Critical Conversations: bridging pathways forward to greater understanding and creative solutions.

“Like so many hands tearing open a net”: Shaping change in Salt Lake City

By Caitlin Cahill

"Our community and the extended family with whom we research, create and work alongside are under attack, threatened with deportation, displacement, and death-dealing pollution. The crisis is not new, but is amplifying. Within this climate of chaos, how might we imagine an emancipatory and sustainable urban future rooted in community, care, and solidarity? Our work is situated in the carceral urban geographies of the west side of Salt Lake City, Utah, the most diverse zipcode in the city, identified with immigrant working class communities.

Centering the knowledge of those who are most affected, our collective work draws upon an archive of community struggles of almost 20 years including critical participatory action research, organizing projects, and public data, to map out alternative visions for livable urban futures that expand possibilities."

A group photo of young adults and mentors from the MESTIZX Arts & Activism SLC collective, standing in front of a vivid community mural. The mural depicts agricultural and cultural imagery, with the group smiling and posed together, suggesting solidarity, grassroots organizing, and intergenerational cultural preservation. The “MESTIZX Arts & Activism SLC” logo is spray-paint styled in the upper left.
A political art poster with a red and tan gradient background titled “ROOTS THAT RUN DEEPER THAN YOUR POCKETS.” The image depicts a house being targeted by cranes holding wrecking balls with dollar signs, while a strong rose vine with thorns and heart-shaped loops grows defiantly around and through the machinery. In the upper corners are the phrases “ESTE BARRIO” (this neighborhood) and “NO SE VENDE” (not for sale), conveying themes of resistance to gentrification and community displacement.
A group photo of young adults and mentors from the MESTIZX Arts & Activism SLC collective, standing in front of a vivid community mural. The mural depicts agricultural and cultural imagery, with the group smiling and posed together, suggesting solidarity, grassroots organizing, and intergenerational cultural preservation. The “MESTIZX Arts & Activism SLC” logo is spray-paint styled in the upper left.
A presentation slide with a photo of a vast, cracked salt flat under a clear blue sky. The title reads: “Like so many hands tearing open a net – Shaping change in Salt Lake City.” Below, Caitlin Cahill, Ph.D., is credited as Associate Professor of Urban Geography & Politics at Pratt Institute, with her email address included. The slide uses visual metaphor to introduce a discussion about collective efforts to challenge structural barriers in urban contexts.
A split-panel visual asking “What are your Westside Tesoros?” showing community-identified treasures in Salt Lake City’s west side. On the left, handwritten notes on paper pinned with red tacks identify local landmarks and values like “Environmental,” “University Neighborhood,” and “Jr. Mexican Museum.” On the right is a digital map with location pins marking community-valued sites. The design emphasizes participatory mapping and cultural preservation.
A collage of graphics related to resistance against highway expansion in Salt Lake City. The top left reads “Community People Bikes Air OVER FREEWAYS” in bold red and white text with a skyline and tree line graphic. The mirrored image on the right has a simpler black-and-white version of the same message. Below is a map of the I-15 corridor and a large “I-15 EXPANSION” label over a photo of Salt Lake City with snowy mountains in the background. The visuals argue for human- and environment-centered urban planning.
A detailed infographic titled “Thriving in Place,” outlining Salt Lake City’s anti-displacement strategy. It includes six interrelated goals: Protect, Preserve, Produce, Expand Capacity, Partner + Collaborate, and Advocate. The layout includes strategic priorities, near-term action items, and guiding principles such as tenant protection and building a housing ecosystem. A photo of a mural-covered apartment building anchors the top right corner. The document supports citywide efforts to preserve affordability and resist displacement.

  • Caitlin Cahill

    I am a community-based urban studies and youth studies scholar. For over fifteen years I have conducted participatory action research projects with young people in cities investigating the everyday intimate…