February 22, 2021 — February is Black History Month. This is an important time in our nation to honor our past, listen, and learn more about Black history in the U.S. and in Salt Lake City. There are many ways to stay informed this month and all year round by participating in virtual events and engaging with online resources. The goals of Funding Our Future are to make our Capital City more equitable, environmentally sustainable, and grow economic opportunities for everyone. Learn more about what’s happening with different City programs and opportunities to share your feedback below.
While the ongoing rollout of the COVID vaccine is encouraging, it is still important for all of us to stay vigilant with mask wearing, physical distancing, and other COVID safety precautions. Learn more at CDC.gov, the State of Utah’s COVID page and Salt Lake City’s COVID page.
The Census officially ended October 15, 2020. Census data tells us who our neighbors are, where communities are growing and where residents need critical services like schools, hospitals, or housing. Salt Lake City surpassed our 2010 self-response rate (68.9%) with a final self-response rate of 69.9%! While COVID disrupted the U.S. Census Bureau’s timeline and outreach, Salt Lake City’s Census Coordinator and other staff pivoted and revamped outreach efforts to focus on virtual outreach and physically distanced in-person events like the pictured University Neighborhood Partners event, “Partners in the Parking Lot.” In collaboration with community partners, Salt Lake City was able to host 4 virtual town halls that focused on engaging westside neighborhoods, college students, Black and Latinx community members. The U.S. Census Bureau is now tabulating and verifying the final results of the 2020 Census.
The Salt Lake City Racial Equity in Policing (SLCREP) Commission hosted a live, televised community conversation with Commission members, Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Police Chief Mike Brown and the City Council on January 20th. You can rewatch it on Facebook.
Still want to share your voice with the SLCREP Commission? It’s not too late! There are still ways to participate and share your ideas, advice, and innovations on how to improve outcomes for communities of color interacting with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Visit www.SLCREPCommission.com to participate in a discussion forum or fill out a survey.
The Clear the Air Challenge is a month long competition that gives you the chance to reduce your vehicle emissions by choosing to drive less and drive smarter. By choosing to walk or bike, use transit, telework and more, you will ultimately help improve air quality. Plus, you can get points for what you’re already doing—taking transit, like the Frequent Transit Network buses. It’s not too late to sign up for the Challenge! Learn more at www.cleartheairchallenge.org.
In early 2021, Salt Lake City is partnering with UTA to make improvements to certain bus stops across the City, including some along the Frequent Transit Network. Learn more at www.SLC.gov/transit/.
The Salt Lake City Streets Crews work year-round to support operations at the Streets Division. Have you ever wondered what snowplow drivers do during a mild winter? Since the start of winter, the Streets Division crack sealed over 100 lane miles of roadway and filled over 4,200 potholes. However, during the latest winter storm, Streets pivoted back to the typical snowplow operations. Only active during a storm, know that you can visit the map at www.SLC.gov/snowplows/ to learn which roads along your commute have recently been cleared.
Separately, the design for the 900 South bond reconstruction is coming this spring! Sign up for project email updates, submit a comment, and learn more at www.900southSLC.com.