In 2026, the Utah Legislature passed SB 197: Transportation Governance and Funding Amendments. This bill ties together governance changes to UTA (Utah Transit Authority) with a funding mechanism that provides additional funding to the Transit Transportation Investment Fund.
Summary of Governance Changes
SB 197 changes the governing body of UTA (as of July 1, 2026) from a 3-member, full-time, Board of Trustees and a 9-member local advisory council to a 7-member part-time transit commission.
Membership
- Four at-large members appointed by the President of the Senate (2) and the Speaker of the House (2) in consultation with public transit stakeholders.
- Three geographically based members nominated by local governments, appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Senate.
- The Salt Lake County "geographically based" seat is subject to the following process: The council of government of Salt Lake County (COG) shall nominate to the Governor -- no later than May 1, 2026 -- one or more candidates.
Commissioner Time Commitment and Reimbursement
- Monthly Commission Meetings
- Monthly COG Meetings
- Other meetings as necessary
- Unpaid
- Local travel is reimbursed
- Per Diem for local travel
- Initial Term of 2 or 5 years, followed by subsequent 4-year terms
- Unlimited Terms
Commissioner Experience Required
- Public transit and mobility
- Public finance and budgeting
- Community development and engagement
- Law, public policy, or public administration
- Business management
Restrictions
- Elected officials are ineligible for nomination, appointment, or service.
- New vacancies require a nomination within 60 days.
- No compensation or benefits except per diem and local travel expenses.
Process for Salt Lake County COG Nominations
- Individual COG members may submit nomination applications for consideration by COG through the following SmartSheet Application. [PLEASE NOTE: SMARTSHEET IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO OFFICIAL COG MEMBERS.]
- Deadline to submit proposed nominations is Thursday, April 9th at Noon.
- Applications should include a resume and a cover letter that demonstrates satisfaction of commission membership criteria.
- COG members will deliberate nominations at the Salt Lake County COG Meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. In person location: TBD. Virtual option at: Webex.
- COG will then forward one or more candidates to the Governor for consideration no later than May 1, 2026.
