SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake County Council makes decisions for over one-third of Utahns. Control of the council is up for grabs this general election.
The council currently has a 5-4 Republican majority, but with four seats up for election, Democrats need only one flip to take control.
Two of those four seats opened up after a pair of the council’s Republican members chose not to seek reelection.
The candidates that replace them will make decisions that directly impact Utahns’ daily lives. And as the most populous county, the council is responsible for decision-making for over 1.2 million people.
Two incumbents are stepping aside
Republican council member Aimee Winder Newton has served on the council since 2014. When she announced her decision not to run for reelection, she reflected on her work serving District 3.
She said she was most proud of expanding mental health services and reining in the county’s budget.
“I was never afraid to make hard decisions in the best interest of the county and taxpayers,” Winder Newton wrote.
Similarly, when Republican council member Sheldon Stewart announced his withdrawal from his race, he said he worked hard to make sure his constituents had their voices heard.
“Serving the residents of the Southwest Valley has been a profound honor, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” Stewart wrote.
Those achievements included advocating for a leaner budget while prioritizing essential services and streamlining bureaucracy, Stewart said.
But it’s easy for active council members to know what exactly the county council does. For some voters, the role of the council may not be so clear.
Who makes up the Salt Lake County Council?
The council has nine seats. Three of those seats are called “at-large,” and they serve the entire county for six-year terms.
The other six district seats serve distinct areas within the county for four-year terms.
In the 2026 general election, one at-large seat and three district seats are on the ballot.
What does the Salt Lake County Council do?
The council is the legislative body of the county’s government. It’s responsible for adopting county budgets, ordinances, and tax rates, in conjunction with SLCo Mayor Jenny Wilson (D-Salt Lake).
A major part of the council’s job is to adopt a budget, which has far-reaching implications for residents.
For example, the council approved a 14% property tax increase last December. The decision added a $64 annual cost for the average homeowner in the county.
Another major part of the council’s job is to hear members of the public out about their concerns. During the Dec. 9 meeting, where the council voted to approve the increase, Democratic council member Suzanne Harrison thanked residents for showing up and speaking their minds.
“It means a lot that you’re here,” Harrison said.
Balancing the budget also means the council votes on what programs get funded or shut down. Before the council approved the tax increase, it cut four county-funded daycare programs to cut costs.
The council also passes laws for the county. For example, the county is currently considering an ordinance restricting e-bikes on certain trails.
Residents who want to know more about the county council or who want to make their voices heard can participate in meetings and share input.
The council allows for public comment at the beginning of each meeting. Meetings happen every Tuesday.
