Salt Lake City officials are continuing efforts to manage housing affordability and urban growth following the adoption of the city's first housing plan since 2000. The Salt Lake City Council recently finalized the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and approved the final property tax rate during a public Truth in Taxation hearing on Aug. 11, 2026.
Foundational Housing Strategies
The city's housing strategy is rooted in the Growing SLC: A Five-Year Housing Plan 2018-2022, which the City Council unanimously adopted on Dec. 12, 2017. The plan was designed to address the root causes of housing affordability and increase the housing supply for residents and workers. The initiative aims to support households earning 40% or below the Area Median Income by updating zoning regulations and removing development impediments.
As the city's housing market has experienced a boom since the end of the Great Recession, officials have noted that low vacancy rates have continued to drive up housing prices. The Growing SLC plan serves as the city's required biennial Moderate Income Housing Plan and includes objectives to expand homeownership opportunities and eliminate housing discrimination.
Zoning and ADU Development
To support these goals, the city has focused on reforming land-use and zoning regulations. This includes developing flexible zoning tools, particularly along significant transportation routes, and creating in-fill ordinances to allow for additional units within existing structures. The city has also worked to reduce parking requirements for affordable developments and in transit-rich neighborhoods.
In 2018, the city revised its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to modify regulations and require an annual report. According to a 2020 report, the city received 47 ADU applications, with 9 completed, 21 under construction, and 17 under permit review. Additionally, the city has participated in design competitions, such as the Empowered Living competition held in 2021, to find creative solutions for tiny homes and ADUs.
Recent Council Actions
The City Council has held several sessions throughout 2026 to address various community and fiscal needs. On July 14, 2026, the council approved Community Reinvestment Agency funding for the Silo Park development. During a meeting on July 21, 2026, the council reviewed updates to water conservation rules and received briefings on affordable housing incentives.
Recent legislative activity also included the appointment of Jennifer Napier-Pearce to fill the District 4 vacancy on June 9, 2026. The council has also focused on various community initiatives, such as recognizing Immigrant Heritage Month and supporting America250 Utah.
Monitoring and Implementation
The city utilizes several methods to track progress toward its housing objectives, including the use of Trello project management software. This allows different divisions to manage specific tasks while keeping them visible to the entire internal team. The city also maintains a public-facing housing dashboard to provide metrics on market characteristics and regulatory performance.
In 2021, the city began a public input process for an Affordable Housing Overlay, intended to provide incentives for the development and preservation of affordable housing. This process was expected to take approximately four months before moving to formal adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council.
Ongoing Housing Support
The city continues to address the housing crisis through diverse measures, including a home repair program that offers no- and low-interest loans to homeowners to address health, safety, and structural issues. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term affordability and preservation while balancing the unique needs of various neighborhoods.
