The stress of life often feels overwhelming to me. However, spending just a few moments outside, even simply staring at the mountains, brings me a great sense of calm. Growing up in Utah, one of the things I valued most was the immediate access to the outdoors.
I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of the Jordan River Trailway, a 50-mile path connecting Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. This shaped many of my childhood experiences. There were long summer evenings spent exploring the tall grass along the river bank with my siblings. Waking up early to enjoy a meditative walk on the trail with my grandmother visiting from the East Coast. Or crisp Saturday mornings that were often filled with service projects to improve aspects of the park with my church youth group. All of these cherished moments along the Jordan River not only provided me physical activity but also cultivated a deep appreciation for Utah’s great outdoors. The Jordan river trail and many other local parks offered me a sense of comfort and joy that remain foundational in my life.
This fall, Salt Lake County residents have an opportunity to continue funding parks like the Jordan River Trailway. The ZAP (Zoo, Arts, and Parks) Tax—a 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax—supports nearly 230 recreational, zoological, and cultural organizations. From the Loveland Aquarium to the Hogle Zoo, local parks, and cultural arts programs, this funding is crucial to the vitality and success of many beloved community spaces and programs.
Voting to continue this tax supports a wide range of benefits. The funding provided by the ZAP tax boosts tourism, creates jobs, and supports local businesses. According to Salt Lake County, ZAP-funded programs attracted over 11 million visitors in the 2023 fiscal year. Maintaining this tax contributes to the growth of the community and the success of businesses that are buoyed up by this support, helping draw in tourists and stimulate the economy. Additionally, ZAP-supported businesses employed around 15,000 people in the Salt Lake Valley in 2022, demonstrating that the ZAP tax investment significantly benefits the local economy, with little cost from its residents.
The ZAP tax also plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to the services it supports. For example, 21 recreation centers across the county receive ZAP funding, offering various affordable recreational and cultural activities that are accessible to everyone. This minimal-cost tax helps support the most vulnerable community members, creating inclusive “third spaces” where people can connect and engage at little to no cost—creating a community that truly supports all its members.
If this tax is not renewed, the consequences would be serious for all the organizations it supports. There would be fewer services available—fewer parks, recreation centers, cultural programs, arts businesses, and museums. Additionally, without this funding, the cost to use these services would likely increase, and maintenance standards at these facilities would decline.
With all of these incredible services in mind, one could wonder, ‘How much will this tax cost me?’ Fortunately, the ZAP tax requires only a small individual financial contribution, especially considering the significant impact it has on the community.
According to estimates from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the total annual cost for each county resident is only about 8 to 12 dollars. That’s less than the average fast food meal these days. On top of that Salt Lake County residents only account for 25 to 40 percent of the total revenue from the tax, with around an additional 20 percent paid by local businesses and the remaining 40 to 55 percent by out-of-county visitors, commuters, or businesses. In terms of cold hard cash for every 10 dollars that is spent only 1 penny is taken by the zap tax. Given how minimal the cost is, especially with much of it being covered by businesses and out-of-county visitors, the value the ZAP tax provides becomes even clearer.
Think about all the times these services have been enjoyed—whether exploring the wonders of the natural history museum, strolling through a vibrant park, or marveling at the size of an elephant at the Hogle Zoo—just a few of the invaluable programs funded by the ZAP tax. These experiences shape the community, inspire creativity, and create connections that bind residents together. Supporting this funding mechanism is important not just for the present but for future generations to continue to make Utah an amazing place to live.
As someone who has personally experienced the benefits of the ZAP tax through the many services and programs it supports, I am confident in casting my vote to renew it through a ‘yes’ on County Proposal 8.