Embattled Salt Lake City councilwoman's seat vacated over recent move
KSL News • • nation
Key Points:
- Salt Lake City Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez was removed from her seat after an investigation found she failed to maintain her primary residence within District 4, violating city rules requiring elected officials to live in their represented district.
- The investigation began after a constituent raised concerns about Lopez's address, revealing she purchased a home in District 5 and had not provided sufficient documentation to prove residency in District 4 since December 2025.
- Lopez and her attorneys disputed the findings but said they would abide by the decision while exploring legal options; she remains committed to serving her community despite the ruling.
- The City Council must select a replacement by June 11, with the new member serving the remainder of Lopez's term through 2028, amid ongoing budget finalizations and a separate misconduct investigation into Lopez.
- The city is reviewing recent Council votes to determine if any decisions were improperly influenced by Lopez while she was ineligible, and her portrait and name have been removed from official City Hall and Council websites.