WWW.UTAHCOUNTY.GOV UTAH COUNTY UTAH FROM FARMING TO SUPPORTING RAPID POPULATION GROWTH
UTAH COUNTY, UT FROM FARMING T RAPID POPULATI AT A GLANCE UTAH COUNTY, UT WHAT: A merica’s second-largest county by population in Utah, home to Silicon Slopes tech hub, major universities, and agricultural heritage sites WHERE: Utah WEBSITE: www.utahcounty.gov BETWEEN SILICON VALLEY WAGES AND SMALL-TOWN VALUES CODE ON SUSTAINABLE BOOM-TOWN ECONOMICS 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
TO SUPPORTING ION GROWTH S, THIS VIBRANT COUNTY HAS CRACKED THE Between the towering Wasatch Mountains and the shimmering waters of Utah Lake sits a county that has quietly become one of America’s fastest-growing economic regions. Utah County gained 21,853 new residents in 2024 alone, capturing 43.4% of the entire state’s population growth. The numbers tell a story of magnetic appeal beyond scenic vistas. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
“One of the main benefits of living in the county is close access to lots of different amenities,” explains Ezra Nair, Utah County’s administrator. “We have the mountains and the lake and we’re sandwiched right between those. We’re a regional economic hub, the Provo-Orem metropolitan area is key to our county.” These geographic advantages create practical benefits for residents and businesses. Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital, sits just 45 minutes north, while world-class skiing and outdoor recreation lie minutes away in any direction. This proximity has attracted a demographic that sets Utah County apart from typical American communities. “We have a lot of young families in the county. We’re one of the youngest counties probably in the nation and that’s due in large part to having a lot of kids here,” Nair notes.The median age creates a workforce and consumer base that appeals to forward-thinking companies seeking growth markets. Economic diversity provides stability that pure tech hubs often lack. Agriculture remains significant, creating an environment where “people love being both rural and urban in this county,” as Nair describes it. ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Utah County has strategically developed multiple sectors, creating resilience that many single-industry areas lack. Healthcare expansion represents one of the most significant growth areas, with infrastructure investments positioning the county as a medical education hub. “We actually have two medical schools here in Utah County, Rocky Mountain University and the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine,” Nair explains. “One of our larger universities, Brigham Young University, is creating a medical school as well that’s starting up shortly here.” The concentration of medical education institutions creates a pipeline for healthcare professionals while attracting related industries and research facilities. The Silicon Slopes ecosystem now encompasses over 1,000 companies, with Salt Lake City ranking 12th for tech labor market conditions in North America. Major corporations like Adobe, Microsoft, and Oracle have established significant presences, with Adobe alone employing over 2,000 people at its Lehi campus with tech job growth reaching 12.9% between 2019 and 2023. “Silicon Slopes is a big part of the county, which is kind of a second national tech hub,” Nair notes.“We’ve got Silicon Valley in California and then Silicon slopes up in Utah. We have a lot of tech jobs, but then we’re also really diverse in our economic market.” Tech workers earn median wages 82% higher than all other occupations in the state, creating purchasing power that benefits the broader economy. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UTAH COUNTY, UT
The workforce development advantage stems from having several major universities within the county boundaries. “Utah County hosts five major universities. Utah County is a pipeline for talent. These schools feed local businesses with skilled graduates in the tech sector, business, healthcare, engineering, and they’re finding jobs right here,” Curtis Blair, President and CEO for the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, explains. Employment statistics support this optimism, with Utah maintaining a 2.9% unemployment rate while adding approximately 11,000 jobs annually at a 2% growth rate. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND SMART SOLUTIONS Housing affordability is currently Utah County’s most pressing challenge, a direct consequence of its economic success. Utah ranked as the nation’s 9th most expensive housing market in 2024, with median single-family home prices reaching $547,700. The state’s housing affordability crisis has become so acute that it topped Utah Foundation surveys as residents’ primary concern. “What has been one of our toughest challenges is 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
d thrive in Utah’s dynamic job market. d thrive in Utah’s dynamic job market. UTAH’S WORKFORCE STARTS HERE With hands-on learning opportunities and industryrelevant programs, our graduates are equipped to lead, innovate, and thrive in Utah’s dynamic job market. of UVU graduates live in Utah 10 years after graduation. 77% UVU.edu
UVU MEANS BUSINESS: WHERE DEGREES LEAD TO CAREERS PREPARING UTAH’S STUDENTS TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S WORKFORCE WITH REAL-WORLD SKILLS AND REAL RESULTS. At Utah Valley University, we believe higher education should be accessible and lead to meaningful work and life. As Utah’s largest public university with more than 46,000 students, UVU helps every student succeed with career-focused programs at one of the nation’s lowest tuition rates. Our approach delivers results. In 2025, UVU celebrated over 12,940 graduates — the highest number in university history. Our graduates leave ready to make positive impacts in the workplace and their communities.Ten years after graduation, 74% of alumni live in Utah, fueling the state’s economy.* FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS AND STACKABLE CREDENTIALS As an open-admissions institution, UVU welcomes students at every stage of life — just out of high school, changing careers, or returning to finish a degree. Our dual-mission model blends the accessibility of a community college with the rigor of a teaching university, offering many paths — from certificates to master’s degrees. As 76% of students work while in school and 12% support children under 18, we offer flexible course schedules, online and hybrid options, and stackable degrees, so they can build skills while balancing responsibilities.* INDUSTRY-ALIGNED EDUCATION UVU partners with Utah’s business community to ensure students graduate with relevant, career-ready skills. We shape programs that meet workforce needs. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and professional mentorship, ensuring students graduate with a degree and a resume. The result: 73.4% of UVU graduates secure high-demand, high-wage jobs powering the economy. ** HOLISTIC STUDENT SUPPORT From students’ first years to first jobs, UVU’s comprehensive support network helps students succeed. All students can access targeted support services like the First-Year Advising Center, the Money Success Center, and financial aid and scholarships. For the one-third of students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree, the First-Generation Student Success Center helps students navigate college life. UVU provides advising, tutoring, mental health counseling, and wellness services to remove barriers and help students thrive. At UVU, higher education is more than a degree — it’s a launching pad. With affordable education, strong industry ties, and holistic support, UVU invites students to come as they are and leave with a brighter future. *UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services **Utah Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education Data Governance and Analytics
that the secret’s out about Utah County and so we’ve had a lot of people moving here, which has driven up the prices a lot,” Nair acknowledges. Utah County falls into the “seriously unaffordable” category, with home-to-income ratios between 4.1 and 5.0, making homeownership increasingly difficult for middleincome families. Local leaders have responded with creative housing strategies. Mixed-use projects combine residential and commercial spaces, while higher-density options provide alternatives to expensive singlefamily homes. Condominiums and townhomes now account for more than a quarter of all sales, with median condo prices running 27% below singlefamily homes. “We try to do all we can to make living affordable, although it is tough to deal with that housing issue, but by developing new housing, by looking at creative options to have different types of housing, mixed use housing,” Nair explains. “We’ve got a couple of really significant mixed use housing developments popping up throughout the county that’s been helpful.” Building permits data shows where growth concentrates. Eagle Mountain led all Utah cities with 1,556 residential building permits in 2024, followed by Saratoga Springs with 1,354 and Lehi with 1,036 permits. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE Utah County’s approach to downtown development mirrors a broader philosophy of collaborative governance that sets it apart from other rapidly growing regions. “Our downtown focus is in combination and consultation with our chamber of commerce. We have a strong chamber of commerce that includes our city and South Salem and we lean heavily on the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce,” Mike Mendenhall, Mayor, Spanish Fork, explains. His dual role as both mayor and Main Street business owner provides unique insight into downtown challenges. 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UTAH COUNTY, UT
At Hillcrest Bank, we believe in more than just banking — we believe in building up our community. That’s why we’re proud to support local success stories like Earthborn Elements and Unpretentious. When we first met Ryan and his team, they were operating out of a modest 3,000 sq. ft. facility. Today, they’ve expanded to nearly 75,000 sq. ft., hired more employees, and deepened their roots right here in Utah County. With our business loans, treasury management solutions, and financial guidance, they’ve been able to scale their operations and meet the growing demand for high-quality, pure ingredients — from baking soda and paprika to sprinkles — for home chefs and restaurants around the world. We help Utah County businesses optimize their working capital, grow their footprint, and invest back into the community. Because at Hillcrest Bank, we know that supporting local businesses isn’t just good banking — it’s common sense. It’s the way banking was meant to be. HILLCREST BANK — PROUD TO BE PART OF UTAH COUNTY’S PROGRESS. Banking that’s pure and simple. Visit HillcrestBank.com/stories or call 385.300.7216 to learn more. “Hillcrest Bank supported us during our time of growth.” Ryan Johnson, Owner Earthborn Elements & Unpretentious
Spanish Fork’s Main Street serves as a local downtown and regional thoroughfare, creating complex planning requirements. “The street functions as a Utah Department of Transportation corridor, handling traffic from multiple communities while maintaining its role as the city’s commercial heart,” Mayor Mendenhall notes. “We’re trying to be intentional about the safety, walkability, and vibrancy of it.” Utah maintains its AAA bond rating and balanced budget requirements, providing stability that supports long-term development projects. Commissioners focus on investments that generate future returns rather than short-term fixes. “Our commissioners are fantastic, also a younger bunch as well, and they really do a good job of holding true to our values and holding true to the history that’s made us such a great place to live,” Nair explains. “But then also planning for the future, looking ahead, seeing how we can invest a dollar today that’s going to pay off with tens of hundreds of dollars tomorrow.” Blair emphasizes the uniqueness of this collaborative approach after experiencing other metropolitan areas. “I spent some time in Denver, a metropolitan area just south of Denver just like we are here south of Salt Lake City and I’ve got to tell you that the potential for Utah County to welcome in yet another million people by the year 2065 is going to require working together as a community at all levels.” INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION Utah County balances massive infrastructure projects with preservation of its agricultural heritage, creating a development model that honors the past while preparing for future growth.“We have a large roadway project to connect the south part of the county. Loafer Mountain Parkway is a road we’ve just opened a new thoroughfare to help better connect some of the existing population base to the more growing population base in the south part of the county,” Nair explains. The project addresses traffic flow as the county approaches one million residents 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UTAH COUNTY, UT
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLEANLINESS In the world of business, perception is power. At RBM Building Services we help create great first impressions! Consumers weigh countless subconscious cues when deciding where to shop, whom to trust, or which organizations deserve their loyalty. Among these cues, few are as universally influential—and often overlooked—as cleanliness.A spotless lobby, gleaming restrooms, or freshly polished floors send powerful signals that go beyond mere appearance. They tell customers, employees, and investors alike: This organization cares. This place is safe. This is where I belong. First impressions form in just a few seconds, and for physical spaces, cleanliness often influences that first impression in a powerful and memorable way. A tidy lobby suggests professionalism, while overflowing trash bins or dusty surfaces immediately decrease trust. Psychologists refer to this as the “halo effect”—a cognitive bias where our perception of one quality (cleanliness) influences our overall impression of the organization (competence, reliability, safety). In business terms, this means that a sparkling environment doesn’t just look good; it creates confidence in the brand’s ability to deliver. RBM is proud of its commitment to Green Cleaning and to be CIMS Green Building Certified by the ISSA. EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE INTERIOR MAINTENANCE CLEANING SERVICES Do you have a property that needs nightly cleaning or regular maintenance? With a building on your hands, it can be hard to prevent and keep up with all potential issues. When you seek outside help, there’s a risk of hiring someone who doesn’t operate to your standard or doesn’t have the capacity to handle your building’s needs. Get in touch with us today! rbmservicesinc.com | 800.403.3564 | Commercial Cleaning Services Built for You Trust your building to commercial cleaners who have the resources and experience to beautify and preserve your asset.
within the next two decades. Water infrastructure receives equal priority through comprehensive reuse programs. County officials have invested heavily in systems that capture, treat, and redistribute water resources across multiple municipalities. Santaquin exemplifies this approach, operating a facility that recycles 100% of its water output for over 13 years. “We’re building our own bicycle mountain bike parks up in the canyon on our own private property and trying to create not only growth and help those that are building but also things for those people when they get here,” Dan Olson, Mayor of Santaquin, notes. The city has doubled its population in eight years while maintaining its rural character through strategic planning. Agricultural preservation coexists with modern development in ways that surprise visitors from other growth regions. Santaquin maintains the largest contiguous cherry orchard west of the Mississippi River, while Spanish Fork continues hosting one of the top 10 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association events annually. The county fairgrounds receive ongoing investment from both county and city sources. “The quality of life is second to none,” Mayor Mendenhall states. “When we surpass Salt Lake County as the largest population county in the state, guess what? We’ll still have rodeo arenas; we’ll still have places that have livestock. Certainly, the cherry production is not going anywhere.” Preparation for the 2034 Winter Olympics drives additional infrastructure upgrades. Transportation improvements include the planned $3 billion FrontRunner double-tracking project, which would allow trains to run every 15 minutes instead of MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES—DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION, CONVENIENCE, AND LONG-TERM VALUE SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP—OUR STANDARDS ARE THEIR UPGRADES SUPPORT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY—BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER YOU MOVE IN THOUGHTFUL LAND DEVELOPMENT THAT SETS THE FOUNDATION FOR GREAT COMMUNITIES FLAGSHIP HOMES www.flagshiphomes.com 801-766-4442 At Flagship Homes, we’re passionate about helping first-time homebuyers—and those ready to take the next step—achieve their dreams of homeownership. That’s why we offer thoughtfully designed floor plans at attainable price points. As a local builder with deep roots in Utah County since the 1990s, we’ve weathered market shifts, economic changes, and evolving home trends, giving us the insight to build smarter and serve our buyers better. Unlike national builders who see this area as just another market, we see it as our home. Every homeowner is a neighbor first and a customer second—and that makes all the difference. WHY FLAGSHIP? 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UTAH COUNTY, UT
current schedules. Provo Airport, already the fastestgrowing airport in America, will receive further enhancements. Olympic venue preparations build on existing facilities rather than creating new ones. Snowbasin Resort has announced infrastructure upgrades including chairlift replacements that double uphill capacity. The approach leverages the county’s 2002 Olympics legacy while modernizing for contemporary needs. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS Utah County’s rapid growth trajectory demands comprehensive long-term planning. County administrators are undertaking strategic planning processes that will guide development decisions for the next decade and beyond, addressing everything from infrastructure capacity to public safety needs. “We are, from a management perspective, creating a strategic plan that will establish our priorities for the next 10 to 15 years and look at build out scenarios for infrastructure in the county. We’re approaching a million residents. We’ll be there probably well within the next 20 years,”Nair explains.The planning process addresses fundamental infrastructure needs, from transportation networks to public safety capacity. Public safety expansion represents a critical priority as population growth accelerates. Current jail facilities will require significant expansion to serve a doubled population, while the sheriff’s department capacity must scale accordingly.“And then being able to continue to keep our county safe. Really, that’s a 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
huge part. Our sheriff’s department is doing a great job, but we’ll need more capacity at our jail just as we continue to bring in more people,” Nair notes. Transportation infrastructure dominates the Olympic preparation timeline. The Utah Legislature is developing special financing districts specifically for 2034 Games infrastructure, using tax increment financing over 25 to 40 years. Major projects include Interstate 80 improvements at Kimball Junction and Interstate 84 redesign near Mountain Green for Snowbasin access. For Santaquin, growth management requires balancing rural character with urban services. Mayor Olson’s priorities include hotel development and Main Street improvements that accommodate residents and Olympic visitors. “We’re working extremely hard. We’re inviting and working with new hotels that are looking to come into Santaquin. We’ve revitalized all Main Street, turning it into a five-lane road,” he explains. The state has committed significant resources to southern Utah County development. “We were just awarded a new station so that we could update the interstate from Payson to Juab County with three lanes, which is a transportation necessity that we have down here before the growth gets anymore, as well as a new interchange,” Mayor Olson adds. Economic development continues despite growth Mayor Mike Mendenhall Mayor Daniel Olson 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 UTAH COUNTY, UT
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n UVU www.uvu.edu At Utah Valley University, we believe everyone deserves the transforming benefits of affordable, accessible, and flexible higher education. With opportunities from certificates to master’s degrees, our students gain real-world experience and develop career-ready skills. We invite people to come as they are and leave ready to make a difference in the world. n Hillcrest Bank www.hillcrestbank.com At Hillcrest Bank we believe that strong businesses build strong communities. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals and offer tailored financial solutions and the kind of personal attention that only comes from working with a local team. Whether you’re launching, growing, or acquiring a business, we’re here to help. n Flagship Homes www.flagshiphomes.com At Flagship Homes, we’re a trusted local builder with roots dating back to the 1990s. We buy and develop land, build quality homes, and thoughtfully design master-planned communities that foster connection, value, and long-term livability for families across the region. Experience matters—and so does building better from the ground up. n RBM Building Services, Inc. www.rbmservicesinc.com RBM Services began in 1974 as a family business cleaning only a handful of small offices in Utah County. From those humble beginnings it has grown into the largest solely owned janitorial company in the state of Utah with1,500 employees. We now have offices in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Dallas. pressures, with data centers and technology companies expanding operations throughout the county. The combination of available land, an educated workforce, and business-friendly policies maintains Utah County’s competitive position for attracting investment. The next 24 months will test Utah County’s ability to execute ambitious infrastructure projects while preserving the collaborative approach that enabled its success. With the 2034 Olympics providing both a deadline and catalyst, leaders must balance immediate Olympic needs with long-term community development. The challenge lies not in managing growth itself, but in growing well. Ezra Nair 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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