Gov. Spencer Cox Establishes BUILD Coordinating Council to Address Utah’s Rapid Growth
SALT LAKE CITY—On Wednesday, Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order creating the BUILD Coordinating Council, aimed at addressing Utah’s rapid growth and ensuring its quality of life remains intact. BUILD, which stands for Blueprint for Utah’s Infrastructure, Land, and Development, will unify multiple state agencies and community entities to coordinate future planning efforts.
Chaired by Laura Hanson, the state planning coordinator, the council responds to growing public concerns about the state’s development trajectory. "We’ve hit a point where Utahns are starting to feel a little anxious about the growth," Hanson noted, emphasizing the importance of aligning planning across sectors such as transportation, housing, water, and air quality.
Participating agencies will include the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Environmental Quality, among others. Notable organizations such as the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Utah Association of Counties will also contribute to discussions.
The council’s goal is to foster collaboration among decision-makers and community leaders, addressing interconnected policy areas that impact the overall quality of life for Utahns. “Even if a policy area doesn’t directly touch another, there are indirect connections,” Hanson explained, highlighting how growth impacts air quality, housing development, and resource consumption.
The council will meet quarterly, initiating its discussions on July 22 at the Capitol, a meeting open to public input. An annual report will be generated to inform the governor and Legislature on critical resource constraints and priorities.
As Utah grows, the BUILD Coordinating Council seeks to ensure that the future of the state remains as vibrant and livable as its past, reinforcing a commitment to thoughtful, cohesive planning amidst ongoing development challenges.
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