Executive Summary
Vision Building on its success, Utah will elevate the lives of current and future generations through an exceptional quality of life, provide economic opportunity and upward mobility, and encourage business growth and innovation. Utah is home to attractive, healthy urban and rural communities where residents and businesses thrive, and visitors feel welcome. Guiding Principles • Foster a business-friendly environment with reasonable taxes and regulations • Be flexible to adapt to changing economic needs • Advance a diverse, resilient economy that provides opportunity for all residents • Help develop viable, sustainable industries for the future • Emphasize the need for a qualified, homegrown workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow • Maximize Utah’s global presence as a hub for economic growth and opportunity • Consider and acknowledge the importance of Utahns’ quality of life, environment and natural resources, short commute times, and affordable housing • Structure and use incentives and other programs so the public investment has a clear connection to state economic development priorities • Plan and build physical and digital infrastructure to accommodate growth and maintain quality of life in the state’s urban and rural areas • Value evidence and data in providing direction for economic strategies • Collaborate and cooperate across state and local government and partner organizations Economic Development Policy Pillars 1. Strategic Industry Advancement — Invest in industries that create a public benefit through human and physical capital improvements in urban and rural Utah. 2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship — Support the creation and growth of high impact, future-forward Utah businesses and products for the global market. 3. Talent Development — Align industry and education to continue producing a highly-skilled, world-class workforce. 4. Uniquely Utah — Capitalize on Utah’s natural environment, outdoor recreation and sports, and unique heritage and arts to attract workers and build the state’s tourism and film economies.
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Utah GOED | 60 East South Temple, Suite 300 | Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 | (801) 538-8680 | business.utah.gov
