Salt Lake City's District 3 continues to navigate a period of legislative review and community planning as of Oct. 22, 2026, following a series of zoning and community plan updates throughout the year. District 3 Council Member Chris Wharton, who was reelected in 2025, is currently overseeing various local priorities including senior assistance and urban planning updates.
Zoning and Land Use Discussions
Zoning and Land Use Discussions
The Salt Lake City Council is currently reviewing a request to rezone specific properties within the district. According to a post from Oct. 5, 2026, the Council is considering a request to rezone properties located at 140 N. B St. and 272 E 3rd Avenue. The proposal seeks to change the designation of these properties from RMF-35 (Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential) to MU-2 (Mixed Use 2).
This zoning request also includes a proposed change to the Avenues Future Land Use Map. The City of Salt Lake City notes that the proposed zoning does not align with the existing Avenues Plan. This development comes as part of broader efforts to manage growth and land use within the historic district.
Community Planning and Visioning
Community Planning and Visioning
In addition to specific zoning requests, the district is engaged in long-term planning efforts. On Aug. 12, 2026, the Council began reviewing updates to the Northwest Community Plan. This draft plan is designed to establish a 15-year vision for the area's future and aims to connect local growth to the broader Plan Salt Lake.
Meanwhile, the Greater Avenues Community Council (GACC) has been working to modernize its internal governance. The GACC's bylaws, which were originally adopted by the community in 1995, have undergone several revisions. A bylaws committee began working to revise these rules again in the Fall of 2023, with proposed changes intended for discussion and a community vote in the coming weeks.
District 3 Leadership and Priorities
District 3 Leadership and Priorities
Council Member Chris Wharton, a sixth-generation Salt Laker, continues to lead District 3 through a variety of administrative and legislative duties. Wharton, who first joined the City Council in 2017, has served in several high-level roles, including as Council Chair in 2020 and Vice Chair during multiple terms including 2018, 2021, and 2024. He was selected by his peers to serve a second term as Council Chair in 2025.
As part of his ongoing duties, Wharton manages several committee assignments, including the city's Legislative Policy Committee, the Friends of the Salt Lake City Cemetery Board, and the SLC-Utah Committee for the Olympic Games Governing Board. His office also provides support through a dedicated Constituent Liaison, Olivia Erickson, to assist residents with city services.
Community Services and Senior Support
Community Services and Senior Support
Addressing the needs of vulnerable populations remains a focus for the district. On Aug. 4, 2026, the City of Salt Lake City highlighted the availability of organizations across the city, county, and state that provide support for seniors, noting that seeking help can be difficult.
Wharton's stated priorities for the district include securing funding for several key community assets. These include renter resources, the Cemetery Master Plan, Memory Grove Improvement, public art, and traffic calming measures. The Council Member has also committed to working with the city administration to develop an updated Parks and Trails Maintenance Plan and to increase resident input regarding the City’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
Neighborhood Character and Governance
Neighborhood Character and Governance
The Avenues remains one of the oldest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, characterized by smaller blocks than the rest of the city. The Greater Avenues Community Council serves as a forum for residents to discuss issues of mutual concern and to promote activities that enrich the community.
According to the GACC, the council's mission is to protect the unique character of the Avenues and to establish working groups to facilitate the resolution of local issues. The council provides benefits to the broader Avenues community through the use of GACC funds and maintains communication links with various governmental and civic organizations.
Upcoming Council Meetings
Upcoming Council Meetings
The Salt Lake City Council has several upcoming public meetings scheduled for the remainder of the year. Public registration for comments is available in person at City Hall or online via Zoom. Scheduled meetings include sessions on Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, and Dec. 1. Agendas for these meetings are published at least 24 hours before the sessions begin.
