SALT LAKE CITY -- Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski sat alongside Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams Tuesday night addressing plans to tackle the challenge of homelessness.
"I'm very excited by the opportunity to bring Salt Lake City back to the forefront in these discussions and to be a key partner in the work that we'll be doing," BIskupski said.
McAdams and Biskupski are working together on a plan that started prior to Biskupski taking office. Salt Lake County provides most of the services to the homeless population, but many of those are offered within Salt Lake City, making their partnership moving forward a key to success.
The county is asking the state legislature for $20 million to address the issue.
Mayor McAdams said on Tuesday night, he was happy to report Gov. Gary Herbert included $6 million in his proposed budget. After the meeting, he said that is not a setback, but a good sign.
McAdams plans to work with the state legislature to get the full amount, noting it may come over a period of several years to fit the need to build out the services.
On the wish list, affordable housing, emergency shelters, education and other assistance services for the homeless population.
Biskupski said the services would enable them to get back to independence in an effective and efficient way.
