey Milk Boulevard in Salt Lake City to Charlie Kirk Boulevard.

: Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, said he wanted to recognize the impact of

, who was killed at Utah Valley University last fall. Local businesses and residents opposed the proposal and said the street honoring LGBTQ activist Harvey Milk was 

: ❌ Failed and never even got a hearing

: The Legislature didn't fund the 1,300-bed homeless campus planned for Salt Lake City's west side and in fact 

 it had previously set aside for the massive project.

: Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla pitched legislation to get 

 (her constituents) on the Homeless Services Board. After its first vote in the Senate it didn't go anywhere.

: 😵‍💫 Confusion over what the heck is happening with the campus

: Overall, it seems like SLC came away mostly unscathed. Mayor's Office spokesperson Andrew Wittenberg said the city appreciates the "relationships and mutual respect" it has with lawmakers and is "grateful for the statewide focus of the Utah Legislature during the 2026 general session.”

My analysis of that comment? "😮‍💨"

The 2026 legislative session is over, and Salt Lakers can finally stop holding their breath. Here are some bills that kept locals on their toes.

2026 Utah Legislative Bills Impacting Salt Lake City

The 2026 Bills That Kept SLC on Its Toes

 do, but have you heard of a community council? It’s a great way to get involved in the decisions that impact our everyday lives.

Salt Lake City’s community councils are volunteer-run, neighborhood-based advisory groups. They’re not part of the formal “strong mayor” system (mayor and city council), but they are officially recognized by the city and serve as a direct line between residents and City Hall.

Community councils weigh in on things like new developments and zoning changes, host public meetings with city officials, and help identify neighborhood priorities. They can issue formal recommendations to city decision makers, and while they don’t have the final say, their input can influence outcomes. One example is reimagining urban spaces through the 

If you live or work in the neighborhood, it’s easy to get involved in a community council.

Volunteer at events or other initiatives.

, where high school-aged students can gain hands-on experience in civic engagement by working with local leaders to research issues, debate public policy, and develop leadership skills.

Want to find your community council? Salt Lake City has 

 for that. If you live outside of Salt Lake City proper, a quick search of your neighborhood name + “community council” should do the trick.

We told you what a mayor does and the city council, but have you heard of a community council? It’s a great way to get involved in the decisions that impact our everyday lives.

What’s a Community Council?

We’re about halfway through the 2026 Utah legislative session, and lawmakers are debating a number of bills that could have a big impact on the lives of Salt Lakers. Here’s what to keep an eye on.

SB250 would dedicate $200 million to protect the Great Salt Lake, without raising taxes. The funds would be redirected from the proposed Bear River Development, which would drain more water from the lake, to buy water rights and preserve the lake’s long term health.

HB174 would turn the state’s 2023 moratorium into a permanent ban of hormonal gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors.

Restrictions on Adult Gender-Affirming Care Coverage

HB193 bill would restrict publicly funded employers from offering health insurance plans that cover gender-affirming care for adults.

Both HB174 and HB193 have advanced to the Senate for further consideration.

SB45 would ban kratom, a plant some chronic pain patients use as an alternative to opioids. Supporters cite rising addiction rates and kratom-related deaths, while critics warn a total ban would harm people who rely on the natural leaf for pain relief.

SB242 would further limit Salt Lake City’s control over street planning by requiring state involvement in traffic-calming projects like bike lanes and lane reductions.

Utah Bills To Watch

Bills, Bills, Bills To Watch

After federal immigration agents shot and killed two people in Minneapolis, many people across the country and in our own backyard are asking: What can I do to help? Here are a few impactful action steps.

One of the simplest and most powerful ways you can support your neighbors is to understand your rights during interactions with ICE. The ACLU of Utah offers practical guides if 

You have the right to call a lawyer and you don’t have to sign anything without a lawyer.

You have the right to access information in a language you understand.

Immigration agents cannot access private areas (your home, your business) without a judicial warrant signed by a judge with the date and full name of the person they seek.

You can make a big impact by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing these resources with your network.

: Provides pro bono and low-cost immigration legal services in the Wasatch Back.

: Connects immigrant communities in Utah with resources to build their social and political power.

: A network of nonprofits working to expand immigration legal services and representation for those in need across Utah.

: They’ve launched a Court Support Program, where trained volunteers offer support and resources at court or immigration hearings. The 

Let your elected officials know your stance, like demanding they vote no on funding the Department of Homeland Security. Websites like 

 to find your representatives and provide ready-made scripts tailored to the issues that matter most to you.

When ICE Threatens Our Neighbors, Here's How Salt Lakers Can Act

Today marks the first day of Utah’s 45-day 2026 legislative session. Here are 

as lawmakers convene at the Capitol in Salt Lake City.

Lawmakers face a major budget crunch, partly due to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which 

, lowering the rate from 4.5% to 4.45%. According to Voices for Utah Children, the move would cost the state $83.6 million annually, with only about half of Utah households seeing modest savings, while the wealthiest earners benefit the most.

This session’s buzzword is ~ affordability ~

Utah is far from meeting Gov. Spencer Cox’s goal to build 35,000 starter homes in five years, with just over 6,000 built so far. Lawmakers are considering 

 by funding infrastructure, using surplus state land, and streamlining city approval processes.

Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, introduced the 

 to keep ICE out of churches, hospitals, and libraries, and bar agents from wearing facial coverings. Meanwhile, Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, is pushing 

 from accessing public assistance like SNAP, housing, and driving privileges.

Harvey Milk Boulevard to Charlie Kirk Boulevard

. The proposal has sparked significant pushback, with over 140 local business and property owners, plus roughly 3,000 supporters statewide, signing a petition against the change.

Utahns can follow legislation in real time through the

. The site allows you to search by bill number, sponsor, or topic, track amendments, and see votes.

🧖‍♀️ Pro tip: As we gird our loins for the next 45 days, may I suggest 

More info on Utah's legislative session

Today marks the first day of Utah’s 45-day 2026 legislative session. Here are five things to know as lawmakers convene at the Capitol in Salt Lake City.

5 Things You Should Know About the 2026 Utah Legislative Session

A new year means a new slate of laws officially on the books. As 2026 kicked off, 

 went into effect, some small, some pretty noticeable. Here are a few you should know about.

Utahns who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, can no longer use those funds to purchase soft drinks.

Under HB437, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores must now check the ID of every customer, not just those who appear under 35. The law also cracks down on drunk driving by barring people convicted of “extreme DUI” from purchasing alcohol for a set period of time.

With wildfires becoming more common, Utah is updating how fire risk is handled by insurers. HB48 requires insurance companies to use the state’s official wildfire risk map when setting rates. If your insurer raises rates by 20% or drops coverage due to wildfire risk, they must provide justification.

SB330 significantly lowers the number of training hours required to become a licensed cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, nail technician, or eyelash technician.

HB190 clarifies the difference between lane filtering (allowed when traffic is stopped) and lane splitting (now an infraction when traffic is moving) for motorcyclists. The law also bans motorcycle wheelies on highways and requires license plates to be attached to the vehicle.

A new year means a new slate of laws officially on the books. As 2026 kicked off, 25 new Utah laws went into effect, some small, some pretty noticeable. Here are a few you should know about.

5 New Utah Laws You Should Know

Salt Lake City has no shortage of ways to give back, especially around the holidays. Here are some local drives to help our neighbors this season. 

, collecting diapers, wipes, formula, paper towels, and toilet paper to support families in need. Donations can be dropped off at Culture Coffee in Fairpark or Azúcar Café in West Valley during their business hours.

Through Sunday, Dec. 21, the Salt Lake City Council is collecting non-perishable food items in partnership with the Food Justice Coalition. Find a 

 on Saturday, Dec. 20 for all your last-minute shopping needs. At the event, they’ll also be collecting 

 is a simple way to give back. Grab an ornament from the tree, pay the suggested amount, and 100% will be donated to families of Hillside Middle School — no shopping required!

Ways To Give Back This Holiday Season

Opportunities To Give Back This Holiday Season

Selena Seay-Reynolds

By Utah law, the first week of December is Avalanche Awareness Week! And with good reason. According to the Utah Avalanche Center, 

 just last winter. You don’t have to be deep in the backcountry to be on guard for 

 so get the basics now so you’re ready when the snow … finally … arrives.

 are the most common and deadly, traveling 60-80 miles per hour. They happen when heavy snow rapidly falls on weaker snow layers, causing the weaker layer to break off in a “slab” and 

. Wind is the most common cause of avalanches — when heavy winds move snow from one side of the mountain to the other.

). But, in 90% of all avalanche accidents, the avalanche was triggered by the victim or someone in the victim's party, according to the 

. Just like the pressure of snow falling on top of weaker underlying layers, the pressure that human activity adds can cause a slab avalanche. 

The “whump” sound of settling snow underfoot

, direction on how to dig a snow pit and use a beacon, wilderness first aid demonstrations, and activities for kids this week! 

 at The Pinebrook Public Beacon Park | Park City (4-6:30 p.m.)

Blue Ice and Billy Haas: The Mindset Shift

 at Lone Pine Gear Exchange | SLC (7:30-9:30 p.m.)

 at Park City Day School | Park City (4-6:30 p.m.)

18th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW)

 before you go playing in snowy mountains!

The first week of December is Avalanche Awareness Week! Here are events as well as tips and tricks to prepare you to be safe when the snow finally arrives.