Murray · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Murray City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Electrical Service Rate Adjustments
The city is proposing updates to several sections of the municipal code regarding electrical service rates, which could impact utility billing for residents and businesses.
History Advisory Board Reappointment
The council will vote on reappointing Roxanne Cowley to help oversee local historical preservation and community history efforts.
R-M Zones Yard Requirements Text Amendment
The city is exploring changes to apartment and multi-family setback rules to give better buffers next to single-family neighborhoods. As a development moratorium wraps up, officials want to make sure new multi-family projects don't crowd neighboring homes.
Intermountain Health IMC Cancer Center Expansion
Intermountain Health requested an amendment to an approved conditional use permit to expand the Intermountain Medical Center flagship cancer center at 5116 S State St in the C-D zone.
Fire Department Training Facility
A recent shooting at Fashion Place Mall involving a teenager has locals worried about safety at one of our biggest shopping spots. It’s a wake-up call for the city to rethink security measures in high-traffic areas.
East Vine Street Tax Increment Collection Termination
The RDA board is considering ending the tax increment collection period for the East Vine Street project area, which affects how property tax revenues are distributed locally.
Standard Land Use Code Amendment
Murray City is updating several land use chapters to remove unnecessary reporting burdens, clarify public notices, adjust landscaping requirements for building reuses, and allow staff to approve minor conditional use expansions.
Murray Kids Childcare Center Development
A new childcare facility is coming to 20 East Winchester Street, bringing much-needed daycare options to the area while addressing site safety, parking, and utility clearances near power lines.
Affordable Housing Support
The City Council enacted a six-month pause on new multifamily residential building and subdivision applications in standard 'RM' zones. The break gives staff time to finish new design rules for how apartments interface with single-family neighborhoods.
Elected Office Vacancy Procedures Alignment
The council updated local ordinances and its policy handbook to comply with new state laws regarding midterm vacancies for the city council and mayor. These rules clarify interim appointments and election requirements.
Affordable Housing Support
Murray is testing out a new 'village' model to help get people off the streets and into stable housing. It’s a shift away from traditional shelters toward a more permanent, supportive community approach.
Land Use Code Modernization
Murray is updating its land use code to remove redundant annual reporting rules for group homes and elderly facilities, drop outdated conditional zones, and allow city staff to approve minor administrative conditional use permits without a public hearing.
Storm Drainage Infrastructure
The city adopted an updated storm drainage master plan outlining roughly $71 million in capital projects across three priority tiers over the next five years. Staff will seek grant funding to help cover these major infrastructure expenses.
Commercial Development in M-G Zone
The old Best Buy building is a total eyesore, and the city wants your take on what should replace it. Whether you want more apartments or a new hangout spot, now is the time to speak up before they decide for you.
Utility Enterprise Fund Transfers
The city is proposing to move 8% of utility revenue into the general fund to help pay for city services. Residents can learn how this impacts utility rates and general city funding.
2026 Power Impact Fees Update
Murray updated its power impact fee facilities plan and analysis, setting maximum allowable fees at approximately $1,100 per kilowatt to fund future electrical infrastructure serving growth.
Streamlining Business Permitting
The city is looking to cut red tape by allowing staff to approve minor business changes without needing a full public hearing. This should make it easier for small businesses to expand or move into new spaces.
Property Disposition
The city is looking to sell land on State Street. This could change how that area is used and impact local development.
FrontRunner 2X Expansion
The new Midvalley Express bus line is finally live, connecting Murray and West Valley City with a faster, more reliable route. It’s a solid move if you’re tired of sitting in traffic or hunting for parking spots.
State Street Property Redevelopment
The city is hitting the reset button on a major development site after the previous developer failed to meet their obligations. The city will now study the market to find a better fit for the community.
State Legislative Overreach
The Planning Commission expressed frustration that state laws are forcing them to change local zoning processes, which they feel limits their ability to properly vet new business types.
Cherry Street Project Area Closure
Murray wrapped up the 35-year-old Cherry Street redevelopment area after boosting property values by nearly 2,000 percent. The city funded a final storm drain detention basin at 4580 South Cherry Street and dissolved the district to help local businesses combine parcels.
Legal Settlement
Murray City is shelling out $152,000 to settle a lawsuit over a messy traffic stop. It’s a frustrating reminder that your tax money is being used to cover the costs of police misconduct.
Block 1 Utility Easement Vacations
The city is moving forward with vacating utility easements in the downtown Block 1 redevelopment area so developers can finalize their financing and start digging the parking garage.
Old City Hall Site Redevelopment Status
The Redevelopment Agency terminated its contract for the old City Hall site, meaning the city will soon issue a new request for proposals to find a developer.
Mayoral Election
Murray’s mayoral race is officially heating up, with incumbent Brett Hales facing off against challenger Bruce Turner. This election is a major turning point that will set the city's agenda and priorities for the next few years.
School Bond Election
Murray voters are heading to the polls this November to decide if we should foot the bill to tear down and rebuild Riverview Junior High. It’s a major decision that will directly impact your property tax bill and the quality of our local school infrastructure.
Elections
Election season is officially here in Murray, and it's time to figure out who’s running and what’s actually on your ballot. Don't go into the voting booth blind—check out the latest guide to see how these candidates might change your daily life.
Police Conduct Settlement
Murray City just paid out a settlement after a lawsuit claimed police were racially profiling drivers. It’s a wake-up call about how our local tax dollars are being used to cover for questionable police conduct.
Urban Agriculture Ordinance
Murray just gave the green light for backyard chickens, so you can finally start your own mini-farm at home. It’s a win for anyone looking to grab fresh eggs right from their own coop.
Public Health Emergency
Murray schools are closing indefinitely because of COVID-19, which is going to throw a major wrench in everyone's work and childcare schedules. It’s a sudden shift, so expect things to be chaotic while the district figures out the next steps.
Local Election Results
Murray’s city council is seeing a historic shift with a new female majority taking over next year. This change is expected to shake up the city's policy priorities and bring a fresh perspective to local government.
Public Transit Infrastructure
The Midvalley Connector is coming to 4500 South, which means construction headaches now for a faster bus route later. It’s a major project that’s going to reshape traffic and how the neighborhood develops over the next few years.