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District 5 Council Member· 2026-2030

Erika Carlsen

Salt Lake City

About

Erika Carlsen's platform centers on addressing critical urban issues, with a primary focus on increasing affordable housing options within Salt Lake City. She also prioritizes enhancing community engagement, aiming to foster greater public participation and transparency in local governance.

Campaign promises (2)

  • governance
    Erika Carlsen pledged to work on community engagement.
    Related votes
  • housing
    Erika Carlsen pledged to work on affordable housing.
    Related votes

At a glance

News mentions
2

Term ending Dec 31, 2030.

Voice

Meetings spoken in
49
Total speaking time
3:26:55
Avg per meeting
4:13
Segments
3049

Want every word Carlsen has said?

The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Carlsen said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.

Voice summary

District 5 Council Member Erika Carlsen on the recordAI-generated · 20 meetings

Council Member Erika Carlsen has consistently focused on fiscal accountability, long-term infrastructure sustainability, and equitable urban development throughout her term. She has frequently questioned the necessity of additional public funding for commercial projects while advocating for expanded wealth-building programs, mixed-income housing, and support for local businesses. Her legislative engagement is marked by a commitment to constitutional principles and civic participation, as evidenced by her opposition to the criminalization of poverty and her proactive efforts to facilitate community working groups. Additionally, Carlsen has pushed for data-driven municipal processes and rigorous budget oversight to ensure the city maintains its fiscal health while meeting the needs of her constituents.

Top issues during term (20)

high↑Apr 2026[37]

Proposed Crude Oil Pipeline Expansion Concerns

Financial impacts to the city are currently undetermined pending route finalization and engineering reviews.

critical→Jan 2026[30]

Police Grant Funding and Surveillance

Federal and state grant funding supporting police personnel, social worker expansion, and traffic safety equipment.

critical↑Sep 2026[25]

Airport Wetland Mitigation Property Disposition

Involves a $500,000 appraised value waiver for the conservation easement offsetting the land transaction price.

medium→Mar 2026[20]

sports franchise bid

A new team could mean a big boost to the local economy, with jobs and tax revenue from stadiums and tourism.

critical↑Sep 2026[19]

Poplar Grove Flood Recovery and Infrastructure Accountability

Displaced residents and property owners are facing thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars in uninsured repair costs for damaged foundations and personal belongings.

high↓Jan 2026[18]

Emergency Response Programs

The programs aim to improve efficiency and reduce costs by deploying appropriate, less expensive resources for non-emergency or low-acuity calls.

critical→Feb 2026[17]

Zoning Map Amendment at 265 East 100 South

Potential impacts on property values and development potential, but not specified.

critical↓Aug 2026[16]

Non-Residential Maximum Daily Water Use Limits

Helps preserve municipal water resources and infrastructure capacity.

high↓Jun 2026[16]

Hive Pass Program

The program's future funding remains a point of contention for the city budget.

high↑Sep 2026[15]

Avenues Rezone and Housing Loss at 140 N B St and 272 E 3rd Ave

Unknown exact financial mitigation payment amount to the city housing fund.

high↓Jun 2026[15]

Short-Term Rental Regulation

Not specified.

high↑Oct 2026[15]

Westline Connect Pipeline Proposal

Financial impacts to the city are currently undetermined pending route finalization and engineering reviews.

high→Apr 2026[13]

police shooting

This incident could lead to significant financial costs for the city, including legal fees, potential settlements from lawsuits, and expenses related to internal investigations and officer support.

high↓Mar 2026[12]

ICE detention center proposal

It's unclear yet how much this will cost taxpayers or if it'll bring any jobs, but residents are worried about the strain on city services.

high↑Mar 2026[11]

Cybersecurity Liability Insurance

Potential adjustments to city risk management coverage levels and administrative review thresholds.

medium↑Feb 2026[11]

Alternative Transportation Infrastructure

These grants would fund capital improvements and expansion of the city's bike-sharing system and bikeway infrastructure, reducing reliance on local tax dollars for these projects.

medium↓Apr 2026[11]

historic preservation funding

A one-time cost of $75,000 if done all at once, or absorbed into existing maintenance budgets if phased.

Moved or seconded (30)

Motions Carlsen personally put forward or seconded. Attribution comes from the minutes; where the minutes name somebody we cannot match to the roster we leave it out rather than guess, so this is a floor, not a total.

  • movedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    Moved by Council Member Dugan, seconded by Council Member Young to adopt Ordinance 28 of 2026, adopting an ordinance setting the final rate of tax levy, including the final levy fo…

  • secondedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    Moved by Council Member Carlsen, seconded by Council Member Petro to adopt Ordinance 29 of 2026, approving an ordinance amending the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule for Fi…

  • secondedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    continue the public hearing to a future Council Meeting.

  • movedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    close the public hearing and adopt Resolution 2 of 2026, honorarily renaming the City-owned portion of 500 South between State Street and 700 East “Dolores Huerta Boulevard.”

  • movedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    adopt Ordinance 13 of 2026, amending the text of Title 11 of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to nuisance private property.

  • secondedpassed 5-02026-08-18

    Ordinance Zoning Map Amendment at Approximately 256 East 300 South The Council will set the date of Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 7 p.m. to accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would amend the zoning of the property at approximately 256 East 300 South from R-MU (Residential/Mixe

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 6-02026-08-18

    Resolution: Intention to Designate the Sugar House Special Assessment Area The Council will accept public comment on a Resolution of Intention to designate the Sugar House Business District 2027 (SHBD-27), establishing a Special Assessment Area

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    Moved by Board Member Young, seconded by Board Member Petro to approve LBA Resolution 2 of 2026, adopting the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 of the Capital Projects Fund of t…

  • secondedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    Resolution: Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Salt Lake City Library Related to Tax Increment ~ 3:10 p.m

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 7-02026-08-18

    Resolution: Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Salt Lake City Library Related to Tax Increment ~ 3:10 p.m

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: Appropriating Necessary Funds to Implement Provisions of the MOU between Salt Lake City and the International Association of Firefighters for Fiscal Year 2026-27 The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Moved by Board Member Wharton, seconded by Board Member Carlsen to adjourn as the Local Building Authority and reconvene as the Community Reinvestment Agency.

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: Text Amendment for Short-Term Rental Business Licenses The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would enact Chapter 5.13 of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to short-term rental business licenses

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Moved by Council Member Carlsen, seconded by Council Member Petro to adopt Ordinance 40 of 2026, approving an ordinance that would amend various sections of Title 17 of the Salt La…

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: SLC Green Vehicle Program Text Amendment The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would amend section 12.56 of the Salt Lake City Code related to the SLC Green Vehicle Program. The proposal would repeal the SLC Green Vehicle Program as it was found to

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • secondedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Moved by Council Member Napier-Pearce, seconded by Council Member Carlsen to adopt $48,079,733 to be transferred into CIP, including approving $13,355,765 in funding as shown on th…

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: Appropriating Necessary Funds to Implement Provisions of the MOU between Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City Police Association for Fiscal Year 2026-27 The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: Compensation Plan for All Non-Represented Employees of Salt Lake City for Fiscal Year 2026-27 The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance approving a compensation plan for all non-represented employees of Salt Lake City

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: Appropriating Necessary Funds and Approving the Ratified MOU between Salt Lake City and AFSCME for Fiscal Year 2026-27 The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance appropriating necessary funds to implement, for Fiscal Year 2026-27, the provisions of

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

  • movedpassed 7-02026-07-21

    Ordinance: Compensation for Elected and Statutory Officers and Executive Municipal Officers for Fiscal Year 2026-27 The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance approving the compensation adjustment for elected and statutory officers and executive municipal

    Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion

Decisions during term (312)

Recorded while Carlsen was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.

approvedVoted yes5-0Oct 13, 2026

Motion to Enter Closed Meeting

approvedVoted yes7-0Oct 13, 2026

Adjourn to Closed Session

approved6-0Oct 6, 2026

Approval of Work Session and Formal Meeting Minutes

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Adoption of Italian-American Heritage Month Resolution

tabled7-0Oct 6, 2026

Public Hearing and Deferral: Waiver of Proximity for Taste of Thai

tabled7-0Oct 6, 2026

Public Hearing and Deferral: Community Correctional Facilities and Jails Text Amendment

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Approval of Affordable Housing Incentives Fines Text Amendment

tabled7-0Oct 6, 2026

Public Hearing and Deferral: Conservation Easement Public Benefits Analysis

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Approval of Snow Water Supply Forecasting Grant Resolution

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Approval of Consent Agenda (HUD Hearing Date and Board Appointments)

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Board Appointment: Public Utilities Advisory Board – John Milliken

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Board Appointment: Planning Commission – Landon Kraczek

approved7-0Oct 6, 2026

Board Reappointment: Citizens’ Compensation Advisory Committee – Brandon Dew

Voting record (384)

379 yes3 no2 abstained

Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.

Voted yesOct 13, 2026

Commercial Development Loan Program Funding Allocations

Voted yesOct 13, 2026

Motion to Enter Closed Meeting

Voted yesOct 13, 2026

Adjourn to Closed Session

Voted yesOct 6, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Petro to enter into Closed Meeting for the purposes of strategy sessions to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property and fo

Voted yesOct 6, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Dugan to exit the Closed Meeting.

Voted yesOct 6, 2026

Enter into Closed Meeting

Voted yesOct 6, 2026

Exit Closed Meeting

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

adopt Joint Resolution 9 of 2026, recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month in Salt Lake City.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Puy to continue the public hearing and refer the item for a future date for action.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

approve the Consent Agenda

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Carlsen to close the public hearing and defer action to a future Council Meeting.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

approve the work session meeting minutes of July 14, 2026, as well as the formal meeting minutes of July 21, 2026.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Carlsen to adopt Ordinance 49 of 2026 amending the Title 2 Administrative Organization for Public Services.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Moved by Council Member Petro, seconded by Council Member Napier-Pearce to adopt Ordinance 48 of 2026 – Text Amendment – Maximum Daily Water Use, and adopt a legislative action requesting the Administ

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

adopt Joint Resolution 10 of 2026, declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Salt Lake City.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Petro to close the public hearing and refer items B-1 through B-3 to a future Consent Agenda for action.

Voted yesSep 15, 2026

Moved by Council Member Petro, seconded by Council Member Napier-Pearce to adopt Resolution 18 of 2026, Fee Waiver – Non-profit Affordable Housing Developer

Voted yesSep 8, 2026

Moved by Council Member Dugan, seconded by Council Member Wharton to approve the Consent agenda.

Voted yesSep 8, 2026

Moved by Council Member Dugan, seconded by Council Member Petro to adopt Resolution 17 of 2026, extending the time period for satisfying the conditions set forth in Ordinance 56 of 2025 by one year, t

Voted yesSep 8, 2026

Moved by Council Member Petro, seconded by Council Member Wharton to exit the Closed Meeting.

Voted yesSep 8, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Petro to recess from Work Session, go into a limited formal meeting, and then into Closed Meeting for the purposes of for attorney-client ma

Voted yesSep 8, 2026

Motion to Recess Work Session, Enter Limited Formal Meeting, and Convene Closed Session

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Moved by Council Member Dugan, seconded by Council Member Petro to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 44 of 2026, approving the final rate of tax levy for all City funds, including the Libra

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Dugan to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 45 of 2026, approving the final budget for Salt Lake City for Fiscal Year 2026-27, inc

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Petro to approve the Consent Agenda.

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Petro to approve the Truth-In-Taxation meeting minutes of August 11, 2026.

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Petro to approve Resolution 16 of 2026, adopting the Capital Improvement Program project-specific allocations for Fiscal Year 2027 as shown on

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Carlsen to approve Ordinance 47 of 2026, adopting a Capital Asset Plan for the Salt Lake City General Fund.

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Approval of Truth-In-Taxation Meeting Minutes

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Ordinance: Six-Year Capital Asset Plan

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Resolution: Capital Improvement Program

Voted yesAug 25, 2026

Consent Agenda

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Pause Funding for Project No. 31 (Park Restroom)

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Director Wharton, seconded by Director Dugan to adjourn as the Community Reinvestment Agency and reconvene as the Salt Lake City Council.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Carlsen, seconded by Council Member Petro to adopt Ordinance 34 of 2026 approving an ordinance appropriating necessary funds to implement the provisions of the Memorandum of Un

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Board Member Wharton, seconded by Board Member Petro to adjourn as the Board of the Local Building Authority and reconvene as the Community Reinvestment Agency.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Carlsen, seconded by Council Member Petro to adopt Ordinance 37 of 2026, approving an ordinance amending Section 12.56.205 and Subsection 12.56.550.B of the Salt Lake City Code

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Carlsen, seconded by Council Member Petro to adopt Ordinance 39 of 2026, approving an ordinance enacting Section 2.07.170 related to board member compensation and amending vari

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Board Member Dugan, seconded by Board Member Carlsen to approve LBA Resolution 1 of 2026, adopting the tentative budget for the Capital Projects Fund of the Local Building Authority of Salt L

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Director Dugan, seconded by Director Young to approve CRA Resolution 5 of 2026, adopting the tentative budget for the Community Reinvestment Agency of Salt Lake City for Fiscal Year 2026-27.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Director Dugan, seconded by Director Young to adopt CRA Resolution 12 of 2026, approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 CRA Budget reflected in the attached Key Changes spreadsheet.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Director Wharton, seconded by Director Lopez Chavez to adjourn as the Board of the Community Reinvestment Agency and reconvene as the Salt Lake City Council for a Formal Meeting.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

close the public hearing and defer action to a future Council Meeting.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Dugan to approve the retreat meeting minutes of January 7, 2026, and the work session meeting minutes of January 20, 2026, February 10, 2026

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Dugan to close the public hearing and refer items G-1 through G-4 to a future Consent Agenda for action.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

close the public hearing and defer action to a future Council Meeting.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

continue the public hearing to a future Council Meeting.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Petro to approve the Consent Agenda.

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Dugan, seconded by Council Member Wharton to approve Resolution 9 of 2026, adopting the tentative budget of Salt Lake City, including the tentative budget of the Library Fund f

Voted yesAug 18, 2026

Moved by Council Member Young, seconded by Council Member Wharton to establish a working group of Council Members Carlsen, Dugan, and Wharton. The working group will retain an independent investigator

In the news (2)