UTAH IS MORE THAN JUST A STRONG ECONOMY: In the face of soaring populations, intentional growth will keep Utah great.

• Position: DEVELOPMENT

The report "Utah Long-Term Planning Projections," recently published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, outlines how Utah's continued economic growth and diversification will drive net migration to the state. As the population is projected to grow to more than 2.2 million people in the next forty years--a 66 percent increase--the report claims population growth is becoming a "steadily increasing force."

Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and there are key reasons for this migration--namely quality of life benefits, such as the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, strength in public and private partnerships, and mobility of jobs--all of which are crucial to the state's economic strength.

Lana Howell, Managing Director at Colliers in Salt Lake City, says that Utah has been ranked as one of the top states for economic growth for the last seven to ten years. The reasons for that growth include the state's great culture, ideal outdoor activities, and a business-friendly environment.

Utah is a state where, depending on the time of year, you can hit the slopes and enjoy great snow, then travel a few minutes into the valley and go biking or golfing on the same day. "It seems every month, another article is published regarding mental health and the need to get outside and enjoy nature," Howell says. "Work-life balance is so important, and Utah offers the best of both to its community."

The Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Utah Business

In another Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report titled, "Outdoor Recreation and Utah Business," Utah's tech sector is recognized as the fastest growing industry in the state. And the most important factor to tech employees deciding whether or not to relocate to Utah? Access to year-round outdoor recreation.

"A companion study of Utah businesses found that outdoor lifestyle helps with location and expanding operations in Utah, employee recruitment and retention, and the desirability to do business in the state," the report states.

In relation to this, Howell acknowledges the importance of job mobility and the ability for employees to work in different physical locations than where the company is headquartered--a trend that's only been accelerated by the pandemic. "This has, in fact, made an impact on Utah as we are seeing immigration of employees who can now work from home and live where they want to," Howell says.

In 2021, Utah saw the largest migration increase in over a decade...