1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution recognizes Utah's robust economic growth and urbanization.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 ▸ recognizes Utah's robust economic growth and urbanization;
14 ▸ recognizes the need for forward thinking planning and zoning, appropriate
15 infrastructure investment, and a talented workforce in Utah's metropolitan areas;
16 and
17 ▸ requests that the director of the United States Office of Management and Budget
18 review Utah's metropolitan statistical area designations.
19 Special Clauses:
20 None
21
22 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
23 WHEREAS, the state of Utah is regularly recognized as among the best states for
24 business;
25 WHEREAS, Utah has led the nation in economic growth and job creation since the
26 Great Recession;
27 WHEREAS, the state's strong economic growth has been accompanied by robust
28 population growth;
29 WHEREAS, Utah recently reached 3,000,000 residents and is projected to reach
30 5,000,000 residents by 2050;
31 WHEREAS, Utah enjoys a variety of community types, from rural small towns to a
32 major urban center;
33 WHEREAS, the Wasatch Front is home to more than 2,000,000 residents, representing
34 nearly 85% of Utah's population and roughly an equal percentage of the state's economy;
35 WHEREAS, Utah is already among the most urbanized states in the nation based on the
36 concentration of the state's population in metropolitan areas;
37 WHEREAS, Utah's rapid urban growth should bolster job creation in rural communities
38 through supporting tourism, business expansion and teleworking, disciplined planning and
39 investment, and expanded export opportunities;
40 WHEREAS, continued population growth will occur in the state's metropolitan areas
41 and increase urbanization;
42 WHEREAS, the growth of metropolitan areas is among the most significant changes in
43 Utah's urban dynamics in a generation, presenting significant economic opportunities;
44 WHEREAS, nearly 75% of new jobs in the state since 2008 have been created in Utah's
45 metropolitan areas;
46 WHEREAS, the intersection of Utah's two largest counties at Point of the Mountain
47 represents a monumental shift to the economic and social integration of the region;
48 WHEREAS, the United States Office of Management and Budget delineates
49 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas according to published standards that are
50 applied to United States Census Bureau data;
51 WHEREAS, Utah's metropolitan areas along the Wasatch Front have a high degree of
52 economic and social integration, but are currently divided into three metropolitan statistical
53 areas; and
54 WHEREAS, this division does not comprehensively represent the collective
55 integration, economic growth, and urbanization of these areas, which can have a material
56 impact on the state's national profile, economic development opportunities, and ability to create
57 a regional approach to addressing long-term population growth:
58 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
59 Governor concurring therein, recognizes Utah's robust economic growth and urbanization.
60 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor recognize that the
61 state's metropolitan areas need forward thinking planning and zoning, appropriate infrastructure
62 investment, and a talented workforce in order to continue to grow economically and enhance
63 the quality of life for Utah residents.
64 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor request that the
65 United States Office of Management and Budget review Utah's metropolitan statistical area
66 designations to better reflect the high degree of economic and social integration along the
67 Wasatch Front.
68 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the director of
69 the United States Office of Management and Budget and the members of Utah's congressional
70 delegation.