Salt Lake County mayor praises economy, parks, residents in State of the County address

SOUTH JORDAN — Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed gratitude for the strength of the economy, the expansion of parks and the county's exciting future in her State of the County address Tuesday.

"As we enter this year, I am both thrilled and a little relieved to announce that Salt Lake County remains a leading county in the nation to live, work and raise a family," Wilson said at the South Jordan recreation center.

The mayor said she is relieved because during the pandemic, she didn't think the county would rebound so quickly because everything was so uncertain. But thanks to the resolve of the community, she said, the county has bounced back.

"We have one of the most robust economies in the country. We are the most diversified county in our state and we are home to amazing businesses, both large and small. They help drive our positive economic growth," Wilson said, adding that the unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the nation at only 2.6%.

Wilson said the county's future is bright and it will continue to be a destination for businesses to expand and people seeking to relocate or recreate.

Last year, the county broke revenue records when it hosted the NBA All-Star Game, Wilson said. This year "promises to be a bustling period for Salt Lake County's convention industry," she said, referencing the Outdoor Retailer Expo, FanX and other events.

With the county on the verge of potentially hosting the 2034 Olympic Games and potential expansion of sports with Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League, "it's simply beyond exciting. These events will not only further elevate Utah's status on the international stage, but they will supercharge our already thriving economy," according to the mayor.

Locally, cities and towns are expanding small businesses to create vibrant neighborhoods and town centers, which adds to the economy's strength, Wilson said.

Wilson praised a county initiative to make recreation centers free for children and said she is excited for its implementation this summer so children across the county can play, be healthy and connect with each other — which is crucial at a time of "historic mental health challenges" children face today.

The mayor said the county has focused on improving the quality of life for residents through expansion of parks, recreation and trails and "we are not done yet." She thanked parks and recreation director Martin Jensen for his work in the county, and wished him well as he transitions to a city position for Sandy.

"While Martin's shoes are hard to fill, we will remain dedicated to enhancing accessible, equitable, sustainable and high-quality trails and open space for all of our county residents," Wilson said.

"Parks, potholes and planning are not partisan," she added, expressing how grateful she is for the unity in the community. That unity was highlighted this last year when residents came together to help each other during record-breaking snowpack causing flooding throughout the county.

While the outlook of the county is positive, Wilson said it's important to recognize the challenges the county faces with inflation and high costs of housing. She said the county has 17 affordable housing projects underway along with expanded homeless services and supportive housing.

The mayor said the county will continue to tackle issues of shelter, mental health, addiction and criminal justice reform.

"Salt Lake County is leading in addressing these challenges. Our model aims to intervene early, keeping people out of the jails and courts, through evidence based interventions and accountability. It operates by finding a way to steer people facing obstacles to better options," she said.

She said the county faced a difficult budget year as revenues dipped and health insurance costs "skyrocketed," but the county staff came together to pass a "lean budget" that prioritizes county services and allows families to thrive.

"So 2024 will play out as a year where we look to the future and prepare for additional growth and the evolving needs in our community," Wilson said.

Salt Lake County is committed to public safety and is ensuring the breakup of Unified police does not compromise law enforcement throughout the county, Wilson said. A law passed by the Utah Legislature last year and signed by the governor removes the Salt Lake County sheriff as CEO of the Unified Police Department and dissolves the agency in 2025. The UPD board has said it wants to finish that work by this July.

"Our entire team at Salt Lake County, we are all dedicated to you — our residents," Wilson said.

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