Murray · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Murray City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Murray Parkway Golf Course Fee Adjustments
Officials are reviewing proposed changes to the fee schedule for the Murray Parkway Golf Course under Section 12.28.030 of the municipal code.
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.
Murray Central Station Area Plan
The city is adopting a comprehensive long-range plan for the half-mile radius around the central transit station to guide future housing, job growth, trails, and public plazas. Commissioners added recommendations to ensure safe pedestrian paths to the hospital, bike lanes, and flexible parking policies.
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.
D.L. Evans Bank Electronic Message Center Sign Request
D.L. Evans Bank received approval to install a digital message sign on State Street with a required night shutdown to prevent light pollution.
Regional Law Enforcement Forensics Partnership
The city is considering joining forces with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the FBI-Affiliated Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory to enhance digital crime-fighting capabilities.
Municipal Fee Waivers
The council is considering waiving park fees for the Exchange Club to host a community veterans event at Constitution Circle on Veterans Day.
Police Department Leadership Transition
Longtime Police Chief Craig D. Burnett retired after 41 years of service, and Chase L. Smith was appointed as his successor.
Murray Theater Restoration and Status Update
Leaders will receive an update on the ongoing efforts to restore the historic Murray Theater and bring it back as a community asset.
Neighborhood Animal Welfare Concern Over Anti-Bark Devices
A resident voiced concerns during public comment about a neighbor using an electronic anti-bark device as a weapon against his dog, noting a lack of city regulations.
The Pointe at 53rd Subdivision Reconfiguration
Property owners at 5211 S. State Street requested to reorganize existing lots into three new parcels. Commissioners discussed how traffic access and shared parking agreements would apply to the newly created lots.
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.
Fox Grove Estates Subdivision Amendment
A property owner requested to amend lot 6 of the Fox Grove Subdivision located at 5917 S Fox Grove Circle within the R-1-6 residential zone.
A Rose from Concrete Body Art Collective Tattoo Business CUP
An application was submitted to operate a tattoo business named A Rose from Concrete Body Art Collective at 162 E 4500 S in the C-D commercial zone.
FY2026-2027 Municipal Budget
The council reviewed proposed budget adjustments to carry over unspent funds, incorporate new grant money, and fund park water improvements.
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.
Ground-Floor Signage Code Amendments for Multi-Tenant Buildings
The city is considering code updates to let ground-floor businesses in multi-tenant buildings display exterior wall signs just like single-tenant buildings.
UTOPIA Fiber Expansion
Utopia updated the city on its financial health, showing that customer revenues now cover operating costs and bond obligations without straining city coffers.
Public Power Week
The city recognized the contribution of its public power utility by declaring September 7-11, 2026, as Public Power Week, honoring reliable service and utility workers.
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 Senior Center Growth and Utilization
Former residents Juan and Lisa Becerra highlighted the incredible popularity of the Murray Senior Center, which recently recorded 3,850 visitors in a single month. They praised the staff and variety of classes that draw people back to Murray's facility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FY 2026-2027 Tentative Budget and Property Tax Increase
Mayor Brett Hales presented a tentative $66 million general fund budget that includes a 9.8 percent property tax rate increase. The extra revenue will fund police officers, firefighters' pay bumps, and rising health insurance costs.
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.
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.
Adoption of 2024 International Fire Code
Murray updated its municipal fire code to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code, ensuring local standards align with state rules and address fire safety, hydrant systems, and access for higher-density developments.
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.
Murray Chapel Property Renovation
Murray is breathing new life into the old armory by turning it into a dedicated event space. It’s a great way to reuse a vacant building and finally give us a local spot to host parties and community gatherings.
Downtown Redevelopment
The city's major downtown redevelopment project is moving forward, but it's currently held up by old property easements and negotiations with UDOT over street access and parking.
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.
Executive Compensation Adjustments
The city is considering pay raises for its top executives. Residents can share their opinions on whether these increases are appropriate for the current budget.
City Planning and Outlook
Murray is rolling out a bunch of new projects and policy changes in 2025 that will definitely shift the vibe of your neighborhood. It’s worth checking out the details now so you aren't surprised by construction or new rules down the road.
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.
Theater Division Creation
The city is looking at creating a specific department for theater programs. This could mean more organized arts programming for residents.
Murray Armory Rental Fee Structure
The city is looking to set official rental fees for the Armory. This will change how much it costs for residents or organizations to rent the space for events.
Traffic and Safety on 900 East
Murray residents are pushing the city to install traffic-calming measures to stop reckless drivers from treating their quiet streets like racetracks. It’s a classic neighborhood safety battle that could change how you get around your block.
Zoning for Veterinary Dentistry
The city is looking at whether to allow specialized pet dental offices in areas currently zoned for general offices. This could change the mix of businesses in office parks.
Education Funding
Murray schools just scored a $13 million grant to build a new healthcare academy. It’s a huge win for local students looking to jumpstart their careers in the medical field right out of high school.
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.
Administrative Efficiency
The city is updating its code to make it easier to understand who is responsible for approving different types of permits. This should make the process faster for everyone.