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County council rescinds $150,000 2025 contribution to Sundance Institute
Summary
The Salt Lake County Council voted to rescind a previously budgeted $150,000 general fund contribution to the Sundance Institute for 2025 after the institute announced it will leave the state; the motion passed on a roll call vote.
The Salt Lake County Council voted to rescind a $150,000 general‑fund contribution to the Sundance Institute that was included in the county's 2025 budget, a measure sponsors framed as fiscal stewardship after Sundance announced plans to relocate outside Utah.
Council chair opened the item noting the organization’s long history in the state and saying, “I’m really sad about their announcement of leaving,” and added the rescission was discussed during last year’s budget process.
Council members who supported the rescission said the decision is a budgetary judgment, not a punitive move. “When we have such limited resources, it's important to me that we invest in organizations that have a long term commitment to our community and our residents,” a council member said during discussion.
The county also clarified that the rescission applies to the $150,000 general‑fund contribution and does not affect a separate, $130,000 allocation for the ZAP (local arts) program that Sundance receives.
Vote and sponsors: the item was sponsored by the council chair and seconded by Councilmember Suzanne Harrison. The council conducted a roll call; Councilmember Pinkney voted no, and several council members voted aye, including Councilmembers Bradshaw, Stringham, Wender Newton, Harrison, Moreno, Stewart and Chair Theodore; the motion passed.
Why it matters: county officials said the move was prompted by constrained county funds and the institute’s decision to move out of state. County leaders said they will pursue other conventions and events to backfill lost economic activity and noted that other local film organizations remain eligible for existing county arts funding.
Ending: council members said they regret Sundance’s departure and that the county will continue to explore options to support film and cultural events that benefit local economic development.
