The public safety plan will increase police presence in high-crime areas downtown, in the Ballpark Neighborhood and the Jordan River area. The plan includes placing security cameras at parks, enforcing park curfews and improving responses to businesses affected by crime.

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

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.