SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced that construction is continuing at the 10th East Senior Center, which had been considered by the County Council as a potential budget reduction in the 2026 budget.
Mayor Wilson said, “Construction on the County’s 10th East Senior Center will continue and, prior to its re-opening in early 2027, I will work to identify operational funds necessary to welcome our seniors back to the center.”
Mayor Wilson’s directive to the County’s facility building team to continue construction supports the ultimate direction from the Council during the budget hearings that construction should continue.
“We have an obligation to continue the project primarily for the benefit of the seniors it serves, and also because of our contractual obligation to the builders and architects,” Mayor Wilson continued. “Salt Lake County lives up to its commitments.”
“I appreciate the work done to find additional funding sources to save taxpayer dollars," said Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton. “Keeping the 10th East Senior Center open will provide great connection opportunities for seniors and those who use this center.”
To address the shortfall for future operational costs, Salt Lake County is actively pursuing New Market Tax Credits and is optimistic these credits would provide additional revenue for the project and reduce construction costs, thereby freeing up funds for operations. Mayor Wilson will continue to work with the Council, the County’s Aging and Adult Services division, Salt Lake City, and other partners to ensure funding gaps are identified and the senior center can reopen on schedule.
“The collaborative work by the mayor, her office, and both parties on the County Council allowed us to arrive at a solution that serves our seniors and keeps this center open for the foreseeable future,” shared Salt Lake County Council Member Jiro Johnson, whose district includes the 10th East Senior Center.