Protect Taxpayers
The proposal to consolidate homelessness services into a single campus must be carefully scrutinized, as it will place a substantial financial burden on taxpayers. The state needs to fully account for the long-term costs of such a large-scale project, including population impacts, ongoing costs, and long-term sustainability, especially when considering the 15.8 acres purchase agreement with Salt Lake City is only part of a publicly anticipated 30 acre campus. Many cities with similar models fund these projects through gambling revenues, resources that Utah does not have at its disposal. The state does not have a clear, sustainable funding plan to ensure the campus can operate effectively for years without relying on unpredictable sources of income.
The need for a new, state-of-the-art campus should also be questioned compared to renovating and repurposing existing buildings to serve the same purpose, particularly when considering the state's historical challenges with large-scale projects and cost overruns. The state must fully consider the broader financial impacts of this proposal, ensuring that it is not only a short-term solution but a viable, long-term strategy that truly addresses the root causes of homelessness.
Given the significant cost overruns and lack of transparency and detailed planning in the development of the new State Prison, it would be prudent for the state to reconsider moving forward with the proposed Homeless Campus. The missteps from the prison project should serve as a critical lesson, highlighting the risks of proceeding without a comprehensive, transparent planning process. To avoid repeating these mistakes, the state must first address the financial uncertainties and long-term sustainability of the campus, ensuring it does not place an undue burden on taxpayers or replicate the costly issues seen in previous projects.
Fiscal Responsibility & Effectiveness Email Template
Subject: Halt the Costly and Ineffective Northpoint Mega Shelter
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
As a taxpayer, I’m deeply concerned about the proposed Northpoint homeless shelter campus. The cost, scope, and location of this project mirror the same planning and transparency failures that plagued the state prison relocation. Utah cannot afford another billion-dollar mistake.
Mega shelters do not reduce homelessness — they simply warehouse people farther from jobs, transit, and recovery services. Most Utahns experiencing homelessness exit within a week; isolating them in a remote complex will only extend their stays and increase costs.
We need a smarter approach: invest in affordable and recovery housing, smaller overflow shelters near services, and long-term prevention strategies. Please oppose the Northpoint project and demand accountability before more taxpayer money is wasted.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
General Constituents Email Template
Subject: Please Reconsider the Northpoint Homeless Campus Proposal
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
I’m writing to express serious concern about the proposed homeless shelter complex at 2550 North 2200 West in Salt Lake City’s Northpoint community. While I strongly support compassionate, effective solutions to homelessness, this plan would create significant safety, environmental, and financial challenges for one small neighborhood and for taxpayers statewide.
Northpoint is a long-established agricultural community—not an empty field. Building a 1,300-bed campus there would destroy wetlands, strain infrastructure, and repeat costly mistakes made with the new state prison. Utah can expand shelter capacity and help more people by renovating existing sites and investing in smaller, accessible facilities near transportation and services.
Please oppose the Northpoint proposal and support sustainable, community-based alternatives that truly address homelessness.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]