Growth and Prosperity Summit assembles leaders, public to plan for future
Saying he feels at home, Congressman John Curtis opened the 3rd Annual Growth and Prosperity Summit at Utah Valley University as its keynote speaker.
“Utah Valley is expected to see tremendous growth in the coming decades, and we need the right leaders and information to guide us there,” Curtis said.
Comparing current issues and worries to other eras in U.S. history, including the 1970s with its high prices, demonstrations, double-digit interest rates, nuclear accidents and distrust of government on down to the Beatles splitting and Elvis dying, Curtis said that, while bad, things always seem to get better.
“I hear frequently, ‘It’s never been so bad,'” he said. “Every era that seemed bad, we emerged a better country. The Constitution is self-healing. I get to see (every day) hundreds of men and women worrying how they can move the country forward.”
“I’ve traveled throughout the world and, on our worst day, everybody still wants to be us,” Curtis added.
If that is the case, as data appears to support, Utah is the best of the best in the U.S.
“What makes Utah great makes Utah grow,” said Laura Burton, state planning coordinator in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.
According to Burton, Utah was the fastest-growing state between 2010 and 2020. “It’s hard to stop growth,” she said.
The state did a recent survey and found the following to be on the minds of residents: People want a variety of housing and price points, to be near transit stations and town centers, and neighborhoods.
Burton noted they have received out-of-the box suggestions such as converting strip malls, big box stores and parking lots into housing. Utah residents also reportedly believe costs would lower if they could have smaller lots.
Realtors showed Thursday that the average home price is $550,000, having gone up nearly $100,000 in less than two years.
Utahns also want more water conservation efforts such as incentives, correct drainage and proper landscaping. According to state surveys, residents would like incentives to encourage low-water-use landscaping, Burton noted.
When it comes to transportation, survey responses included prioritizing biking, walking and public transportation. People also asked the state to invest in natural areas with more amenities like trails, parking and bathrooms.
The survey questions and ideas were shared at the summit in order for attendees to give feedback. The solution from the audience was to elect leaders who have vision.
According to Burton, those taking the summit survey wanted more data to back up decisions, more funding and grants for programs affecting growth.
“Good data leads to good policy,” she said.
When it comes to transportation, Utah Transit Authority is being proactive in its future planning, according to Executive Director Jay Fox.
“UTA is the best transit authority in the nation,” said Fox, who came to UTA recently after previously working for the Federal Transit Administration in Philadelphia.
“Transit isn’t a cost; it’s an investment,” he said, noting that many people relocate to Utah and ask about public transit availability.
UTA’s approach to growth includes planning and soliciting funding from federal, state and local entities. “Our plans are out to 2050 and we need you to participate. We are funded by you,” Fox said. “Funding is a very patient process.”
Following Fox’s remarks, summit attendees spent the rest of the day attending panel discussions and enjoying lunch provided by a UVU culinary class.
“We have worked hard to bring together such a diverse group of leaders and stakeholders to discuss and take action on the critical issues facing our community,” said Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The summit is an opportunity to create a shared vision for the future of Utah Valley and to work together to achieve it.”
The Growth and Prosperity Summit is a yearly event and open to the public. For all the information presented at the all-day summit, visit http://TheChamber.org.
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- Lindon Mayor Carolyn Lundberg speaks on a panel discussing housing during the annual Growth and Prosperity Summit at Utah Valley University, held Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
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- Former Gov. Gary Herbert and U.S. Rep. John Curtis chat prior to the opening of the 3rd Annual Growth and Prosperity Summit at Utah Valley University on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
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- Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez extolls the university’s contributions, amenities and programs during the annual Growth and Prosperity Summit held Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
