SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Nov. 6, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Voters in Salt Lake County have reauthorized the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) tax again.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, it has received 79% of the vote, held Tuesday at polling places and prior by early ballots. This marks the fourth ZAP reauthorization by voters. ZAP was initially authorized in 1996, received 71% of the vote in 2004, and voter approval grew to 77% in 2014.
“The timing of the reauthorization is serendipitous because ZAP will be celebrating its 30th year in 2026,” said ZAP Program Director Samantha Thermos, in a news release.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s ongoing support — fiscally and physically — of the enriching cultural events, performances, educational programs, and other opportunities that ZAP helps fund.”
The ZAP reauthorization secures 10 years of funding dedicated to enhancing Salt Lake County resident and visitor experiences through art, cultural, historical, botanical and recreational offerings. From grants to public awareness to capacity building, ZAP is a valuable resource for nonprofit organizations in Salt Lake County. Additionally, the ZAP tax funds approximately 30% ($10 million annually for the next 10 years) of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation’s operations costs.
“Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is committed to providing indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities around the county,” Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Otto said. “As a public agency, many of our amenities are free or low cost to use because removing barriers to recreation access is a priority to us. ZAP funds offset operational costs, including staffing, associated with managing hundreds of public recreational amenities around the County.”
Over the next 10 years, it is estimated the ZAP tax will provide $26 million each year for arts and cultural programming within Salt Lake County.
“ZAP has been an integral funding source for local arts, culture, botanical, recreation, parks, and zoological organizations for decades,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Our community’s love of these offerings is demonstrated by their ZAP reauthorization and by them participating in events and visiting amenities that are supported by the tax.”
According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, approximately 80 percent of Salt Lake County residents participate in at least one ZAP-funded event each year, with nearly 70 percent of residents participating more than three times per year.
“ZAP funding is critical to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts’ (UMFA) success,” said UMFA’s Executive Director Gretchen Dietrich. “It supports the work the UMFA does throughout Salt Lake County and helps to underwrite the numerous free programs offered to residents, families, and students.”
In 2025, thanks to a unanimous decision by Salt Lake County Council in October, $26 million in ZAP funding will empower 244 arts, cultural, and zoological nonprofits.
Fund recipients in 2024 included Ballet West, Hale Center Theatre, Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Natural History Museum of Utah, Pioneer Theatre Company, Red Butte Garden, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Salt Lake Acting Company and more.
