The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its sixth annual Growth & Prosperity Summit on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, to address critical regional challenges such as housing affordability, traffic congestion, and energy infrastructure needs. The summit, scheduled to take place at Utah Valley University's Sorensen Student Center in Orem, aims to bring together business and community leaders to explore solutions for Utah County's rapid population and economic growth.
Addressing Regional Growth Challenges
The summit will focus on five primary areas of concern for Utah County, including transportation, housing affordability, water conservation, energy infrastructure, and workforce development. Organizers intend to investigate what is required to improve traffic congestion and commute times along I-15 and other major transportation corridors, as well as how the region's power grid can accommodate increasing demand from data centers and artificial intelligence.
Questions regarding whether future generations will be able to afford homes in the communities where they grew up and how Utah County is preparing to meet future water demands are also central to the event's agenda. Additionally, the summit will address how local businesses can attract, develop, and retain the talent necessary to remain competitive in the regional market.
Summit Program and Speakers
The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce announced on Nov. 3, 2026, that the event will feature remarks from former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and perspectives from various leaders across the state. Attendees will hear from regional and national thought leaders, including Charles Marohn, the founder of Strong Towns, an organization focused on helping communities become financially resilient and sustainable.
Natalie Gochnour, the director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, is also scheduled to speak at the event. The summit is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with check-in beginning at 7 a.m. in the Sorensen Student Center Grand Ballroom. Registration for the event includes breakfast and lunch.
Economic Pressures and Housing Trends
The summit arrives amid complex economic indicators for the state. According to the September 2026 Roadmap to Prosperity Economic Dashboard released in October 2026 by the Utah Chamber and the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah's median home sales price fell 0.4% year-over, marking the first year-over decline in nearly three years. While the median price rose 1.2% year-to-date through July, elevated mortgage rates continue to constrain home price growth.
In addition to housing concerns, the dashboard highlighted rising costs for residents. National inflation data showed U.S. inflation increased to 3.7% in September, a four-month high. Energy prices were reported to have grown 20.4% over the previous year, contributing to price increases for other goods and services.
Construction and Economic Resilience
Construction activity remains a significant driver of Utah's economic landscape. The Utah Chamber reported that nominal nonresidential construction value rose 26.8% year-to-date through July, a trend the organization noted reflects confidence in Utah's future. This significant increase in nonresidential construction was attributed to data center construction.
Other construction metrics from the September 2026 dashboard included a 4.3% increase in nominal residential construction value and a 6.5% increase in the value of alterations and repairs year-to-date. Despite this construction momentum, Natalie Gochnour noted that many Utahns continue to face financial pressure from elevated housing costs, rising energy prices, and the everyday cost of living.
The Need for Proactive Management
Curtis Blair, the president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of proactive management regarding the region's expansion. "Growth affects everyone in Utah Valley, from the businesses we run to the neighborhoods our families call home," Blair said on Nov. 3, 2026.
Blair stated that the need to manage growth is a priority to ensure a stable future, noting, "We need to manage growth before it manages us. This summit is about bringing people together to better understand the challenges ahead and explore how we can build a more prosperous future for our communities."
Chamber Mission and Role
The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of business in Utah Valley, working to strengthen the regional economy through advocacy, connection, and collaboration. The organization supports businesses of all sizes and aims to advance a strong business environment and long-term economic prosperity throughout the valley.
