Salt Lake City/ Politics & Govt
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Published on October 03, 2024
Salt Lake City Council Greenlights Transformative Downtown District and Delta Center Renovation for NHL TeamSource: Salt Lake City

The landscape of downtown Salt Lake City is set for a transformation following the City Council's recent approval of a new Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District around the Delta Center, as well as a 0.5% citywide sales tax hike to fund improvements and expansions, including an upgrade to the Delta Center to accommodate a National Hockey League team. Council Chair Victoria Petro highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "This project is about much more than a sports arena," according to Salt Lake City Council. "It’s an economic engine that will catalyze much-anticipated progress downtown."

In the works are plans for revitalizing the historic Japantown and introducing various public benefits such as public art and workforce development. The bolstering of the district isn't just about sports, it's a strategic advance towards maintaining Downtown Salt Lake City as a vibrant hub, Petro argues. The council's decision aligns with the state’s Capital City Revitalization Zone Act, which authorizes the city to designate project participants and establish terms for district borders and usage of the generated sales tax revenue.

The approved sales tax is anticipated to produce approximately $1.2 billion over three decades. A lion’s share of up to $900 million from this sum is earmarked for the Delta Center renovations and the enhancement of the surrounding entertainment district. Smith Entertainment Group, the entity behind Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, has been named as the project participant, solidifying its role in spearheading the district's redevelopment.

With state law requiring that funds must be deployed within the project area for stadium renovations and project area benefits, the focus remains on infrastructure improvements that will complement the arena's modernization efforts. The establishment of the district is poised to shift the downtown area into a more dynamic space, geared towards attracting visitors and boosting local businesses, while also preserving and enhancing cultural staples such as Japantown.