The Summit County Council convened on October 10, 2023, to discuss pressing community issues, with a significant focus on child care initiatives in Park City. The meeting began with a brief overview of the ongoing challenges related to affordable child care, highlighting the need for effective solutions as community feedback continues to pour in.

Michelle Downard, a resident advocate with Park City Municipal, provided an update on the city's child care efforts. She noted that while progress is being made, the situation remains a work in progress. The Park City Council has allocated $1 million for fiscal year 2024 to support a scholarship program aimed at assisting families with child care costs. This funding is intended to be distributed to child care providers through an administrator selected via a request for proposal (RFP) process. The council plans to refine eligibility criteria for the scholarships in future work sessions.

Downard also addressed the recent closure of a long-standing child care facility in Park City, emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing capacity. A new provider has been awarded a subsidized lease for the space, with plans to open in November. The council is actively exploring additional strategies to enhance child care availability and affordability, including a draft recommendation for support aimed at municipal employees and the establishment of a task force to identify further opportunities.

Council members expressed the need for a broader, countywide approach to tackle child care issues, suggesting the formation of a regional task force that includes various stakeholders such as schools and local businesses. This collaborative effort aims to develop sustainable funding sources and increase overall capacity for child care services.

Additionally, discussions touched on the adjustment of impact fees for child care facilities, which had previously been deemed excessively high. The council is working to lower these fees to facilitate the opening of new facilities, recognizing that hidden costs can impede progress in addressing child care shortages.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring innovative solutions and partnerships to enhance child care services in the region, with follow-up discussions planned for future council sessions.