Utah's economic landscape is on the brink of major transformation. The state is experiencing rapid market and demographic change that requires vision and strategy to not only keep up, but anticipate future change.
“Utah Rising: A Free Enterprise Vision for Utah's Economy” proposes an agile, adaptive roadmap tailored to meet the evolving needs of Utah's economy. At the heart of this transformation is Utah's indigenous strengths. The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce invites business leaders, investors and the broader community to join us in realizing this free enterprise vision that will drive economic prosperity across the state.
This is not the first time Utah's business community has come together to tackle important issues. Utah has a rich history of strategically approaching challenges with innovative solutions and incredible results, moving the state forward during difficult times.
2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, 1994
In preparation for its bid to host the 1998 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City began construction on several Olympic venues. Despite losing the bid, the city continued to develop these facilities. In 1994, construction began on the Ice Sheet in Ogden, the Utah Olympic Oval in Karns, and the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. When the International Olympic Committee selected Salt Lake City to host the 19th Winter Olympic Games, it cited the completed venues as a key factor in its decision.
The planning, construction and completion of these venues demonstrated bold vision and practical action to reimagine what is possible. Utah's success with the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games serves as an inspiring example as the state pursues its next Olympic Games, in line with the goals of Utah Rising.
Downtown Rising, 2006
Nearly two decades ago, the business community and public launched an effort called Downtown Rising to guide the growth of the capital city. The plan designated six “signature” neighborhoods, eight priority projects, and proposals on transportation, development and more, all aimed at providing guidance to decision-makers.
Private sector innovation and public sector support for this vision unleashed the power of free enterprise. Some decisions were made by private companies, others by state and city leaders. Overall, Downtown Rising, like the new Utah Rising initiative, was a shared vision of sustainable growth and prosperity for the entire city.
Utah Compact, 2010
The Utah Compact is a five-pronged declaration of principles signed by business, community, law enforcement and faith leaders designed to “guid the discussion on immigration in Utah.” The Compact promotes commonsense immigration reform that reflects the state's values, strengthens our economy, attracts talent and businesses, and takes a humane approach to make Utah a welcoming place. The Compact was reaffirmed on March 21, 2019.
The Utah Compact emphasizes the Utah Rising principle that quality of life and aspirations create opportunity for all Utahns.
COVID-19 pandemic, 2020
The National Bureau of Economic Research's COVID-19 report outlines how the health, economic and policy responses to the pandemic vary across the 50 states. Utah ranked highest for its overall response to the pandemic. A culture of hard work and community building gives Utah a distinct competitive advantage, which the Chamber aims to leverage in its vision for Utah Rising.
Big League Utah, 2023
Big League Utah is a broad-based community coalition that believes Utah is “the future of America's pastime.” Led by the Larry H. Miller Company with the support of diverse community leaders, the coalition embodies the common ground and collaboration necessary for a shared vision of growth and statewide prosperity. It demonstrates that Utahns can come together around a common vision for the state's future.
In each of these historic examples, Utah's business community has demonstrated incredible vision and collaboration, and as the Chamber embarks on Utah Rising Vision, it is drawing inspiration from these successes as it continues to build a prosperous future for all Utahns.
