CRA shares Salt Lake's Ballpark Next community design plan to ensure public land preservation

The Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency (CRA) meeting on July 8, 2025, spotlighted a crucial discussion on the future of publicly owned land in the Ballpark neighborhood. Community advocate Taylor emphasized the importance of maintaining public ownership of the land, arguing that it should not be sold to private developers. "Public ownership offers a rare opportunity for us to push for homeownership through community land trusts and affordable rent options," Taylor stated, urging the council to prioritize generational equity and public benefit in their planning.

Taylor's comments came as the CRA prepares to finalize a nearly million-dollar community design plan, which aims to transform the Ballpark area into a vibrant sports entertainment destination. The plan, developed over two and a half years, reflects community priorities and seeks to avoid past mistakes, such as the underwhelming economic impact of the current ballpark, which is only 30 years old.

Mark Asness, the lead project manager from the design firm Perkins and Will, presented the public draft of the Ballpark Next Community Design Plan. He highlighted the plan's six chapters, which outline a vision for the area, design frameworks, and a high-level development roadmap. Asness noted that the plan is grounded in community input and aims to create a positive impact on health and economic stability.

The meeting concluded with a call for urgency in moving forward with the plan, reinforcing the need for government action that prioritizes public benefit. As the CRA looks to finalize the design, the community's voice remains a central focus, ensuring that future generations of Salt Lakers inherit not just beautiful buildings, but a legacy of public stewardship.