Salt Lake City Mayor’s Newsletter
Dear Salt Lakers,
Earlier this month, I was reminded why taking care of the places we share matters. My team and I joined Friends of Great Salt Lake for volunteer cleanup around the Lake’s shores. Together, we picked up more than a ton of trash in a single morning—and got to spend some time with the Lake up close.
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited, I encourage you to go. It’ll remind you, too, of what we’re working to protect. Because caring for the Great Salt Lake happens in both big and small ways, from picking up trash to being thoughtful about our water use.
Protecting our water
Also in September, Salt Lake City’s ordinance was updated to permanently limit daily water use for new non-residential properties to 200,000 gallons, with exemptions for essential community uses like hospitals and schools. Water is one of our most important resources, and this gives Salt Lake City another way to protect it while guiding sustainable growth for the long term.
Celebrating public lands (and $11.5 million to improve them)
We celebrated National Public Lands Day at Liberty Park and along the 9-Line. Did you know Salt Lake City is home to about 3,000 acres of parks, trails, and natural lands and more than 90,000 trees?
We also showed residents what’s ahead thanks to $11.5 million in grants from the Bezos Earth Fund. The funding will bring more trees, shade and green space to part of the 9-Line and the future Fleet Block open space.
Take the survey to guide the 9-Line improvements
Steenblik Park is renovated
One of our city’s iconic parks is ready to welcome the community! Steenblik Park, at 1050 W. 800 North, reopened last week following a major revitalization and is the first existing park to receive a full renovation through the Parks, Trails and Open Space General Obligation Bond.
Longtime Rose Park neighbors may remember Steenblik simply as the neighborhood “Tot Lot.” Now, more than 40 years later, a new generation of families has access to an updated playground, more shade and trees, new seating and a refreshed place to spend time together.
Five years of Love Your Block
This month marks five years of Love Your Block! Salt Lake City started the program in September 2021 after receiving a $100,000 grant to try something new on the west side. It was built around a pretty simple idea: the people who live in a neighborhood usually know what that neighborhood’s needs better than we do. The impact of that community effort is clear:
49 projects completed
4,600+ volunteers contributing their time and talent
13,500+ volunteer hours invested in our neighborhoods
Nearly 250,000 pounds of trash removed
Public art, repairs, trees and new neighborhood features brought to life
ACE Fund applications open Oct. 1
Great events bring people together and help make Salt Lake City the connected community we’re proud to call home. Applications for the 2027 Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) Fund open Oct. 1. The ACE Fund supports community events across our city, from small neighborhood gatherings to large celebrations.
If you have an idea that brings people together, visit the website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
ICYMI:
Two big appointments in Salt Lake City this month:
A sixth Justice Court judge: The City Council approved my appointment of Nick Stiles to Salt Lake City’s newly created sixth Justice Court judgeship, adding capacity to better serve residents in the court that many are most likely to interact with.
Salt Lake City’s first Poet Laureate: I named poet, educator and longtime literary organizer Joel Long as Salt Lake City’s inaugural Poet Laureate. He’ll serve a three-year term and work to bring poetry into more of our everyday public spaces.
Free upcoming events
Looking for affordable ways to enjoy this season with family and friends? These free community events happening across Salt Lake City offer something for everyone.
Oct 1: 3:30–5:30 p.m., Donner Park Trail opening, Donner Trail Park: 2905 Kennedy Dr.
Oct. 2: 7–10 p.m., Fright Night Flick: Hocus Pocus, Lindsey Gardens, 426 M St.
Oct. 3: 8 a.m.–2 p..m., Downtown Farmers Market, Pioneer Park (every Saturday in Oct.)
Oct. 3: 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sugar Fest, 2100 S Highland Drive.
Oct. 3: 2–7 p.m., Whale Fest, 9th & 9th Business District, 900 South 1100 East
Oct. 4: 10–Noon, Dog Training, Memory Grove Park, 300 N Canyon Rd (Every Sunday in October)
Oct. 4, Oct. 11: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 9th West Farmers Market, near International Peace Gardens,1060 S 900 West
Oct. 8: 6–9 p.m., Yappy Hour, Jordan Park, 1060 S 900 West
Oct. 10: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: Avenues Street Fair, 1st Ave between I and O Streets
Oct. 10: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.: Triumph in Tech, Glendale Middle School, 1430 Andrew Ave
Oct. 10: Noon–6 p.m.: Giant Pumpkinpalooza and Zombie Walk, The Gateway, 18 North Rio Grande Street
Oct. 15: 7–9 p.m., Swing Dancing Under the Stars, Bonneville Salt Dome, 850 N Bonneville Blvd
Oct. 17: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.: Bayanihan Fiesta 2026, Sorenson Unity Center, 1383 S 900 West
Oct. 17: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Hollow Fest 2026, 1519 S 15th East
Oct. 24: Noon–5 p.m.: Celebration of the Day of the Dead, Trolley Square, 602 E 500 South
Oct. 30: 1–4 p.m., Halloween Fun Fest, Public Safety Building, 475 S 300 East
Oct. 31: 3 p.m.–7 p.m.: 2026 Survivor Wellness Halloween Harvest Party, Survivor Wellness, 59 S 1100 East
As always, feel free to reach out to me at mayor@slc.gov.
Your friend,
OFFICE of the MAYOR | SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
WWW.SLC.GOV | WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM
Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office | 451 South State Street, Room 306, Salt Lake City, UT 84114 | 801-535-7704
This email was sent by: Salt Lake City Corporation
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