about
our mission
The mission of the Solutions Utah is to help the citizens of Utah through community advocacy. By providing solutions to social issues, including addressing homelessness, revitalizing Pioneer Park and downtown SLC. Our neighborhoods are changing and we still have work to do. That is why we ask you to be a part of our solutions.
need an "About Solutions Utah" video 1 min below
our legacy
Since our founding in 2014, Solutions Utah has advanced constructive approaches to homelessness and a myriad of urban challenges confronting our modern cities. Collaborating with government and private partners, the organization spearheaded safety and anti-crime improvements at Pioneer Park and helped launch Operation Rio Grande. In 2022, Solutions Utah released a 30-page report called the Grand Plan emphasizing a three-pronged approach to solving homelessness based on accountability. This plan spawned a major data study now underway at the University of Utah and passage of significant reform legislation in 2024.
we are focused on the changes our city needs.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation helps towards bringing a safer neighborhood and a public-private partnership for the park, whether you are a business owner, resident, or farmer’s market enthusiast.
Solutions Utah will continue to advocate for effective solutions that truly help those experiencing homelessness, improve community safety and quality of life, and increase accountability measures to best to serve those in need.
Solutions Utah history
2014
The Pioneer Park Coalition (PPC) is formed.
The PPC and Salt Lake Police Department team up to acquire new security technology for Pioneer Park. These high-definition cameras are intended to be crime deterrents.
2015
A proactive campaign by the PPC results in $1 million allocated toward permanent supportive housing through the Olene Walker Trust Fund.
Salt Lake County formed a Collective Impact on Homelessness Steering Committee giving the PPC four seats.
2016
Along with other vested groups, the PPC endorses the Salt Lake County HOMES initiatives seeking $27 million to reform homeless services. Salt Lake City Council approves over $500 million to address human waste, crime and violence in Pioneer Park.
2017
Operation Rio Grande is launched in partnership with state, county and city leaders as well as law enforcement agencies in shutting down a facility that bred crime, drug addiction and sexual violence in downtown Salt Lake.
2018
Crime dropped 25% around the Rio Grande area six months after Operation Rio Grande was executed. Salt Lake City and the PPC pledge $1 million to revitalize Pioneer Park. The money will fund new pedestrian lighting and create a multi-use lawn.
2020
During the legislative session, the PPC was instrumental in supporting a number of bills that address homelessness through housing, treatment and emergencies services programs.
2022
The PPC unveils a three-pronged “Grand Plan” to improve homelessness that emphasizes accountability, a structured ‘service-rich’ treatment environment and adherence to existing laws.
2023
The Pioneer Park Coalition officially rebrands as Solutions Utah.
Solutions Utah played a prominent role in Utah’s first sanctioned camp, a micro shelter for 50, working behind-the-scenes to support Carol Hollowell, CEO of Switchpoint, in her role as director.
2024
Legislation that would bring major reforms to Utah’s homeless system – from operations and facilities, to treatment, case management, accountability and funding – was passed by the state legislature. Solutions Utah played a key role in designing the bill, HB298.
Solutions Utah Board of Directors
The team is comprised of both professionals and volunteers that bring their expertises to the table in creating solutions for issues facing the city.
BOARD MEMBERS
Lynn Ames -Chair
Dave Kelly – Vice Chair
Tiffanie Price
Scott Howell
Amy Hawkins
Jan Hemming
Moe Egan
Bryan Hill
Lynn Ames -Chair
Dave Kelly – Vice Chair
Tiffanie Price
Scott Howell
Amy Hawkins
Jan Hemming
Moe Egan
Bryan Hill
Jim Behunin
Tim Deans
Dave McEuen
Dave Durocher
George Nikas
Susanne Maitzen
John Gurr
Brandon Kitchen
Ned Skanchy
Rich Lewis
Sui Lang Panoke
Floyd Mori
Ofa Matagi
Brad Plowman
Jim Behunin
Tim Deans
Dave McEuen
Dave Durocher
George Nikas
Susanne Maitzen
John Gurr
Brandon Kitchen
Ned Skanchy
Rich Lewis
Sui Lang Panoke
Floyd Mori
Ofa Matagi
Brad Plowman
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Rick Graham – Solutions Utah Chair
Former Salt Lake City Public Services Director
Former Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor
Tiffanie Price
Rio Grande business owner
Salt Lake City resident
Amy J. Hawkins PhD
Chair – Ballpark Community Council
Elna Hamp
President at ProEdTech LLC
Scott N. Howell
CEO – Howell Consulting Group
34 years – IBM Corporation
Former Utah Senate Minority Leader
Jim Behunin – Interim Executive Director
Former Utah State Legislature Audit Supervisor
Spencer Teerlink – Government Relations
Student
