Hello Neighbors,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation from the Salt Lake City Council effective Monday, October 4, 2021.

Last year, I made the decision to not run for a third term, but it was always my intention to complete my final term. However, life circumstances have changed and it has become necessary for me to shift my focus and give my undivided attention to the people that matter the most to me—my children.

For the past eight years, it has been both an honor and a privilege to represent the residents of District 1. I am sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you placed in me to represent you on this Council.

I want to thank my fellow City Council colleagues who serve this great city faithfully and diligently. I would also like to thank the City Council staff who truly make this City run like clockwork, as well as give a special thank you to Mayor Erin Mendenhall and her administration. Lastly, I want to thank my children, Sadie and Stockton. I would not have been able to do this without their love and support. They have had to share their dad with you, the great people of District 1, and I feel it is time for me to focus all of my attention on them.

This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, and I respectfully request your understanding and consideration at this time. I appreciate your support for my family and me.

Sincerely, 
 

Council Member
James Rogers
☎ 801-535-7723
james.rogers@slcgov.com

What is the Council Doing?

Local Emergency Declaration Extension

In September, the Council voted on a resolution extending the Mayor’s August 20 proclamation that declared a local emergency related to COVID-19, rising cases, and resurgence of the Delta variant. The proclamation authorizes relevant emergency orders, like the one for masks in Salt Lake City School District K-12 schools.

The Council's discussion included the length of the extension and how to determine when to end the extension by using metrics or some other measures while consulting with health officials, such as County and State health officials. The Council concluded that a 30-day extension made sense as a starting point and approved the resolution with a vote of 6-1. The Council can rescind this extension prior to the 30-day mark if data warrants. Watch the meeting video.

Racial Equity Update

Recently, the Council received an informational update on the City's equity plan. The City has asked Keen Independent Research Team to develop an Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Plan to guide the City as it begins to deepen its efforts to support a more inclusive community. As part of this process, Keen will host stakeholder focus groups and virtual workshops to get feedback.
Learn more.

Upcoming 2021 General Election

Election Day is almost here! Ballots for the Tuesday, November 2 General Election will be mailed out the second week of October. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1. You can also drop your ballot in a ballot drop box or vote in person on Election Day.

You may notice, the ballots look different from years past. This is due to the City's participation in the Ranked Choice Voting pilot program. Learn more about Ranked Choice Voting and other election information on the City Recorder's website.

Not registered to vote? There is still time! The voter registration deadline for this election is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 22. Register online.

Social Service Worker and Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor Opportunities 

Salt Lake City is looking for Social Service Workers/Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselors to provide immediate crisis intervention and case management services to assist residents and/or their families. Learn more and apply here. 

Utah Rent Relief

Are you struggling to pay rent? You may qualify for help through the Emergency Rental Assistance program. This program helps renters who are unable to pay their rent and utilities due to circumstances related to COVID-19. Visit RentRelief.utah.gov for more information. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Join Salt Lake City in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Local Hispanic and Latino Leaders collaborated with Salt Lake City to recognize and honor the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Read more.

UTA Reduced Fare FAREPAY Card

UTA's Reduced Fare FAREPAY Card now offers a 50% discount off public transit fare to low-income individuals, seniors, youth, and persons with disabilities. Find out if you qualify and apply on UTA's website. If you are a City resident and do not qualify for UTA's program, you can take advantage of monthly discounted fares with the City's Hive Pass. Learn how.

Housing Stability Department Survey

Salt Lake City’s Housing Stability Department needs your feedback to best determine how federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) should be spent. Answer a quick survey and share your thoughts!

Water Conservation Landscaping Rewards and Rebates

SLC Resident Food Equity Advisors (RFEA) Pilot Program

In 2020, the City's Sustainability Department launched the RFEA pilot program to shed light on food insecurity and equity issues in the City. Over the past year, 13 residents from diverse backgrounds gathered monthly to analyze these issues and identify solutions.
Read their findings and learn more about the program.

Pause on Foothills Trail System Construction

Last month, Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced the continued pause of new trail construction and a plan for moving forward based on the City's work with valued stakeholders. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the issues related to the first phase of construction, and to collaborate on a vision for the best pathway forward. Read more.

Halloween Safety Tips

Whether you choose to celebrate Halloween out and about or from the comfort of your home this year, please ensure that you and those around you stay safe and healthy. Learn how to celebrate safely with tips from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fall Composting

Fall is upon us and with its beautiful sunsets and palette of colors in an ocean of leaves. Don’t let all that organic matter go to waste! The waste is processed at Salt Lake City’s compost facility and turned into wood chips, mulch, and compost, which is then available for purchase at the Salt Lake Valley Landfill. Learn more. 

Need extra cans? Request up to two extra compost cans for temporary placement by filling out this form or calling 801-535-6999. Learn more.