Utah Seeks Funding for 'High Utilizers' of Homeless, Criminal Justice Systems

State leaders focus on programs for repeat offenders, while continuing pursuit of controversial homeless campus

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Utah homelessness officials are asking lawmakers to fund new programs aimed at 'high utilizers' of the state's criminal justice and homeless systems, while also continuing efforts around a proposed 1,300-bed homeless campus in Salt Lake City. State leaders say they want to 'get a program started' for high utilizers, which could potentially help inform the future campus, as they work to finalize the land deal for the campus.

Why it matters

This proposal highlights the state's focus on addressing the complex needs of individuals who repeatedly cycle through the criminal justice and homeless systems, rather than just expanding shelter capacity. By targeting 'high utilizers,' the state hopes to reduce strain on police, jails, and emergency services, while also providing more comprehensive support to help these individuals stabilize their lives.

The details

The state is seeking funding for programs that would provide 'pathways' to link 'accountability with treatment' for people who are most often cycling through the criminal justice and homeless systems. This includes a focus on expanding mental and behavioral health capacity, as well as exploring models like the 'Miami model' of diversionary justice. The state is also still pursuing the 1,300-bed homeless campus, but sees the 'high utilizer' programs as a way to 'get a program started' while that larger effort continues.

  • In September 2025, state leaders announced they were under contract to buy a 16-acre property in Salt Lake City for the proposed homeless campus.
  • In March 2026, Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo, will take over as the new state homeless coordinator, replacing the current interim coordinator, Nick Coleman.

The players

Nick Coleman

The current interim homeless coordinator for the Utah Office of Homeless Services, who is overseeing the state's funding requests and efforts around the homeless campus and 'high utilizer' programs.

Rep. Tyler Clancy

The incoming state homeless coordinator who will take over the role in March 2026 after serving his last session as a state legislator.

Erin Mendenhall

The mayor of Salt Lake City, who has highlighted the city's 'Project CONNECT' initiative to address the most-arrested individuals experiencing homelessness.

Jerry Stevenson

The Republican chair of the Utah Senate Budget Committee, who says it's 'too early' to say whether lawmakers will prioritize funding for the homeless campus this year.

Stuart Adams

The Republican president of the Utah Senate, who says the state is not 'backing away' from the homeless campus proposal.

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What they’re saying

“We know that any sort of transformative program that we want to create in the future, high utilizers have to be a major part of that.”

— Nick Coleman, Interim Homeless Coordinator, Utah Office of Homeless Services (utahnewsdispatch.com)

“We're saying, 'What's an underutilized space or program that might be able to accommodate some of this population,' show proof of concept, show outcomes, and then come back to the Legislature and say, 'Hey this is working really well, we feel like it could be even a bigger part (of the system)'.”

— Nick Coleman, Interim Homeless Coordinator, Utah Office of Homeless Services (utahnewsdispatch.com)

“I don't see us backing away from a campus. But I think we're going to continue to try (to tackle homelessness issues). And right now, probably the quickest way is the high-volume users.”

— Stuart Adams, Senate President, Utah State Senate (utahnewsdispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This proposal to focus on 'high utilizers' of Utah's criminal justice and homeless systems highlights the state's efforts to take a more comprehensive and targeted approach to addressing homelessness, rather than just expanding shelter capacity. By addressing the complex needs of repeat offenders, the state hopes to reduce strain on public services and provide more effective pathways to stability.