KEY POINTS

The total number of homeless Utahns increased by 18% in 2025 to record highs.

SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the Legislature has failed to fully fund programs.

Gov. Spencer Cox, top lawmakers said state has spent $266 million on homelessness.

The number of homeless Utahns surged to its highest level ever in 2025 as state leadership continues to debate how to balance enhanced law enforcement and increased funding for an expanded shelter system.

Nearly 4,600 Utahns were recorded as homeless during the annual 2025 Point-in-Time Count conducted the final weekend of January, representing an 18% increase from 2024 and the largest number on record.

“We had a huge increase in homelessness,” State Homeless Coordinator Wayne Niederhauser told the Deseret News. “But we’ve been effect

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