Salt Lake County mayor outlines priorities in 2026 State of the County address

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson delivered her 2026 State of the County address online March 5, outlining priorities ranging from economic development and public safety to recreation access and services for seniors.

Speaking about the county’s rapid growth, Wilson said the region faces important decisions about how to manage the future while maintaining the qualities that define the community.

“As the largest county in the fastest growing state in the nation, Salt Lake County is at a crossroads,” Wilson said. “But our future is bright. The decisions we make right now will shape not just how we grow, but who we become.”

Wilson said her role as mayor centers on balancing preservation with opportunity.

“My job as mayor is clear — to protect what has made this place special and embrace opportunity where it makes sense,” she said. “To build a future that works for generations to come.”

One of the most prominent topics in the address was Salt Lake City downtown development, which Wilson described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” She pointed to plans surrounding the renovation and modernization of the Salt Palace Convention Center as a catalyst for future growth.

“A renovated and modernized Salt Palace Convention Center will anchor the downtown development, supercharging our tourism economy and generating more revenue from out-of-state visitors,” Wilson said.

She added that development efforts must also preserve the character of the community. “That means honoring our legacy, protecting our cultural landmarks, and making sure growth adds to our story rather than erasing it,” Wilson said.

Wilson also discussed ongoing county efforts to address homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. She described the work as complex and said the county is focusing on approaches that combine housing and services.

“This is a complex journey for our community, and there are no easy answers and no shortcuts,” Wilson said. “That’s why Salt Lake County is focused on what works — housing paired with services, treatment for substance use, and re-entry programs that reduce repeat involvement with the justice system.”

Wilson said the approach reflects both compassion and responsibility. “Helping people stabilize makes our entire community safer and stronger,” she said.

Public safety remained another central theme. Wilson noted that more than 70% of the county’s budget is dedicated to public safety programs and services.

“I’m committed to strong support for the sheriff’s office, our district attorney who prosecutes violent criminals, our search and rescue teams who respond in the canyons, often in the most dangerous conditions, and to disaster management efforts designed to prepare for the worst,” she said. “Preparedness is not optional. It’s a promise we make to our residents.”

Wilson also highlighted a new county government building planned for the community of Midvale, describing it as a step toward improving access to services.

“Salt Lake County is moving to a new building in Midvale, a location at the center of our community, more accessible to all county residents,” she said. “This move allows us to modernize government, streamline services, and make it easier for residents to get what they need.”

The building will centralize services including a hub for the county clerk’s office, where residents obtain passports, marriage licenses and access election services.

Quality-of-life programs also featured prominently in the address. Wilson pointed to the county’s decision to allow free recreation center entry for children as a way to expand access to community facilities.

“Access to pools, fitness centers and safe spaces to play should not depend on income or zip code,” she said. “Healthy communities start with opportunity, and parks and recreation are part of that foundation.”

Wilson also spoke about balancing recreation and preservation in the county’s canyons, which continue to draw increasing numbers of visitors as the region grows.

“Let’s face it — the more we grow, the more our mountains are loved,” she said. “I continue to prioritize common-sense solutions in our mountains and canyons so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Wilson also reiterated her opposition to establishing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in the county.

“Salt Lake County was built by those seeking opportunity, family connections, safety and fairness,” she said. “An ICE detention facility does not reflect those values.”

Mayor Wilson’s 2026 State of the County address is available to watch online at: slco.to/sotc.