Community Economic Development in Utah

Abstract

The authors conducted a two-stage survey of community economic development professionals in Utah. Their objectives were to elicit information about three components of local development effort and to assess the success of differential strategies for development. Emphasis was given to the differential ratings of tools and programs by officials in large urban areas and those in smaller cities. The authors found that labor force quality, proximity to highways, the availability of other transport systems (e.g., commercial airports), the costs of energy and water, and the quality of local schools were important components of an effective development environment. But on the negative side, the survey also found a general lack of coordination among the various units of government and a lack of interest in or commitment to local development among business leaders.