Can Utah’s capital city become family friendly again?

The 2025 municipal election cycle put a spotlight on two of the struggles impacting Utah families the most: affordability and growth.

On Tuesday, around 25%-35% of registered voters are expected to have the final say in hundreds of local elections across the state.

The questions at stake include how communities plan to manage spiking populations and respond to state officials who want more housing options.

At the center of these statewide trends is a race to represent the area surrounding Utah’s Capitol, a fitting microcosm of the forces leading young families to flee a state best known for strong family formation.

The Greater Avenues neighborhood, which forms the majority of Salt Lake City District 3, was nearly the victim of two school closures last year, Ensign and Wasatch elementar