Four ways the Utah Legislature targeted Salt Lake City
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Salt Lake City was the target of several bills during the 2025 legislative session. Photo: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
State lawmakers took aim at Salt Lake City during this year's legislative session, weighing in on how the city designs its streets and what flags are allowed in government buildings.
The big picture: State legislatures across the nation have increasingly proposed bills to exert control over local governments on public safety, education and homelessness.
What they're saying: Salt Lake City Council Chair Chris Wharton said the same is true for Utah's capital.
- "This was definitely the most difficult session that I've been involved with in my time on the council," Wharton, who was elected in 2017, told Axios.
- He noted voters expect local and state leaders to solve problems and collaborate across the aisle, known as the "Utah way," rather than try to "score political points."
- "I hope that we don't lose sight of that here in Utah," he said.
Here are four bills that could have a substantial impact on Salt Lake City:
🛣️ Street planning: Salt Lake City must obtain state approval for a mobility plan before moving forward with projects that could permanently reduce vehicle capacity on a collector or arterial highway.
- Why it matters: The bill could hinder Salt Lake City's goals to create more bike- and pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚓 Public safety: By July 1, Salt Lake City must enter into a public agreement with the Utah Department of Public Safety to address crime.
- The bill would also allow the state to use eminent domain on unincorporated, Salt Lake City-owned property to build a new homeless services facility.
- Context: The move comes after Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall received a December letter from GOP state leaders ahead of the legislative session criticizing the city's handling of homelessness and crime.
🏳️🌈 Pride flag displays: Pride flags are prohibited from being displayed in classrooms and government buildings.
- What we're watching: If signed by Cox, it could be challenged in court over freedom of speech concerns.
🧰 Collective bargaining: Labor unions that represent teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public employees will be banned from collective bargaining, after Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB 267 into law in February.
- By the numbers: About 40% of the city's employees are union members.
What we're watching: Cox has until March 27 to sign the bills or allow them to pass without his signature.