From Vision to Action
How Businesses Can Get Involved
The success of Utah Rising depends on the collective efforts of Utah's business community. Whether you're a small business owner, a growing company or a large employer, there are opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Step 1
Explore the Focus Areas
Review the focus areas, strategic goals and signature projects to understand the priorities shaping Utah's future.
Ask yourself:
- Which issues align with our company's values?
- Where can our organization make the greatest contribution?
- Which challenges directly impact our employees, customers or industry?
Step 2
Choose Where You Want to Make an Impact
Select one or more focus areas where your organization can have the greatest impact.
Examples:
- Workforce & Education
- Transportation
- Business Environment
- Housing
- Livability
- Natural Resources
Start with one area where your organization has expertise, influence or a vested interest. You can always expand your involvement over time.
Step 3
Review Business Action Items
Each focus area includes opportunities for businesses to support progress.
Action items are specific actions organizations can take to advance strategic goals and contribute to measurable outcomes.
Consider:
- What resources do we already have?
- What partnerships could we leverage?
- Which actions align with our business objectives?
Remember: meaningful contributions can come from organizations of every size.
Step 4
Commit to an Action
Choose one action item that your organization can implement in the next 24 months. One that is realistic, measurable and impactful.
Examples:
- Offer employee volunteer time to support literacy programs.
- Provide transit benefits to employees.
- Participate in a local housing initiative.
- Establish internal water conservation targets.
Set a goal and identify who will be responsible for implementation.
Step 5
Take Action
Put your plan into motion.
Successful implementation often includes:
- Assigning ownership
- Establishing timelines
- Tracking progress
- Communicating goals internally
- Partnering with community organizations when appropriate
Small actions can create meaningful results when sustained over time.
Step 6
Measure Your Impact
Evaluate the outcomes of your efforts and identify opportunities to expand or improve.
Questions to consider:
- What did we accomplish?
- Who benefited?
- What did we learn?
- How can we build on this success?
Measuring progress helps demonstrate the value of business leadership and encourages continued engagement.
Step 7
Share Your Success
Tell your story. Contact us at info@utahrising.com.
By sharing your successes, lessons learned and innovative approaches, you help:
- Inspire other businesses to participate
- Highlight effective practices
- Demonstrate the impact of collective action
- Build momentum around Utah's shared vision
Every Business Has a Role to Play
You don't have to do everything. Start with one focus area, one action item, and one commitment.
Collectively, the actions of Utah's business community will help build a stronger workforce, more connected communities, a thriving economy, and a brighter future for generations to come.
The vision is ambitious. The path forward is clear.
Now is the time to lead.
Workforce & Education
Utahns are healthy, talented, educated and industrious.
Support early literacy efforts
- Align business and community efforts behind Utah’s goal to increase 3rd grade reading on proficiency to 80% of students reading on grade level by July 1, 2030.
- Partner with education leaders to expand access to early literacy programs and interventions.
- Mobilize business-led support for literacy initiatives through funding, volunteerism and awareness.
- Advocate for policies and resources that accelerate early literacy achievement statewide.
Increase Credential Attainment
- Champion the First Credential Master Plan to increase credential attainment by 3–5% annually.
- Partner with education and workforce institutions to align training with employer needs.
- Expand awareness and adoption of short-term, stackable and industry-recognized credentials.
Improve Postsecondary Completion
- Advance efforts to improve postsecondary completion rates within 150% of expected time.
- Promote employer-supported education pathways that enable students to complete credentials while working.
- Support data-driven strategies that improve student persistence and graduation outcomes.
Support Early Literacy Outcomes
- Provide employees with paid volunteer time to support reading programs, mentoring or school partnerships.
- Invest in or sponsor local literacy initiatives aligned with statewide goals.
- Partner with schools or community organizations to expand access to early literacy support.
- Participate in business-led campaigns that raise awareness and engagement around reading proficiency.
Increase Credential Attainment
- Offer internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning aligned with credential pathways.
- Provide tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees pursuing certificates or degrees.
- Recognize and prioritize industry-recognized credentials in hiring and promotion decisions.
- Partner with education providers to shape and support credential programs tied to workforce needs.
Improve Postsecondary Completion
- Create flexible work environments that allow employees to complete degrees or credentials.
- Offer benefits that support completion (tuition support, scheduling flexibility, career pathways).
- Partner with institutions to support student retention through internships, mentorship or employment pathways.
- Track and support employee progress toward degree or credential completion.
Natural Resources
Utahns are wise stewards of our environment and natural beauty.
Expand Energy Production and Reliability
- Advance efforts to double Utah’s power production by 2034 through initiatives like Operation Gigawatt.
- Champion an all-of-the-above energy strategy, including utility-scale solar, advanced nuclear, coal, critical minerals and traditional energy.
- Advocate for policies that maintain energy affordability and reliability while supporting long-term growth.
Drive Water Conservation and Efficiency
- Align business and community efforts to reduce municipal and industrial (M&I) water consumption by 16% by 2030.
- Advocate for investment in water infrastructure, conservation and efficiency systems.
- Support initiatives that improve water use productivity across industries and communities.
Strengthen Regulatory and Market Conditions
- Work to improve Utah’s national standing in energy regulatory ratings (S&P and Moody’s).
- Advocate for policies that increase regulatory certainty and system efficiency.
- Support market-based solutions that encourage innovation, investment and long-term stability.
Build Business Leadership and Resource Awareness
- Launch a Business Leader Energy Literacy Campaign by 2027 to increase awareness and understanding.
- Promote education and engagement around energy, water and air quality challenges.
Invest in Energy Efficiency and Reliability
- Upgrade facilities and operations to improve energy efficiency.
- Explore on-site or contracted renewable energy options where feasible.
- Improve operational resilience to support energy reliability.
Improve Water Efficiency
- Set internal targets for reducing water use.
- Invest in water-efficient technologies and processes.
- Adopt practices such as xeriscaping and optimized water use in operations.
Lead on Measurable Resource Stewardship
- Set and publicly track goals for energy and water reduction.
- Invest in innovations that improve efficiency and sustainability.
- Align business practices with statewide conservation and reliability goals.
Improve Resource Awareness and Employee Engagement
- Educate employees on energy, water and air quality practices.
- Promote conservation behaviors such as reducing energy use, water consumption and waste.
- Participate in initiatives that raise awareness of Utah’s natural resource challenges.
Transportation
Utah is the Crossroads of the West and becoming the Crossroads of the World.
Advance Statewide Mobility and System Expansion
- Support implementation of Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan, including completion of Phase 1 by 2033.
- Advocate for the expansion of rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems to improve statewide mobility by 2040.
Champion Sustainable Funding and Investment Strategies
- Collaborate with business and public partners to develop innovative transportation funding proposals.
- Engage state leaders to identify long-term, sustainable financing solutions.
- Support efforts to align transportation investment with future growth and demand.
Promote Demand Management and System Efficiency
- Advance strategies that reduce congestion and improve system reliability, including off-peak usage and flexible scheduling.
- Promote employer-based solutions that support more efficient use of the transportation system.
- Support initiatives that improve the statewide mobility index.
Align Transportation, Housing, and Land Use Planning
- Promote coordination between transportation infrastructure, housing development and economic growth.
- Support transit-oriented development and land use strategies that increase access and reduce congestion.
- Encourage alignment across state and local planning efforts.
Build Business Engagement and Awareness
- Launch and support efforts to educate the business community on transportation priorities and investments.
- Convene business leaders to align around key mobility challenges and solutions.
- Promote collaboration between employers, transportation providers, and public agencies.
Advance Statewide Mobility and System Expansion
- Support expansion of transit systems by participating in employer transit programs (e.g., UTA partnerships, bulk pass programs).
- Encourage employee use of public transportation where accessible.
- Provide input to transportation agencies on system needs, routes and access.
Champion Sustainable Funding and Investment Strategies
- Support and advocate for long-term transportation funding solutions.
- Participate in business-led efforts to develop and advance funding proposals.
- Engage in public-private partnerships that support transportation infrastructure where appropriate.
Promote Demand Management and System Efficiency
- Offer flexible work schedules, staggered shifts or remote work options where feasible.
- Provide incentives for carpooling, transit use or alternative commuting options.
- Adjust delivery and logistics schedules to reduce peak-hour congestion.
Align Transportation, Housing, and Land Use Planning
- Consider access to transportation when making location and expansion decisions.
- Support development near transit corridors and major employment centers.
- Advocate for policies that align transportation, housing and economic development.
Build Business Engagement and Awareness
- Educate employees on commuting options, transit programs and mobility resources.
- Promote participation in transportation initiatives and awareness campaigns.
- Collaborate with regional partners to improve access and mobility for the workforce.
Business Environment
Utah has a diverse private sector that is entrepreneurial, supported by an efficient, business-friendly government.
Support the Growth of Middle Market Companies
- Advance strategies to increase the number of middle market companies (100–999 employees) by 25% by 2027.
- Identify and address key barriers to business growth and scaling across industries.
- Convene business leaders and partners to support companies transitioning from small to mid-sized.
Strengthen Utah’s Regulatory and Tax Environment
- Advocate for a competitive, predictable tax and regulatory environment.
- Identify and advance reforms to address top regulatory constraints by 2027.
- Support policies that prioritize long-term economic value and sustainable growth.
Advance Innovation and Technology Adoption
- Support adoption of emerging technologies, including through initiatives like the Responsible AI Initiative.
- Partner with universities and industry leaders to strengthen innovation and commercialization.
- Promote strategies that increase business competitiveness through technology.
Enhance Business Support and Scaling Ecosystems
- Strengthen connections with organizations such as SBDC, SCORE and other business support networks.
- Promote access to resources that help businesses grow, expand and scale.
- Support initiatives that expand entrepreneurship, franchise growth and business development.
Promote Utah as a Premier Place to Grow a Business
- Partner with economic development organizations to attract and retain companies.
- Support strategic business recruitment and retention efforts.
- Promote Utah’s advantages as a place to start, grow and scale a business.
Support the Growth of Middle Market Companies
- Mentor or partner with small and growing businesses to support scaling and expansion.
- Develop supplier or vendor programs that help smaller businesses grow.
- Share expertise, resources and networks to support emerging companies.
Strengthen Utah’s Regulatory and Tax Environment
- Provide input on regulatory barriers and opportunities for improvement.
- Participate in advocacy efforts that support a competitive business environment.
- Engage in public processes to advance thoughtful, pro-growth policy solutions.
Advance Innovation and Technology Adoption
- Invest in technology adoption, including AI and digital transformation.
- Partner with universities and research institutions on innovation initiatives.
- Support workforce training and upskilling related to emerging technologies.
Enhance Business Support and Scaling Ecosystems
- Engage with and support organizations like SBDC, SCORE and industry networks.
- Participate in mentorship, advising or entrepreneurial support programs.
- Invest in or partner with startups and growth-stage companies where appropriate.
Promote Utah as a Premier Place to Grow a Business
- Share success stories and experiences of operating and growing a business in Utah.
- Participate in business attraction and retention efforts (e.g., site visits, industry engagement).
- Help promote Utah’s business environment to talent, partners and investors.
Housing
Utah is a place where all who call it home can have a home.
Launch and activate the Utah Livability Index
- Develop the Utah Livability Index in partnership with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and Utah Foundation.
- Establish the Index as a statewide resource for benchmarking and decision making.
- Promote the adoption of the Index across business, government and community leaders.
Support Downtown Vitality and Placemaking
- Align with statewide and local downtown development goals, including Downtown Rising.
- Convene business and community leaders to advance placemaking, safety and activation efforts.
- Support initiatives that enhance cleanliness, safety and vibrancy in downtown areas.
Align Business Investment with Livability Outcomes
- Encourage alignment between business investment and community priorities, such as housing, transportation and amenities.
- Support regional efforts to enhance livability and long-term economic competitiveness.
- Promote Utah as a top place to live, work and do business.
Activate the Utah Livability Index
- Utilize the Utah Livability Index (once available) to inform business decisions on location, investment and workforce strategies.
- Align internal goals and strategies with livability metrics where appropriate.
- Participate in efforts to promote awareness and adoption of the Index.
Support Downtown Vitality and Placemaking
- Encourage employee engagement in downtown areas through in-person work, events and activities (where relevant).
- Participate in local business alliances and placemaking initiatives.
- Invest in or support programs that improve cleanliness, safety and activation (e.g., ambassador programs).
- Consider locating or expanding operations in downtown or mixed-use areas.
Align Business Investment with Livability Outcomes
- Align business investments and expansion decisions with community priorities (housing, transportation, amenities).
- Support major placemaking initiatives, including arts, cultural districts and community assets.
- Advocate for public investment in parks, recreation and cultural infrastructure.
- Help promote Utah’s livability advantages to attract and retain talent.
Livability
Utah’s livability index (which includes amenities, safety, and convenience) will increase by 2034.
Increase Housing Supply Across Price Points
- Advance a statewide strategy to accelerate housing production, including supporting a plan to deliver 7,500 starter homes by 2026.
- Support solutions that expand housing availability across a range of income levels, including workforce and attainable housing.
- Promote increased density and efficient land use in high-growth areas.
Align Housing with Economic Growth and Workforce Needs
- Promote alignment between job growth and housing development across the state.
- Support strategies that ensure housing availability near major employment centers and transit corridors.
- Advance coordinated planning across housing, transportation and economic development.
Advance Housing-Enabling Policies and Processes
- Advocate for policies that reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate permitting timelines.
- Support consistent and predictable building standards across jurisdictions.
- Promote policy solutions that incentivize housing production, including identifying sustainable funding for permanent affordable housing.
Support Workforce Housing and Affordability Solutions
- Champion the development of a State Infrastructure Fund to enable housing and supporting infrastructure.
- Support innovative financing strategies that expand access to workforce and attainable housing.
- Promote programs that improve access to homeownership and rental opportunities.
Increase Housing Supply Across Price Points
- Partner with developers or communities to support housing projects, including workforce and starter housing.
- Invest in or help advance projects that increase housing availability across income levels.
- Support local efforts to accelerate housing production, including initiatives aligned with expanding starter home supply.
Align Housing with Economic Growth and Workforce Needs
- Consider housing availability when making decisions about business expansion or relocation.
- Support development near employment centers and transit corridors.
- Encourage projects and policies that better connect jobs with accessible housing.
Advance Housing-Enabling Policies and Processes
- Advocate for policies that streamline permitting and reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers.
- Support consistent, predictable development standards across communities.
- Engage in efforts that promote sustainable funding and long-term solutions for affordable housing.
Support Workforce Housing and Affordability Solutions
- Invest in or support initiatives that expand workforce and attainable housing.
- Partner in projects or funding efforts that enable infrastructure needed for housing development.
- Offer housing-related benefits where feasible (e.g., relocation assistance, down payment support, rental assistance).
- Provide employees with resources on housing options, financial literacy and homeownership programs.