Holladay Digest

January 9th, 2026

2026 Legislative Meeting

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Topics

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

Decisions

No formal resolutions or ordinances were adopted at this meeting.
(Reference was made to a Resolution approved at a prior City Council Meeting authorizing the City Hall seismic retrofit and temporary relocation; minor negotiation points remain.)

Votes

No votes were taken at this meeting.

Actions

Continue monitoring and provide updates to City Council on property tax cap bill (S.B. 97)
Ashley Spatafore / Dave Spatafore
Work with Utah League of Cities and Towns on S.B. 97 impacts
Ashley Spatafore / Utah League of Cities and Towns
Continue monitoring H.B. 68 (Housing and Community Development Amendments)
Ashley Spatafore
Monitor bill related to State naming of Class C roads
Ashley Spatafore / Dave Spatafore
Monitor First Responder-related bill
Ashley Spatafore
Continue communication with City Council throughout the Legislative Session on all tracked bills
Ashley Spatafore / Dave Spatafore
Finalize remaining negotiation points for temporary City Hall relocation to former Millcreek City Hall (target: April 1, 2026)
City Staff (implied)

Notes

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

Summarized April 22, 2026

HOLLADAY DIGEST