In a significant move toward addressing the multifaceted challenges of homelessness, mental health and criminal justice in Salt Lake County, the County Council, in August, voted 8-1 to place a $507 million Public Safety Bond on the ballot this November. This decision, which comes as a part of Mayor Jenny Wilson’s comprehensive Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan, marks a pivotal moment in the county’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public safety infrastructure and provide more effective support for vulnerable populations.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson speaks at the opening of the Youth Services transitional living building. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Wilson)

A Vision for Justice and Accountability

At the heart of the Public Safety Bond is the proposed construction of a Justice and Accountability Center. This facility aims to transform how Salt Lake County deals with low-level offenders. According to Wilson, the center will “serve people who have frequent low-level interactions with the criminal justice system and lack housing options,” providing access to outpatient treatment, job training, and permanent housing opportunities.

The Justice and Accountability Center is designed to be more than just an alternative to jail. It represents a shift in the county’s approach to criminal justice, one that recognizes the underlying issues—such as mental health and substance use disorders—that often drive individuals into repeated encounters with the law. “The goal of the center,” Wilson said, “is to hold people accountable while reducing repeat offenses by increasing access to services and support.”

By focusing on accountability and support, the center aims to break the cycle of recidivism that has plagued the county for years. The center will offer a structured environment where individuals can receive the help they need to get their lives back on track, making criminal behavior less likely to recur.

Consolidating and Modernizing County Jails

Another significant component of the Public Safety Bond is the consolidation of Salt Lake County’s two jails. Under this plan, the Oxbow Jail will be closed, and the Adult Detention Center/Metro facility will be expanded. This consolidation is not just about increasing capacity—although that is certainly a factor, as the county’s jail capacity has not been increased since 2001. It is also about modernizing the facilities to meet better the needs of inmates, particularly those with mental health issues.

In addition to the expansion, the bond will fund the construction of a transitional unit designed to help inmates prepare for reentry into the community. This reentry unit will provide a dedicated space where individuals nearing the end of their sentences can work with caseworkers to identify their needs and the resources required to reenter society successfully.

A Collaborative Approach

Developing the Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan—and, by extension, the Public Safety Bond—has been a collaborative effort involving county officials, state leaders and nonprofit providers. The plan’s goal is ambitious: to make homelessness in Salt Lake County brief, rare, and non-recurring. The county’s systems—criminal justice, behavioral health treatment, workforce development and housing—must work together seamlessly to achieve this.

According to the Salt Lake County Mayor statement website, “For the first time ever, Salt Lake County has a comprehensive five-year action plan to tackle homelessness, behavioral health challenges and criminal justice reform. This plan, developed in collaboration with experts and community stakeholders, creates an integrated approach to these critical issues.”

Salt Lake County voters will decide on a bond to expand county public safety facilities and services. (Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office)

Cost and Impact on Taxpayers

If approved by voters, the proposed bond would cost the average Salt Lake County household $58.94 per year or just under $5 per month. The cost would be $107.16 annually or under $9 monthly for businesses. Despite the substantial total amount of the bond, the cost to individual taxpayers is relatively modest—a point that county officials hope will encourage voter support.

The bond will cover the construction of the Justice and Accountability Center and the jail consolidation, the demolition of the Oxbow facility, and various maintenance and improvement projects for the county’s existing jail infrastructure. The total cost of these projects is estimated at $627 million, with the bond accounting for $507 million of that total. The remaining $120 million will be covered through the sale of the Oxbow property and county set-asides.

Voters can find more information regarding Salt Lake County’s Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Action Plan online at: www.saltlakecounty.gov/mayor/plan/.