quality growth strategy
In the mid-1990s Utah faced serious issues as the state looked toward adding one million new residents in only 25 years. With housing prices rising, traffic congestion increasing, and limitations on water and air quality becoming more apparent each year, business leaders recognized the need to act. Envision Utah and its Quality Growth Strategy was born.
The Quality Growth Strategy is a product of Envision Utah's pioneering approach to visioning, a process that engages not only a broad range of stakeholders from the private, public and nonprofit sectors but also the general public. Nearly 20,000 Utahans participated in creating and exploring alternative growth scenarios and potential impacts, expressing their preferences, and, eventually, developing a broadly supported vision for the 10-county greater Wasatch region, home to the majority of the state's residents. The vision includes 7 principles and 42 targeted implementation strategies.
Since the 1990s numerous agencies, organizations and individuals have participated in implementing the Quality Growth Strategy. As Utah welcomed the next million residents, it prepared. The Utah Transit Authority built a transit system featuring commuter rail, light rail, street car and bus rapid transit. The Salt Lake Chamber worked in partnership to create Downtown Rising, an initiative that promoted major reinvestment in Salt Lake City's now-thriving urban core. Kennecott Land, a subsidiary of a major mining company and a large landowner, created Daybreak, a best-selling, nationally-recognized neighborhood featuring a wide variety of homes within walking distance of schools, shopping, jobs, and recreational amenities. As the Quality Growth Strategy is implemented, Utah residents are realizing their goal of keeping Utah beautiful, healthy, neighborly, and prosperous for future generations.