The Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) has ambitious plans to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City, including bringing an NHL team to the area. However, this vision may come at a cost to residents, as part of the funding will come from a proposed sales tax increase. The Salt Lake City Council and Salt Lake County Council are holding hearings on the project, which includes the development of an entertainment district near the Delta Center. A law passed by the Utah Legislature requires the plans to move quickly, with lawmakers defending the expedited timeline. Governor Spencer Cox supports the proposal, despite concerns that the sales tax hike will disproportionately affect low-income residents. Over two dozen politicians and community leaders have signed a letter of support for the project. The proposed sales tax increase of 0.5 percentage points is expected to raise the average tax burden by $220.87 per year. SEG has also stated it will respect Salt Lake County's decision regarding two arts and culture buildings impacted by the plans.
Last week, Gov. Spencer Cox said he supports Salt Lake City residents paying for the new district. Advocates worry the sales tax hike will hit low-income residents hardest, but proponents say it is an opportunity to revitalize the city. https://t.co/CLOR2Yl2lc
Assuming the Salt Lake City Council approves raising the sales tax in the city by 0.5 percentage points, the average tax burden will grow by $220.87 per year, or $18.41 a month, according to calculations. https://t.co/CLOR2Yl2lc
Here's the latest on the proposed Capital City Revitalization Zone around/near the Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City. From #2NewsLIVE on @KUTV2News https://t.co/z7714ObnZr
The deal to raise Salt Lake City's sales tax to help house the new NHL team and revitalize downtown is moving fast. Lawmakers are defending the timeline. https://t.co/2SI1wyiwsh
Over two dozen politicians and community leaders signed a letter of support for the Smith Entertainment Groupβs βreimaginingβ of downtown Salt Lake City. https://t.co/HoahL5PLlp
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall is asking for a pay raise of up to $212,000 a year. Read more π https://t.co/udypw8DJC4
Andy Larsen: Whatβs to like and not like about the Smith Entertainment Groupβs plan to βreimagineβ downtown https://t.co/Nl0PO7RRIk
The Salt Lake City 2024-25 budget proposal includes a 26% increase for Mayor Erin Mendenhall and members of the City Council, bringing her potential salary to nearly $212,000. https://t.co/atB6fEe340
A law passed by the Utah Legislature means plans to house an NHL team and revitalize downtown SLC has to move fast. Today lawmakers defended the quick timeline. @LindsayOnAir has the story https://t.co/jznz9S4K5f
Salt Lake County Council, Salt Lake City Council hold hearings on SEG project. | By @dennisromboy https://t.co/6KnlebGzDw
ICYMI: Smith Entertainment Group will respect Salt Lake County's decision on 2 arts and culture buildings caught in the middle of its proposed entertainment district plans, according to a high-ranking company official. https://t.co/OGbkRFWnKK
The Smith Entertainment Group has big visions for downtown Salt Lake City now that the NHL is on the way, but in order to achieve the dream entertainment district, residents might have to pay for part of it. https://t.co/W5bVtvzAna