Provo City has appointed a cross-sector steering committee of business, education, health care, and economic development leaders to guide the City's Economic Development Strategy Study. The initiative is designed to align public and private partners around a shared vision for the local economy while identifying distinctive strengths and competitive advantages for long-term prosperity.
The study, conducted by economic development consulting group Civic Solutions, seeks to identify opportunities for long-term growth and investment. Provo City Council Chair MacKay stated that the decisions made during this process will help shape the city's economic future for years to come. The committee includes leaders from various sectors to provide expertise in entrepreneurship, education, health care, finance, and economic development to strengthen the local economy.
The steering committee features several prominent regional leaders, including Corbin Church, founder of iHub, who noted that the study reflects Provo's willingness to engage residents and community partners. Other committee members include Norman Wright, president and CEO of Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine; Mike Hendron, director of the Rollins Center at Brigham Young University; and Kyle Hansen, Utah Valley Hospital and regional market president for Intermountain Health. Hansen remarked that while a strong economy creates opportunities, long-term prosperity also depends on health, access to services, and overall quality of life.
Additional members include Lee Adamson, director of Explore Utah Valley; Matthew Wunderli, associate vice president of business development with Utah's economic development office; Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Troy Holden, vice president and Provo region manager for Zions Bank. These individuals bring expertise in areas such as business attraction, tourism, workforce trends, investment, entrepreneurship, and regional competitiveness.
The steering committee will help validate findings and provide guidance throughout the study. The final strategy is intended to include a three-year action plan and a 10-year roadmap to guide Provo's economic development efforts. Residents will have opportunities to participate in the process through public open houses and other engagement activities to ensure the final strategy reflects community feedback.
The project aims to ensure the final strategy reflects both economic opportunities and the qualities that make Provo a desirable place to live, work, and do business.
