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City Cast Salt Lake

Terina Ria

Are you keeping up with Salt Lake news? See how much stuck with this week’s mini crossword.

Pssst: You’ll find the answers in recent 

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?

Local Civics

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

Salt Lake City has one of the best-rated airports in the country, but it’s also among the 

. If you’re headed there soon for spring travel, here’s what you should check out, from budget-friendly to a little more indulgent.

The airport offers three sensory rooms for travelers who may get overstimulated in busy terminals. They’re equipped with bean bags, soft lighting, and activity panels.

 to get a craft beer and feed your family.

What I appreciate about the SLC airport is many of the restaurants don’t gouge their prices, and the new Aubergine Kitchen is no exception. Try the acai bowls and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with roasted veggies and hearty grains.

: a med spa offering “non-invasive services.”

Not-your-average souvenir shop, this was created in partnership with the National Parks Foundation which helps preserve our national parks through ongoing conservation efforts.

View the airport’s latest art installation in Concourse B, “Swallows in Flight,” which includes over 2,000 laser-cut acrylic swallows.

: A Swig, Moochie’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and the last 11 gates in the final phase of the airport’s $5 billion redevelopment.

Headed to the airport for the upcoming holidays? The Salt Lake City international airport is often ranked as one of the best in the country (and even the world). Here are a few new spots to check out while you’re there.

The Best of the Salt Lake City International Airport

Get To Know the Salt Lake City International Airport

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

In Salt Lake, we’re all fools for April. Collectively, we’ve decided it’s spring whether or not the weather agrees. Here’s 

Your Guide to April 2026 in Salt Lake

If you’re planning a summer wedding, consider a unique bouquet option. Chelbie Glassworks offers a two-day stained glass class where you’ll craft three flower stems. You can either choose from patterns or create your own.

Switch up your usual iced coffee order with a matcha at JJ Coffee. Their spring menu features matcha slushies, matcha cloud (coconut water and matcha cold foam) and coconut water matcha (like a matcha latte with coconut water instead of milk).

If you started your spring gardening and have some extra plants/seedlings to share, head to the Marmalade library on April 18 for a plant swap. The rules are simple: bring some, take some. The library will also have some pots, soil, gardening tools, and plants available.

April is the perfect time to take a guided walking tour with Preservation Utah, because it’s not too hot and it’s not too cold, all you need is a light jacket. Learn the local history behind the Salt Lake City and County building or the meditation chapel in Memory Grove.

April 18 at Fallen Angel Tattoos in West Jordan. Proceeds support Salt Lake County Animal Services. Also, adoptable pets will be there.

Grab tickets to a Utah Mammoth game on April 9 or April 14 and a portion goes to the Humane Society of Utah. You’ll also get a Mammoth dog toy!

In Salt Lake, we’re all fools for April. Collectively, we’ve decided it’s spring whether or not the weather agrees. Here’s what to check out this month.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in April 2026

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

Welcome to our rolling list of all the best, new restaurants opening around Salt Lake!

Salt Lake’s food and drink scene is always growing. Here are the latest openings worth trying.

Located in a historic building in downtown Salt Lake City and inspired by East Coast oyster houses and classic martini bars. Heads up, it’s 21+ only.

, you’ll find classic New York-style slices at this Marmalade neighborhood spot. Even better, they serve alcohol and are open until 11 p.m. daily.

A few miles south, across from Liberty Park, Via Veneto Pizzarium is slinging Roman-style pizza al taglio (by the cut). The slices are rectangular, and sold by weight, so it’s perfect for trying a bunch of different flavors.

A Sicilian-inspired restaurant that opened last week, a block away from Via Veneto. Come here for the pasta and stay for the Sicilian desserts like torta setteveli (a layered chocolate and hazelnut cake).

Another day, another coffee shop — we can never have too many. Ten is located at 636 S. 200 W. (attached to Momomaru), and brings a bit of L.A. vibes to Salt Lake City. They offer coffee, matcha, and bagel sandwiches.

This month's restaurant feature is a story of what's old is new again, with the revamping of familiar favorites and fresh faces popping up in shuttered spaces.

The triumphant return of a legendary sandwich shop, Grove Market and Deli has reopened after a monthslong closure, following the sale to a new owner. Go here for a cold-cut sandwich as big as your face and a massive hot sauce selection.

From coffee truck, to brick and mortar, and back to coffee truck again, Old Cuss has officially put down roots in Downtown SLC. The cafe on Pierpont Avenue serves up specialty lattes, vegetarian sandwiches, and fresh pastries. Try their classic black currant latte.

This taco shop brings a taste of Los Angeles flavor to Murray; executive chef Luis Perez is Michelin-recognized for his Mexican restaurant in Santa Ana. La Lola's blue-corn tortillas are made in house daily.

New brunch alert! The Brick opened recently in the old Cafe Niche space (another former breakfast spot) on 300 South. Their menu lists classic breakfast items and sandwiches. Looks like they're dipping their toe in the dinner scene, too.

Italian-Japanese fusion hits Downtown on 200 South, where Laziz Kitchen used to be. Gossip comes from the chefs behind Mint Sushi and Tapas (a personal favorite) and Carmine's. They're positioning it as a speakeasy, so check out their cocktails.

Another blending of cultures, Killa Nikkei brings together Peruvian and Japanese cuisine in the building that formerly housed Current Fish & Oyster. This spot still serves seafood, though, with a focus on ceviches and sushi rolls, plus Peruvian classics, like lomo saltado and anticuchos.

The latest restaurant openings in Salt Lake are all about comfort food and cozy coffee shops.

Maven District has a new bakery, soft opening this weekend from 9 a.m. to sold out. Bury me in layers of croissants.

A one-stop shop for Vietnamese food and coffee in a refurbished bank in West Valley.

 this past summer, Cali-based Sidecar Doughnuts is finally open for business.

Previously a mobile coffee cart, Mecca opened a brick-and-mortar in the Granary District.

Southern-style cooking in West Jordan including fried catfish and chicken and waffles.

A cool looking coffee shop in Lehi. They offer Baby’s Bagels and housemade syrups with flavors like ube, Luxardo cherry, and cozy cabin (I’m intrigued).

Salt Lake has a fresh batch of openings this month, each one leaning into a specific specialty. What a great excuse to try something new. 

A family-run bakery in Lehi dedicated to focaccia. Expect thick, crispy-edged bread with a pillowy interior, offered in rotating flavors that range from sweet cinnamon to savory tomato pesto.

Located at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon is a Himalayan-inspired mountain bar serving up dishes from 

, craft cocktails, and local beer. Visit them for their soft opening today from 4-11 p.m.

Momomaru specializes in fresh hand rolls, made to order. They’re hosting a soft launch with limited seating, so plan to arrive early to snag a spot.

Award-winning food writer Darby Doyle declared 2025 the 

. Enjoy one lakeside at Daybreak’s Lake Break. The vibe is giving Bravo’s “Below Deck,” in the best way.

If there’s one thing Utahns do best, it’s line up for a hot new opening, and this fall has given Salt Lake plenty of reasons to show up. Here are a few of the latest food and drink spots around town.

This viral coffee shop from Orem has officially landed in Salt Lake City, and the opening 

. I’ve got my eyes on their house made banana bread syrup.

A longtime West Valley favorite known for their birria tacos and tamales, La Casa Del Tamal is now open in Salt Lake City’s growing Post District.

You’ll also find Azúcar’s newest location inside La Casa Del Tamal. This coffee bar is for the city slickers who want to grab some morning caffeine before heading into work.

Located in Salt Lake City’s Chinatown, this tea chain specializes in jasmine tea, but peeps in the Google reviews are also raving about the matcha.

The Latin-Caribbean inspired pastries at Amarza Bakery are worth the drive to Riverton.

Welcome to our rolling list of all the best, new restaurants opening around Salt Lake in March 2026!

Salt Lake’s Best New Restaurants and Bars in March 2026

Salt Lake’s Best New Restaurants and Bars

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Salt Lake City. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Salt Lake Food & Drink

Food & Drink

 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)

Special thanks to City Cast Salt Lake contributor Shireen Ghorbani for some of these recs!

If you’re a parent, summer is probably already creeping onto your calendar. The time to register your kid in summer camp is now. Here are a few options around Salt Lake.

Hosted on the University of Utah campus, 

 offers a classic summer camp experience for kids ages 5-14, with weekly themes, hands-on activities, and field trip days. You can sign up for a single session or mix and match classes.

 are geared toward ages 6-17 and center on specific fields and skills for a more educational deep dive.

Register asap for this summer camp favorite! Kids ages 8-11 will learn things like stop motion animation, filmmaking, and video game design, from professional artists.

If you have a kid who loves to jam out in the back seat, School of Rock might be a good fit. Kids ages 6-17 can try guitar, bass, drums, keys, or vocals, no matter their skill level.

Sadly, despite the name, goats are not involved. Instead, they offer small adventure trips for school-aged kids throughout the summer.

Listen for even more recs

If you’re a parent, summer is probably already creeping onto your calendar. The time to register your kid in summer camp is now. Here are a few options around Salt Lake. 

Salt Lake City's Best Summer Camps

Where To Register Your Kids for Summer Camp

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

Ivana Martinez

It feels like fool’s summer in Utah! So if you’re looking to lay out like a lizard and soak up the sun this weekend, here are some recommendations for every kind of vibe.

: One of my favorite joints for breakfast. I love the duality of their patio — a yurt in the winter, and a terrace in the spring and summer.

: This neighborhood outdoor patio feels like the perfect setting for a morning after debrief with friends.

: Their breakfast menu goes hard, but their outdoor seating goes even harder. Take your pick: courtyard or patio.

: Tucked in The Avenues neighborhood, this sweet cafe has beautiful boutique umbrellas for maximum shade coverage.

: Spotted on the new season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” their back patio is unassuming but completely gorgeous.

: A downtown staple for a reason. Go during happy hour and get an $8 dollar burger with their signature bee's knees.

: A tiny but mighty patio. Great for a glass of vino or a few more.

: Underrated rooftop with spectacular views.

: Feeling fancy? This rooftop bar is serving gorgeous downtown views.

: A place that deserves an award for their vibes, wings, and cocktails.

: Great rooftop for killer views of the mountains and a casual beer.

: This pub’s secret garden feels like a little oasis on a spring day. Plus, they have live music.

: Ideal for March Madness because they have televisions, and their backyard is massive and shady

: Underrated downtown patio IMO. The sangria is everything I’ve ever wanted, and at its price point it’s unbeatable.

: This sports bar has a wooden porch where you’ll hear the babble of Big Cottonwood Creek running through the back, filled with lots of greenery.

: Liberty Well’s newest neighborhood bar. Get the Suzie Q and a gaggle of your friends to sit on the patio.

: I’d argue one of our most popular sun decks. Fun fact: I once watched firefighters hack a tree that fell on a car while seated here. So I can attest, the entertainment is unmatched.

: Spring is the perfect time to chill on the library’s new rooftop. Plus, it’s free!

: A banger right on the 9 Line Trail. This James Beard-nominated bar has great outdoor seating for catching sunsets and spotting friends.

: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Salt Lake City’s second town hall, iykyk.

Salt Lake’s Best Patios for Every Occasion

It's always pizza time in my house. Everyone has their go-tos, but sometimes it's nice to try something new. We polled our audience on their favorite pizza joints, so add these to your dinner inspo list.

If you haven't tried Slackwater, you should. It really does have something for everyone. They have classic cheese and pepperoni, but my favorites are The Hulk (vegetarian) and the Iron Horse (not vege). The Salt Lake City location has a giant patio with a great view of the mountains.

Baby's Bagels by day, Pie Boy Pizza by night; this is legit my household's favorite pizza. The sauce is flavorful, the crust is tender, and the house-made ranch is outta this world. They're currently only open Wednesday through Friday, so plan accordingly.

Holladay represent! This quaint spot serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas, meaning they have simple ingredients and are quickly baked in a wood-fired oven. You can't go wrong with the classic margherita. Pretend you're in Rome and top it off with a scoop (or two) of 

Our readers had even more recs to share. I haven't tried them yet, but these have my attention:

: Newsletter editor Terina Ria gave this her blessing, so that's good enough for me. 

: This one's for our friends in Davis County. Our reader said: "Bountiful has the best pizza place … Crust is not too thick but enough to handle all the veggies I put on it and tastes great."

: And something for south valley residents, too! I'm a sucker for a BBQ chicken pizza, so I'm eyeing The Smokey.

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