Council Provided Information - 6/6/2023Public Benefits Analysis for Glendale
Farming Programs
City Council Presentation, June 6th, 2023
Properties
Former Cannon Greens
Community Garden
Vacant Parcels
Leased to the
International Rescue
Committee (IRC)
Background
•The IRC was issued their lease for the New Roots program. After
investing $40,000 in clean up and improvements on the property,
the soil was determined to be too contaminated for in-ground
planting. This put plans for the property on hold in 2019.
•Due to the contamination found on the IRC’s leased parcels, the
Cannon Greens garden was tested and determined to have similar
contamination. The garden was closed in 2019.
•In 2022, Council funded remediation of the Cannon Greens site
through CIP. Soil testing and excavation was conducted spring 2023.
Urban Farming Programs
IRC New Roots
•Provides agricultural space and technical assistance to refugees.
•Supports the economic development of farmers through local
markets. Farmers generated over $235,000 in revenue in 2022.
WCG Green Team Job Training Program
•Provides farm-based employment, mentorship, and training for
women experiencing homelessness.
•In 2021, grew and sold 40,000 seedlings, provided food to 13
community agencies, and served 11,000 community members.
Proposed Uses
Wasatch Community
Gardens Green Team
Job Training Program
(Currently housed at
Green Phoenix Farm)
IRC New Roots
Proposed Lease Terms
Existing Lease Proposed New Lease
Property 1.66 acres 2.41 acres
Lease Holders IRC IRC and WCG
Term 5 years with option for one 5-
year renewal
5 years with option for renewal up
to four in 5-year terms (25 years
total)
Rate $1/year $1/year
Program New Roots New Roots, Job Training Program
Public Benefits
The Market Lease rate was determined to be $77,400.
In exchange for a reduced lease rate, the City receives the following
public benefits:
•Activation of Vacant Property/Improved Environmental Health
•Economic Development and Stability
•Improved Food Access and Food-Growing Education
•Support for Refugees, Women Experiencing Homelessness, and
Low-Income Populations
Salt Lake City’s Goals
Without this transaction, these programs would not be able to operate
in the city due to high cost of land.
This transaction would help the City attain the goals identified in the
following documents:
•2015 Plan Salt Lake
•2021 Salt Lake City Food Equity Recommendations for Future
Success
•Mayor’s 2022 Plan