SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — During today’s state Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone Committee’s consideration of the Capital City Convention Center Reinvestment Zone proposal, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson made the following statement:

“Sixty years ago, Salt Lake City stood at a crossroads. Downtown was fading and its buildings aging. But a generation of visionary leaders saw something more. Governor Calvin Rampton, alongside local and civic leaders, led the charge to revitalize downtown and build the Salt Palace Convention Center, which opened in 1969. It marked Utah’s bold entry into the convention business and launched a new era of success. The Convention Center was again modernized in 1996.

Today, Salt Lake City, our county, and our convention industry deeply benefit from the courageous investment of previous leadership. And if we, today—government and community together—don’t continue that work, our social and economic advantage will slip away.

The past eighteen months of work—by public officials, private partners, and community members—has brought us to this turning point. We now have the opportunity to usher in a new era of investment in sports, entertainment, culture, and the convention economy. This is how we build the next vibrant chapter in our downtown capital city’s life.

Ryan Smith’s commitment to the Utah Jazz—and now Utah Hockey—builds on Larry H. Miller’s legacy, whose bold belief in Salt Lake led to the construction of the Delta Center in the early ‘90s. That project secured the Jazz and reenergized downtown. Today, we have the chance to do it again, on a bigger scale.

Arts and culture have always been catalysts for growth in our community. Institutions like Capitol Theatre, Abravanel Hall, the Eccles Theater, and UMOCA have shaped downtown into a creative engine. These places aren’t just venues—they’re reflections of who we are.

We also have a responsibility to honor our diverse heritage. The opportunity to preserve and celebrate places like Japan Town reminds us: great cities don’t erase their history—they build on it.

And as Temple Square undergoes its transformation, it too stands as a symbol—of honoring tradition while preparing for the future.

It’s been less than two years since the opportunity of a thriving, modern, sports, entertainment, culture and convention district first presented itself—months before the Utah Hockey Club’s first puck dropped. And in less than two years, we have already overcome many obstacles and challenges. I appreciate the patience of the community as Salt Lake City, the state, SEG, and Salt Lake County have worked to move forward and find a path for this revolutionary opportunity.

Today’s action by the HTRZ committee moves us one step closer towards Salt Lake County’s investment in this revitalized district through a reimaging of the Salt Palace Convention center - one that’s better connected to our growing downtown and world-class airport, and ready to host the biggest events in the nation, and certainly the world in 2034. Yes, it will generate additional revenue—but more importantly, it will be a gathering place for Utahns and visitors to experience the best of our state.

I know there is much more work to come. Let’s remain committed as we are, once again, at a turning point in our capital city’s journey. Like Governor Rampton and local leaders, we must think boldly. Let’s invest in a downtown that’s economically strong, culturally rich, and deeply inclusive. Let’s shape a future that honors our past and inspires generations to come.

I urge the committee to support today’s proposal as the next step in realizing this exciting, and necessary, opportunity.”