Downtown Farmers Market asks subcommittee for $75,000 to cover Pioneer Park renovation and winter-market uncertainty

Carly Gillespie, director of Urban Food Connections of Utah, told the Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee that the Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park is a statewide economic connector and requested one-time assistance for two specific needs.

"We see 250,000 patrons each year," Gillespie said, describing the market’s scale and its network of more than 100 agricultural producers from 14 Utah counties and more than 300 total vendors who generate roughly $11,000,000 in direct-to-consumer sales annually. She said the market supports entrepreneurs, with a higher-than-average share of women- and minority-owned businesses using the market as a low‑barrier entry point.

Gillespie told the committee Pioneer Park will undergo renovations in 2026 and that the market must move to surrounding city streets during construction; staff estimated that change will increase the market’s 2026 operating budget by about $212,000. "We're asking for $75,000 in this appropriation to help cover a portion of those costs," she said. She also asked for support to help secure a permanent winter-market venue, noting the current winter site is not guaranteed and asking for an additional $75,000 to help build a permanent public building in Pioneer Park to allow year‑round operations.

Gillespie said the market’s revenues are largely earned (vendor fees), not philanthropic, and that less than 20% of its annual budget comes from sponsorships and grants. Committee members did not pose substantive questions about the market’s economic numbers during the allotted time.

The market’s request is one-time and targeted to cover relocation and winter-market permanence costs tied to the Pioneer Park renovation timeline.