Checking in at the Legislature: September 2024

CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
SEPTEMBER 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

One of the biggest issues in Utah right now is the lack of affordable housing. As our children grow up, the dream of owning a home and raising their own families in their hometowns is slipping further and further out of reach.

In this issue, I've included data and legislative efforts to address the supply of affordable homes, minimize construction costs, and reduce homelessness.

If you would like to support my campaign in this effort, please visit my website to find ways that you can help!

Warmest regards,

Melissa
Click below to learn more about my stance on affordable housing

QUICK LINKS

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Always Remember: September 11th
2. Affordable Housing Stats
3. Proposed Homeless Center
4. What the 2024 Legislature did for Homelessness 
5. Host a Yard Sign

Always Remember: September 11th

This week, we pause to honor and remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 23 years ago, our nation faced profound heartache and loss.

In the face of unimaginable challenges, we came together as Americans—showing strength, compassion, and unwavering solidarity. We salute the bravery of those who served, the resilience of those who rebuilt, and the spirit of a nation that stands strong, united in memory and hope. We also thank our current service members and veterans. 

Never forget. Always remember.
Lieutenant Harry McMaster (ret.), 9/11 First Responder, FDNY

Affordable Housing Stats

2022 Rental Unit Deficit by Area Median Income & Projected Need 2022-2027, Statewide

AMI Level

Housing Units Available

Households

Unit Deficit/Surplus

2022-2027 Projected New HH by AMI

80% AMI & Below

221,952

221,929

24

29,645

60% AMI & Below

106,650

174,664

-68,014

23,310

50% AMI & Below

50,878

146,464

-95,586

19,485

30% AMI & Below

2,412

79,552

-77,140

10,291

Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

 

Utah’s Housing Shortage Increasing
(Total household formation minus Total housing permits)


 

Affordable Rental Units Available/ 100 Household, Utah, 2022
 

Proposed Homeless Center

On September 3, 2024, around 200 North Salt Lake residents came to our NSL City Council meeting to protest to proposed homeless shelter in our city. It results in a well written city resolution, eliminated this location for a site, and put pressure on our County leaders to be more data driven to determine a site for our County homeless needs.

You'll see the homeless hotspots in the picture below are much more concentrated in the center of our county. This corner of NSL doesn't have public transportation, behavioral and mental health services, veteran services, workforce resources, or health care facilities to help the homeless in our county. I appreciate that the country is now stepping up to determine a data driven homeless shelter on the future. Thanks to everyone for coming out and for our NSL city leaders for their apropos resolution! 

Click here to read the NSL resolution on homelessness

:Sources

Carlson, Brian. “Plans for Homeless Shelter in Davis County Neighborhood Fall Through.” KSL.com, 7 Sept. 2024.

Fredde, Ashley. “North Salt Lake Residents Urge Outright Rejection of Permanent Shelter.” KSL.com, 3 Sept. 2024.

What the 2024 Utah Legislature Did for Homelessness


Over $11 million has been allocated for new behavioral health programs, including $8.2 million for a facility to help individuals with severe mental illness, $2.3 million to address workforce gaps, $351,200 for opioid-related supportive housing, and $185,000 for behavioral health licensee support.

Here’s a rundown of noteworthy bills:
  • H.B.298 - Homelessness Services Amendments: This bill changes the Utah Homelessness Council to the Utah Homeless Services Board, aiming for a “functional zero” in homelessness. It adds performance and accountability measures for programs tackling homelessness, substance abuse, and street camping.
  • H.B.299 - Court Ordered Treatment Modifications: This mental health bill calls for a study on the Utah State Hospital’s capacity for court-ordered treatment and extends the involuntary hold time for mentally ill patients from 24 to 72 hours.
  • H.B.421 - Homelessness and Vulnerable Populations Amendments: This bill allows the Homeless Services Board to withhold state funds from cities that don’t enforce anti-camping or panhandling laws. It also introduces the HOME Court program in Salt Lake County, providing court-supervised treatment for people with mental illness.

Host A Yard Sign

As we head into this crucial season, I’m reaching out to ask for your support once more. Hosting a yard sign is a simple yet powerful way to show your commitment to our shared vision and help spread the word about our campaign.

If you’d like to host a yard sign this fall, please follow the link below to request one. Thank you for your continued support!
 
Click Here to Host a Yard Sign!
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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Melissa Garff Ballard

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