Salt Lake County's Form of Government

Salt Lake County’s government is different than most of the other counties around the state. Most counties have a commission form of government with three commissioners who act as the executive and legislative branch for their county. 

Up until 1998 Salt Lake County had a Commission form of government. An election by the people changed the form of government from commission to mayor-council form. In 2000, a council and mayor were elected, and the new form of government was operational Jan. 1, 2001. 

The County Council is made up of nine members, currently five Republicans and four Democrats, with six districted council members and three at-large council members. The six representing districts are elected to four-year terms in staggered elections and at-large candidates are elected to six-year terms. You can find out more about my colleagues.

While the County Mayor handles the day-to-day operations and executive decisions of the County, the policy and legislation comes from the Council. Arguably the most important job of the Council is to pass a balanced budget. At the end of the year the Mayor’s office will propose a budget. The Council works through those budget recommendations and, after weeks of review and revision, adopts the budget for the next year. The Council also passes other legislation to amend ordinances and county policies. 

For more information on the responsibilities of the County Council, click here and for more information on the structure of the county government, click here.