Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Utah's economic landscape is poised for extraordinary transformation. The state is experiencing rapid market and demographic changes that demand a vision and strategy that not only keeps pace, but anticipates future shifts.
"Utah Rising: A Free Enterprise Vision for Utah's Economy" proposes a nimble, adaptive roadmap tailored to meet the evolving needs of Utah's economy. Central to this transformation is Utah's inherent strength. The Salt Lake Chamber invites business leaders, investors and the wider community to join in implementing this free enterprise vision that promotes statewide economic prosperity.
This isn't the first time Utah's business community has come together to collaborate and address critical issues. Utah has a rich history of strategically addressing challenges with innovative solutions and incredible results, propelling the state forward during times of need.
2002 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games, 1994
In preparation for the 1998 Winter Games bid, Salt Lake City began constructing several Olympic venues. Despite losing the bid, the city continued to develop these facilities. In 1994, the Ice Sheet in Ogden, the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, and the Utah Olympic Park in Park City broke ground. When the International Olympic Committee awarded Salt Lake City the XIX Winter Olympics, they cited the completed venues as a key factor in the decision.
The planning, construction and completion of these venues showcased bold vision and pragmatic action, reimagining what was possible. Utah's success with the 2002 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games serves as an inspiring example as the state aims for another Olympic bid, aligned with the goals of Utah Rising.
Downtown Rising, 2006
Nearly 20 years ago, the business community and the public undertook an initiative called Downtown Rising to guide the growth of the capital city. The plan designated six "character" districts, eight priority projects and suggestions for transportation, development and more, all meant to serve as a guiding hand for decision-makers.
The private sector's innovation and the public sector's support for this vision unleashed the power of free enterprise. Some decisions were made by private businesses, others by state and city leaders. Overall, Downtown Rising was a shared vision of sustainable growth and citywide prosperity, similar to the new Utah Rising initiative.
The Utah Compact, 2010
The Utah Compact is a declaration of five principles designed to "guide Utah's immigration discussion," signed by business, community, law enforcement and religious leaders. The Compact reflects the state's values and promotes common-sense immigration reforms that will bolster the economy, attract talent and business, and adopt a humane approach, ensuring Utah is a welcoming place. It was reaffirmed on March 21, 2019.
The Utah Compact underscores the Utah Rising principle that quality of life and upward mobility creates opportunities for all Utahns.
COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020
The National Bureau of Economic Research COVID-19 report outlined how pandemic health, economy and policy responses varied across the 50 states. Utah ranked the highest for its overall response to the pandemic. The culture of hard work and community building gives Utah a distinct competitive advantage, one that the Chamber aims to harness in the Utah Rising vision.
Big League Utah, 2023
Big League Utah is a broad-based community coalition that believes Utah is the "Future of America's Pastime." This coalition, led by The Larry H. Miller Company with support from diverse community leaders, exemplifies the common ground and collaboration necessary for a shared vision of growth and statewide prosperity. It demonstrates how Utah can unite behind a common vision for the state's future.
In each of these historic examples, Utah's business community has shown remarkable vision and collaboration. As the Chamber embarks on the Utah Rising vision, they draw inspiration from these successes that continue to forge a prosperous future for all Utahns.
