Moab · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moab City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cooperative 1581 Landscaping Special Exception
The commission will consider a landscaping special exception request for a property located at 1581 Millcreek Drive.
Public Safety Center
Grand County officials are clashing with the city council over plans to build a new jail and public safety center. This big project is bound to affect your local taxes and how police resources are shared around the area.
Guide for Emissions Action (GEAR UP)
A student capstone presentation outlined a strategy for Moab to reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals through seven high-priority policies.
Master Fee Schedule Amendments (Ordinance 2026-20)
Proposed updates to the city's master fee schedule will adjust various rates and fees charged for municipal services.
Childcare Subsidy Crisis
Moab families are facing a brutal childcare crunch as federal funding dries up, and right now, neither the city nor county is stepping in with local dollars to help.
Police Investigation
Moab police just dropped new details on a brutal shooting that tragically left one local dead and another in critical condition. Law enforcement is actively working the case to update the community on public safety.
Subdivision and Disaster Building Code Overhaul
Moab is updating its municipal code to give developers more time to record subdivision plats, remove redundant public hearings for preliminary plats, align disaster rebuilding rules with state law, and enforce attendance for planning commissioners. These changes aim to streamline administrative processes and fix outdated rules.
Sheriff Election
The race for Moab sheriff is getting heated as candidate Jim Winder defends his past record against critics. It’s a crucial reminder to look into the candidates before you cast your vote for the person leading our local law enforcement.
Lions Park River Access
The city is moving forward with a feasibility study funded by a state grant to explore creating non-motorized access to the Colorado River at Lions Park for swimming and paddleboarding.
Cemetery Well Interlocal Agreement
Moab is partnering with the Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency to fix up the old cemetery well so it can be used for local irrigation without impacting drinking water.
Travel Expenses
Should local officials have to prove their trips are actually for county business? One writer says taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going when officials travel.
County Commission Meeting
Moab's county commissioners just met and tackled some major issues. They discussed a study on Arches National Park's timed entry system, updates to land-use codes, and got a sobering update on the Colorado River drought. Big decisions are definitely on the horizon for the area.
Data Center Approval
A massive data center just got the green light in a neighboring county, and locals are furious. This raises questions about whether Moab could face similar projects and the community backlash that comes with them.
City Center Solar Upgrades
Starting in 2027, Moab is automatically enrolling residents in a clean energy program that adds about $4 to your monthly power bill. You can opt out if you'd rather stick with your current plan.
Grant Funding Denial
Moab got snubbed for state grant cash for a water project. Why? A state official basically said Moab's 'liberal' vibe clashes with the oil and gas money funding the grant. So, no water upgrades for now.
Police Department Lawsuit
The Utah Supreme Court is now involved in the Petito family's lawsuit against the Moab Police Department. This case could seriously change how police departments are held responsible for their actions.
Police Lawsuit
The Gabby Petito lawsuit is heading to the Utah Supreme Court, and it's a big deal for Moab police. This case will decide if local police can be sued, potentially changing how departments are held responsible for their actions.
Election Debate
Moab's election debate is getting a reality check. The Moab Sun News is digging into what candidates are saying, so voters can cut through the noise and make informed choices.
Lobbying Services
Moab is hiring a lobbyist in Washington D.C. to help them snag federal money and deal with national issues. Think of it as hiring a pro to make sure Moab's voice is heard loud and clear in the capital.
Tourism Impact
Moab's booming tourism is awesome for business, but locals are starting to freak out about losing their town's vibe. They're worried it'll become another overcrowded tourist trap.
Board and Commission Participation
Moab is looking for locals to join city boards and commissions to help shape policies on everything from trail management to urban planning. It’s a direct way to get your voice heard and actually influence how the city runs instead of just complaining on social media.
Immigration Enforcement Policy
Moab's police chief is drawing a line in the sand, saying local officers won't be assisting federal immigration agents. This move prioritizes local policing needs over federal immigration enforcement, aiming to keep community trust high.
Police Lawsuit Dismissal
The Gabby Petito family's lawsuit against the Moab Police Department has been thrown out by a judge. This decision closes a significant legal chapter stemming from the high-profile case.
Police Chief Background Check
Moab's police chief might not have been totally upfront about his past when he got the job. This raises concerns about transparency and how the city vets its leaders.
Dark Sky Community designation
Moab is now an official International Dark Sky Community! This means they're serious about cutting down on light pollution, which is awesome news for anyone who loves looking at the stars or wants to protect local critters.
Dark Sky Designation
Moab is now a certified Dark Sky Place, joining an elite group dedicated to protecting the night sky. This means better stargazing and a commitment to reducing light pollution.
Homelessness
A whole Moab neighborhood is being evicted, and residents are now facing homelessness. This is a huge crisis that's hitting the community hard.
Short-term Rentals
Moab and Park City are fighting back against state officials trying to make it easier to rent out homes short-term. They're worried this could wreck local housing availability and change the vibe of their neighborhoods.
Community Wellbeing
Moab residents are officially the least happy in Utah, according to a new survey. This isn't great news for our town, and it raises questions about what the city will do to improve overall community wellbeing.
Police Conduct
Moab's police department is under fire after a report revealed they botched the handling of the Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie traffic stop. This incident has raised serious questions about their procedures and public trust.
Tourism Promotion
Moab's booming tourism might be getting a reality check. The city is thinking about hitting the brakes on promoting itself to visitors because too many tourists are straining local resources and making life harder for residents.
Gentrification
Moab's tourism boom is great for business, but locals are getting priced out. Think higher rents and a changing vibe that might not feel like home anymore.