Homelessness is down in Utah for the first time in six years, per the state's latest report and historical data analyzed by Axios.

The big picture: The state's annual January "point in time" count of homeless Utahns rose steadily and sharply from about 2,800 people in 2019, to nearly 4,600 in 2025.

• This year's overall decline was slight — about 70 people. But bigger improvements were seen among some of the most at-risk populations.

By the numbers: Chronic homelessness dropped by close to 7%.

• The number of people living outside of any shelter fell nearly 10%.
• There were about 20% fewer veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Fewer people with mental illness were experiencing homelessness, and those who were were likelier to be living in a shelter or other temporary housing rather than on the streets.

Zoom in: In Salt Lake County, the number of people without housing dropped slightly, but the number of people without any shelter fell more than 19%.

• The number of people outside of shelters who were chronically homeless fell 57% to the lowest numbers in three years.

Friction point: The improvements varied by age group, with homelessness worsening among the youngest and oldest groups.

• Statewide, the number of homeless families with children grew about 7%, with a 25% spike in Salt Lake County.
• In Salt Lake County, homelessness continued its three-year rise among those ages 18-25.
• For Utahns 65 and older, homelessness rose about 8%.

What they're saying: "While progress is clear, state officials are sharpening their focus on targeted solutions for high-need populations, expanding dedicated housing resources for both seniors and young adults," wrote the report's authors.

The intrigue: Despite overall declines, chronic homelessness increased 20% in Utah's rural counties — "a reminder of where continued investment is most needed," the report states.

How it works: Each January, outreach teams take a one-day statewide census of people who are living either in shelters or on the streets.

• The data is compiled and analyzed by state and county homelessness officials and nonprofit representatives.

What's next: Salt Lake County's numbers will be analyzed more closely, with more detailed conclusions to be released in coming weeks.

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Salt Lake City this week unveiled its final concept design for Fleet Block's 2.4-acre open space, complete with an amphitheater lawn, community gardens and a shaded pavilion.

The big picture: Fleet Block in the growing Granary District is one of Salt Lake City's most anticipated mixed-use redevelopment projects.

What they're saying: "Granary District is a green space desert," Makayla Maponga, the project manager for Fleet Block's public square, tells Axios.

State of play: The space will feature landscaping and public art focused on social justice.

• It's also intended for markets, food trucks and live performances.

Context: During the 2020 protests against the George Floyd killing, the vacant city-owned property — which once housed the city's vehicle fleet — was transformed into a memorial honoring people killed by police.

• The site featured pink murals of Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal, Floyd and others by anonymous artists. It was demolished last year to prepare for a planned redevelopment.

Yes, but: Some members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation oppose the redevelopment.

• Community activist Adrian Lambrinos, who was against the murals' removal, tells Axios that Fleet Block was once a site of "intense struggle and protest" and voiced his opposition to the site's new plans.
• He argues the new space fails to address the systemic issues surrounding police brutality.

What's next: Construction is expected to begin next fall, with completion by spring 2028.

• Mixed-income housing, retail and businesses are also planned for the rest of the site.

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📺 The seventh season of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" premieres Sept. 16, Bravo announced yesterday. (Salt Lake Tribune)

• Watch the high-octane teaser trailer.

🔥 Residents displaced by a fire that tore through a Midvale apartment complex last week say they were given just 15 minutes of escorted access to recover their belongings. (FOX 13)

• The building is run by Keller Investment Properties. Its CEO said he and his team are doing all they can to help former tenants retrieve as many of their belongings as quickly as possible.

🍳 First Watch, a national restaurant chain know for breakfast and brunch offerings, is opening a store in Midvale Aug. 24, per the company's social media.

Knoops, an international chocolate-focused cafe chain, is opening its first U.S. location in Salt Lake City's 9th and 9th neighborhood Aug. 21, the company announced yesterday.

The intrigue: The cafe specializes in gourmet hot chocolate and other chocolate-based drinks — and it's opening in a state with a well-established penchant for sweets.

State of play: The shop will be open 6pm-midnight Aug. 21-22 on its opening weekend, serving free small drinks. Regular hours have not yet been announced.

• Knoops will take over the former Spilt Milk storefront at 907 E. 900 South, next to Vessel Kitchen.

Flashback: Founder Jens Knoop opened the first store in England in 2013, believing that "drinking chocolate deserved the same level of craftsmanship and choice that coffee had achieved," according to the company's website.

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There's so much happening this weekend in and around Salt Lake.

• Here are some of the options that caught our eye:

🧶 Craft Lake City: The 18th annual DIY Fest runs today-Sunday at the Utah State Fairpark. Tickets

• While you're there, you can hit the Garden Bros. Circus at the skate park. Multiple showtimes now-Sunday. Tickets

🕺 Das Energi: Utah's biggest EDM festival runs today-Sunday at the Saltair. Tickets, 18+

🎸 Tomahawk + Melvins: Rock out with the greats at 6pm tomorrow at the Union Event Center. Tickets

• Superfans will want to pregame at Brewvies' 3:30pm screening of the cult classic comedy "The Spirit of '76," starring Melvins bassist Steven McDonald. Free, 21+

More fun events