Council to pursue community‑led process to replace 'Cesar Chavez Boulevard' honorary name after investigation; members favor deliberative but timely approach
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Summary
Councilors agreed the Cesar Chavez honorary name should be removed and endorsed a community‑centered, time‑bounded process for selecting a replacement (options discussed included Dolores Huerta), asking staff to track public input and coordinate with council contacts.
Salt Lake City Councilors discussed the future of the honorary 'Cesar Chavez Boulevard' name during the March 24 work session after recent news and investigations about the namesake.
Council staff summarized the process used for prior honorary‑name changes: an administration proposal, public feedback (including mailed notice to abutting property owners), a public hearing and a council vote. Several councilors said the name should be removed from city signs and that any replacement should be decided through a deliberative, community‑centered process that produces a clear recommendation for council consideration.
Members urged staff to provide a timeline so the issue does not languish, and they suggested models to follow (the Harvey Milk Boulevard process was cited). Several councilors floated alternatives — including naming in honor of Dolores Huerta — and urged outreach focused on Latino community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the replacement recognizes Latino contributions and civil‑rights leadership. The mayor indicated support for changing the honorary name.
Staff agreed to accept and track community proposals, to share incoming contact with council members and to try to expedite a public process that balances careful deliberation with timeliness. Councilors asked that staff be fiscally prudent in replacing signage and that community groups be given the lead in assembling a formal recommendation.
