Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall released a series of recommendations Thursday to help curb homelessness and crime in Utah's capital city. Why it matters: The roughly 50-page public safety plan was spurred by a December letter from state GOP leaders,

Salt Lake City unveiled a new public safety plan to address crime and homelessness. Initiatives would increase the police footprint, target gang activity and enhance affordable housing and emergency shelters. The plan emerged in response to demands from state Republican leaders who say the city is neglecting public safety.

Salt Lake City Erin Mendenhall released a plan to address homelessness after state leaders demanded one in a letter sent last month.

As wildfires continued to tear through Southern California communities, having Salt Lake City ready for a catastrophic event isn’t lost on Mayor Erin Mendenhall. The mayor said though the city is prepared with water and resources, the thought of a major fire still keeps her up at night.