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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Salt Lake

On Tuesday evening, SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall proposed a 

 to the City Council. It includes more $$ for policing, the city’s Westside, and pedestrian safety. While it actually costs ~$2 billion to run our city, the General Fund is the portion of the budget funded by residents (think: property tax, sales tax, fines).

Citing a volatile stock market, tariffs, and decreasing consumer sentiment, the mayor called this year’s budget “nearly entirely flat” aka just the basics. So why is it up 6.7% from last year? “This increase is driven almost entirely by inflation and the rising cost of maintaining the services and infrastructure we already have,” says the mayor.

Rates are going up for water (about $10/month for low water users) and waste & recycling (about $3/month for residential bins). Expect property taxes to go up next budget season.

: New police, fire, and street maintenance vehicles

: Phase one of The Green Loop, the block right outside City Hall

: Vision Zero safety improvements to three major streets: Redwood Road, 900 West, and 800 South

: More electric vehicle charging stations

: Overnight security at several city parks

Renovating the Fisher Mansion and finding new tenants

: Starter funds for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games

 Utah Transit Authority’s On Demand service

The SLC Council has until June 30 to vote on a final budget. Until then, they’re taking feedback from residents.

📞 Leave a voice message at (801) 535-7654.

 on Tuesday, May 20 or Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m.

Salt Lake City's $512 Million Budget Proposal

Local Civics

What's being decided in Salt Lake City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Salt Lake City Council. 

Salt Lake Election and City Hall News

. The relentless sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes can be maddening. And while the seasons are in Mother Nature’s hands, there are things you can do to control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey Salt Lake is here with a room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down your dog or cat's fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

What tips do you have for allergy season?

It’s not you, allergies actually are worse in 2025. The relentless sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes can be maddening. And while the seasons are in Mother Nature’s hands, there are things you can do to control and reduce allergens in your home. 

Tips To Prepare For Allergy Season in Salt Lake City, Utah

Prepare Your Salt Lake Home For Allergy Season

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta here. My new year’s resolution is to visit all 511 parks in Salt Lake County, and I’m sharing stellar finds 

 on Salt Lake City’s Westside. Delightful bakeries, a busy skate park, and international gardens await you. Getting there is half the fun.

Jordan Park sits at the crossroads of the 

 (stretching from the Great Salt Lake to Utah Lake) and the 

 (connecting the east and west sides of SLC along 900 S.), which means there is a safe bike/running path whether you’re coming from the north, south, or east.

Fun fact: Jordan Park’s bike polo court just hosted the 

North American Hardcourt Bike Polo Association championships

At the corner of 900 S. and 900 W. is Salt Lake City’s best tres leches cake. Stop by for picnic materials like Mexican sandwich rolls or a sweet treat. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you’re taking the 9 Line, you’ll find Forty Three Bakery just two blocks east of Jordan Park. They serve brunch 

Our botanical garden with displays representing different countries is pretty, and free! But my favorite thing is how different 

SLC Council recently approved $325,000 for updates to the gardens, so keep an eye out for improvements.

I was slightly devastated to learn a public pool and bathhouse were demolished to make way for this skatepark in 2001, but I love how busy and joyful it always is.

: The Jordan River Trail has been a recent site of contention in Salt Lake City. 

Learn more on the City Cast Salt Lake podcast

How to spend an afternoon in Salt Lake City? Ride your bike to Jordan Park for a pastry and to smell the roses.

The Salt Lake City Park Home to Skateboards, Bakeries, and Rose Gardens

How to Spend the Perfect Day Around Jordan Park

Salt Lake Parks

Parks question

Ask away

Whether it's off-leash dog parks, pickleball courts, pools or playgrounds, we are ranking the best parks in the valley, from Herriman to Salt Lake City, and everywhere in between.

Every Park SLC: Visiting All 511 Parks in Salt Lake County

Every Park SLC

Salt Lake City just unveiled the design for a new, $2 million playground at Liberty Park. It will be an all-abilities park! But what does that actually mean? I asked SLC’s ADA coordinator, Ashley Lichtle.

“Removing any physical barriers makes a park ADA-compliant. But removing physical barriers doesn’t provide opportunities for active participation or social inclusion. This is where inclusive design comes into play (pun intended)!”

According to the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design,* everyone should feel included, smart, independent, safe, active, and comfortable in a play area. Let’s take thrill as an example: Your thrill might be a zip line, mine might be climbing a dirt mound. An all-abilities playground allows for people of all ages and abilities to get their kicks.

Fun fact: These were co-developed by Utah State University.

$2 million of the $85 million parks bond passed by SLC voters is being applied to a new playground in Liberty Park. The park is 

, like a Chill Zone, Challenge Zone, and Thrill Zone. All-abilities elements include sensory gardens, a zipline with full-body support, wheelchair-accessible spin carousels, caregiver accommodations, and Braille and American Sign Language incorporation.

The new Liberty Park playground won’t break ground before 2025. In the meantime, find cheap thrills at some 

: Bickley Park in South Salt Lake, Draper City Park, Sierra Newbold Playground in West Jordan, and Magna Regional Park. 

Salt Lake’s ADA office wants to know what your neighborhood park needs to be inclusive? Email 

Salt Lake Plans for Inclusive Park Thrills

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost.

public health

Salt Lake City's $512 Million Budget Proposal

Prepare Your Salt Lake Home For Allergy Season

How to Spend the Perfect Day Around Jordan Park

Latest articles

Salt Lake City's $512 Million Budget Proposal

Prepare Your Salt Lake Home For Allergy Season

How to Spend the Perfect Day Around Jordan Park

Salt Lake Plans for Inclusive Park Thrills

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

Latest articles

Salt Lake Plans for Inclusive Park Thrills

How to Get Paxlovid for Free