Salt Lake City

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Salt Lake City with Kim Bojórquez and Erin Alberty.

Axios Salt Lake City

Standard

Get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in Salt Lake City

Axios Salt Lake City Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Salt Lake City Partners

Salt Lake City Alerts

Alert

Salt Lake City Members

Membership

How a middle school play became the hottest ticket in town

What, your junior high musical DIDN'T have aerialists dangling from the ceiling?

News

<figure><img alt="A stage production of &quot;The Little Mermaid,&quot; with an actor playing Ariel suspended over a cast of fish." height="449" id="d8f2617b-a9ef-4564-b4a5-1f3ba6172805" src="https://images.axios.com/0P4c7OfIz-5PYg6j3OBEX8OOxU8=/2026/03/02/1772471509809.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A typical company number at the Clayton Middle School play. Video: Erin Alberty/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you haven&#x27;t seen the annual extravaganza that is the Clayton Middle School play, you might want to snag a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticket" data-vars-click-url="https://cur8.com/23580/project/134596" data-vars-content-id="1db6e6b3-b78f-4f54-9045-3a557ab5a8a8" data-vars-headline="How a middle school play became the hottest ticket in town" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cur8.com/23580/project/134596" target="_blank">ticket</a> — and preemptively schedule jaw reconstruction surgery.Why it matters: This is not your mother&#x27;s junior high stage production of &quot;The Little Mermaid.&quot;

Rep. Burgess Owens won't seek reelection

Utah's newly drawn 1st Congressional District is widely expected to flip to Democrats.

Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) will not seek reelection this November, he said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media post" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/BurgessOwens/status/2029317271940702230" data-vars-content-id="4d91a082-a094-4708-9df5-7296bba15490" data-vars-headline="Rep. Burgess Owens won&#x27;t seek reelection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/BurgessOwens/status/2029317271940702230" target="_blank">social media post</a> on Wednesday. Why it matters: Utah&#x27;s newly drawn 1st Congressional District is widely expected to flip to Democrats, meaning one of Utah&#x27;s four Republican House members was likely to be unseated.

Utah cities rank high for street safety

The study measures speeding in residential zones, miles traveled and other measures and other factors.

Public Safety

Ogden has some of the nation&#x27;s safest roadways, per StreetLight Data&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" data-vars-content-id="ac38abd4-3e05-4a28-927d-a131a4ed7e13" data-vars-headline="Utah cities rank high for street safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" target="_blank">&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;</a>State of play: That&#x27;s based on five key factors among the 100 biggest U.S. metros: vehicle miles traveled, different speeds between vehicles, speed-based pedestrian risk, speeding in residential zones and truck activity.

Utah bill to limit traffic calming in Salt Lake City advances

The proposal would make it harder for Salt Lake City leaders to design streets that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists.

A divisive bill that would curb <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt Lake City&#x27;s ability to add traffic-calming measures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/09/salt-lake-city-transportation-bill-utah-legislature" data-vars-content-id="e9db6d87-36e3-4f39-956a-11c74db5e30c" data-vars-headline="Utah bill to limit traffic calming in Salt Lake City advances" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/09/salt-lake-city-transportation-bill-utah-legislature" target="_self">Salt Lake City&#x27;s ability to add traffic-calming measures</a> on major roads without state sign-off cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday.Why it matters: The proposal would make it harder for Salt Lake City leaders to design streets that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, like those with dedicated bus or bike lanes, and instead encourage car-focused projects.

Downtown Salt Lake City's social scene drives economic growth

Downtown used to be seen as a "vertical office park," but now much of its activity occurs after 6pm.

An increase in visitors, residents and workers is powering Salt Lake City&#x27;s downtown economy five years after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life.Why it matters: A bustling downtown can boost local businesses, attract investment and generate tax revenue to fund city services.

Salt Lake City unveils Smith's Ballpark revamp plan

The proposal, largely shaped by community feedback, aims to revitalize the Ballpark neighborhood.

Salt Lake City revealed final plans Tuesday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelop Smith&#x27;s Ballpark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/06/02/ballpark-neighborhood-design-salt-lake-city-2023" data-vars-content-id="6d861063-bbdc-4ef5-b9ec-aff83194f40c" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City unveils Smith&#x27;s Ballpark revamp plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/06/02/ballpark-neighborhood-design-salt-lake-city-2023" target="_self">redevelop Smith&#x27;s Ballpark</a> into a vibrant neighborhood, featuring green space, housing, commercial areas and an entertainment venue.Why it matters: The proposal, largely shaped by community feedback, aims to revitalize the city&#x27;s Ballpark neighborhood by adding more local businesses, natural and public gathering areas and residential options.

Downtown Farmers Market may become a year-round fixture at revitalized Pioneer Park

The park has suffered a poor reputation for decades with concerns around crime and homelessness.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s largest farmers market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/05/31/downtown-farmers-market-salt-lake-beer-garden" data-vars-content-id="57c9666d-2f05-4e14-a0c8-a0b3b52fe318" data-vars-headline="Downtown Farmers Market may become a year-round fixture at revitalized Pioneer Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/05/31/downtown-farmers-market-salt-lake-beer-garden" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s largest farmers market</a> could become a year-round staple at Pioneer Park.Driving the news: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown Alliance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownslc.org/" data-vars-content-id="57c9666d-2f05-4e14-a0c8-a0b3b52fe318" data-vars-headline="Downtown Farmers Market may become a year-round fixture at revitalized Pioneer Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownslc.org/" target="_blank">Downtown Alliance</a> signed an agreement Thursday to revitalize Pioneer Park with plans to build a permanent structure for the market and form a public-private partnership to manage the 10-acre park.

Salt Lake City Council strikes deal to develop proposed Power District

Supporters of the project say the mixed-use development will "revitalize" the west side.

The Salt Lake City Council Tuesday unanimously approved rezoning nearly 100 acres of land on the west side owned by the Larry H. Miller Company.Why it matters: Supporters of the project say the mixed-use development will &quot;revitalize&quot; the west side and open the possibility for the state to welcome a Major League Baseball team.

Asher Adams hotel to open in Salt Lake City's historic Union Pacific Depot

The 225-room hotel will house a New American restaurant, coffee shop and three bars.

Real Estate

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new 225-room hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/10/12/asher-adams-hotel-the-gateway-union-pacific" data-vars-content-id="b795eb81-e633-409d-8f7d-3d984e95c218" data-vars-headline="Asher Adams hotel to open in Salt Lake City&#x27;s historic Union Pacific Depot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/10/12/asher-adams-hotel-the-gateway-union-pacific" target="_self">new 225-room hotel</a> at the 100-year-old-plus Union Pacific Depot in Salt Lake City is slated to open on Oct. 31. The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asher Adams hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.asheradamshotel.com/" data-vars-content-id="b795eb81-e633-409d-8f7d-3d984e95c218" data-vars-headline="Asher Adams hotel to open in Salt Lake City&#x27;s historic Union Pacific Depot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.asheradamshotel.com/" target="_blank">Asher Adams hotel</a> is situated in a rapidly growing area of Salt Lake City, near the site of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="planned sports and entertainment hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/02/downtown-district-sales-tax-hike" data-vars-content-id="b795eb81-e633-409d-8f7d-3d984e95c218" data-vars-headline="Asher Adams hotel to open in Salt Lake City&#x27;s historic Union Pacific Depot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/02/downtown-district-sales-tax-hike" target="_self">planned sports and entertainment hub</a> that will anchor the state&#x27;s NBA and NHL teams.

Salt Lake City officials unveil next steps for Smith's Ballpark site

Local leaders have the rare opportunity to redevelop 13.5 acres of land in the city's Ballpark neighborhood.

A Chicago-based design firm may soon reveal three new concepts for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Smith&#x27;s Ballpark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/01/18/salt-lake-bees-new-ballpark-daybreak-south-jordan" data-vars-content-id="4022246e-c118-449c-a7c8-fc4a62f590ba" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City officials unveil next steps for Smith&#x27;s Ballpark site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/01/18/salt-lake-bees-new-ballpark-daybreak-south-jordan" target="_self">Smith&#x27;s Ballpark</a>.Why it matters: The planned departure of the Salt Lake Bees means the city could entirely revamp the 13.5 acres it owns in the historic Ballpark neighborhood.

Salt Lake City Council approves $60 million for capital improvement projects

The funding is aimed at improving pedestrian safety, infrastructure and outdoor spaces.

The Salt Lake City Council set aside funding this week for a proposed linear park network and &quot;urgent&quot; repairs at Memory Grove Park.Driving the news: Council members approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $60 million" data-vars-click-url="https://fy25-cip-slcgov.hub.arcgis.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d617961-f159-43e4-99e9-e1898af83ef1" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City Council approves $60 million for capital improvement projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fy25-cip-slcgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">nearly $60 million</a> on Tuesday to enhance the city&#x27;s public spaces.

Study reveals vision for Salt Lake City's reimagined downtown

Municipal leaders want to revitalize downtown into a "world-class city center."

Salt Lake City recently unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.slc.gov/ed/main-street-promenade-study/" data-vars-content-id="286cb27f-3223-4dbb-b122-758ca2e51607" data-vars-headline="Study reveals vision for Salt Lake City&#x27;s reimagined downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.slc.gov/ed/main-street-promenade-study/" target="_blank">a study</a> to turn downtown&#x27;s Main Street into a pedestrian promenade.Why it matters: Municipal leaders want to revitalize downtown into a &quot;world-class city center.&quot;

Entertainment, parks and trails: Here's what's coming to The Point in Draper

The development's backdrop is 600 acres of state-owned land where the former state prison used to stand.

Development

More than 3,000 residential units and multiple parks and trails are coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/07/13/utah-leaders-announce-points-developer-partner" data-vars-content-id="f7e96bb2-309b-4f22-811f-a63763f18b31" data-vars-headline="Entertainment, parks and trails: Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s coming to The Point in Draper" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2022/07/13/utah-leaders-announce-points-developer-partner" target="_self">The Point</a>, a planned mixed-use development in Draper.What&#x27;s happening: The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority on Monday released plans and renderings for the first phase of the project.

Salt Lake's downtown recovery depends on what counts as "downtown"

The city has been lauded as a model of economic recovery since the pandemic. But it depends on the map.

Salt Lake City has been held up as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="model for downtown recovery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-salt-lake-city-b77859dc-367f-47bb-8126-2d58048f56f7.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_saltlakecity&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="2aae0934-6506-4936-92ca-407852d9217c" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s downtown recovery depends on what counts as &quot;downtown&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-salt-lake-city-b77859dc-367f-47bb-8126-2d58048f56f7.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_saltlakecity&amp;stream=top" target="_self">model for downtown recovery</a> since the COVID-19 pandemic.<ul><li>Yes, but: A new study suggests the extent of the rebound depends on what area counts as &quot;downtown.&quot;</li></ul>

Development 🏗️

Downtown Salt Lake City's social scene drives economic growth

Salt Lake City unveils Smith's Ballpark revamp plan

Downtown Farmers Market may become a year-round fixture at revitalized Pioneer Park

Salt Lake City Council strikes deal to develop proposed Power District

Asher Adams hotel to open in Salt Lake City's historic Union Pacific Depot