The Utah Chamber has introduced the latest iteration of Utah Rising a statewide business-led economic initiative designed to maintain Utah’s status as one of the best places to live, work, and build a future. Launched in fall 2026, Utah Rising is a long-term plan that evolves every two years to align with the state’s changing needs and challenges.
Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Utah Chamber, emphasized the proactive nature of Utah’s approach to economic success. ‘Utah’s success has never been an accident,’ Miller stated. ‘We build the future we want, and that is exactly what Utah Rising is about.’ The updated plan includes practical action items for businesses to engage with and contribute to the state’s economic goals.
Six focus areas for economic strength
Utah Rising is organized around six strategic focus areas that define Utah’s economic strength: Workforce and EducationTransportationBusiness EnvironmentHousingLivability and Natural Resources. Each focus area includes a strategic goal, measurable indicators, and a signature project.
Workforce and Education
The goal in this area is to raise third-grade reading proficiency to 100% by 2030. Newly added actions encourage businesses to offer employees paid time to mentor young readers, sponsor local literacy initiatives, and partner directly with schools. ‘Planning, coordinating, collaborating, and working together have always been key to Utah’s success,’ said Spencer P. Eccles, chair of the Utah Rising Steering Committee.
Transportation
Utah aims to keep people and goods moving efficiently as the state grows. The signature project involves doubling-tracking and extending the FrontRunner along the Wasatch Front. Businesses are encouraged to promote carpooling, use public transportation incentives, and advocate for sustainable transportation funding.
Business Environment
The plan seeks to grow the number of mid-sized Utah companies by 25% by 2027. Businesses are urged to mentor smaller companies, build supplier programs, and adopt new technologies in partnership with universities. The University of Utah’s Responsible AI Initiative is a key project in this area.
Housing
Utah aims to align housing costs with residents’ earnings. The signature project supports increasing access to permanent housing. Businesses can partner with developers, offer housing-related benefits, and support zoning reforms to improve housing supply.
Livability
To retain talent, Utah focuses on improving livability through a statewide livability index. The Capital City Renaissance is the signature project. Businesses can bring people downtown for work and events, support local alliances, and back arts and cultural assets.
Natural Resources
Utah aims to keep energy affordable and reliable, lower water use, and improve air quality. The signature project promotes an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Businesses can set internal targets for energy and water use, upgrade facilities for efficiency, and invest in sustainability innovations.
Collective action for a brighter future
The Utah Chamber encourages every business, regardless of size, to review the six focus areas and choose at least one action to advance over the next two years. ‘If every Utah business commits to just one meaningful action, our collective efforts will have an extraordinary impact for generations to come,’ Eccles said.
Since its launch, Utah Rising has guided the Utah Chamber’s advocacy and long-term economic priorities. During the 2026 Legislative Session, the Utah Chamber achieved a 100% success rate on its priority legislation, including policies that advanced the goals outlined in Utah Rising. The addition of business action plans marks the next phase of the initiative, inviting every Utah business to help turn the vision into measurable progress.
Utah Rising is guided by a steering committee of Utah business and community leaders and spearheaded by the Salt Lake Chamber and Utah Chamber. For more information, visit .
