HolladayDigest

Affordable Housing

Progress on 100 affordable housing units (80% AMI) planned for Holladay Hills, Block E; funded through RDA low-interest loans and deed restrictions

Spring Lane Park

12-acre property acquired via 30-year Ground Lease; concern about proposed legislation that could grant charter schools first right of refusal to purchase or lease such properties

City Hall Seismic Retrofit

Planned retrofit and remodel to extend building life 25–40 years; temporary relocation to former Millcreek City Hall beginning April 1, 2026

Property Tax Cap (S.B. 97)

Proposed 5% annual cap on property tax revenue increases and its potential impact on city budgeting flexibility

E-Bikes and Personal Transportation Vehicles

Code update already enacted; discussion of Rep. Paul Cutler's e-bike certification bill for minors

2026 Legislative Session Overview

Bills being monitored: State naming of Class C roads, H.B. 68 (Housing and Community Development Amendments), Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) mapping, First Responder-related bill

Legislator Priorities

Quarries (Rep. Owens), Great Salt Lake restoration (Rep. Owens), AI in criminal prosecutions/court backlog (Sen. Pitcher), student journalist protections/school zone safety/domestic violence (Rep. Moss)

WUI Map vs. Fireworks Map

The two maps do not align; the fireworks map extends further than the adopted WUI map

Insurance challenges

in wildland-adjacent areas noted by council members and City Manager

Continue monitoring and provide updates to City Council on property tax cap bill (S.B. 97)

Work with Utah League of Cities and Towns on S.B. 97 impacts

Continue monitoring H.B. 68 (Housing and Community Development Amendments)

Monitor bill related to State naming of Class C roads

Monitor First Responder-related bill

Continue communication with City Council throughout the Legislative Session on all tracked bills

Finalize remaining negotiation points for temporary City Hall relocation to former Millcreek City Hall (target: April 1, 2026)

Spring Lane Park Concern

Mayor Fotheringham expressed concern about proposed legislation that could grant charter schools first right of refusal for both purchase and lease of properties — potentially affecting the Spring Lane Park ground lease. It is assumed the Spring Lane property would be grandfathered in regardless.

Bond Rating

The City recently received a AAA bond rating; the upcoming 20-year bond for Spring Lane Park and City Hall projects is expected to be rated AA+ at under 4% interest.

Affordable Housing Scale

The Holladay Hills development will represent a 5% increase in the City's overall housing supply.

Great Salt Lake / Olympics

Rep. Owens discussed interest in raising the lake level by 8 feet over 8 years, timed to coincide with the Olympics as a global demonstration of environmental stewardship.

AI in Criminal Prosecutions

Sen. Pitcher is sponsoring a bill to keep AI out of criminal prosecutions.

Student Journalist Protections

Rep. Carol Moss is working on legislation to protect freedom of speech for student journalists, as well as bills on school zone safety and domestic violence.

Contract Prosecutor

City Manager Gina Chamness noted that the City's contract prosecutor has provided notice of departure, creating additional challenges discussed in the context of court backlog and contract services.

WUI Map Adoption

Cities were required to have WUI maps adopted in January, but the State has not yet finalized the process for high-risk assessment fees. Residents previously expressed concern about being included in certain map areas.

Minutes Approved

March 5, 2026 | Certified by Stephanie N. Carlson, MMC, Holladay City Recorder