The Utah Chamber released an updated iteration of its Utah Rising economic initiative on August 5, 2026, introducing practical action plans for businesses to address six key focus areas. This new phase of the business-led vision aims to translate long-term economic goals into measurable progress through direct private sector involvement.
Strategic Focus Areas
The updated Utah Rising plan focuses on six strategic areas: Workforce and Education, Transportation, Business Environment, Housing, Livability, and Natural Resources. Each area includes a strategic goal, measurable indicators tracked via a public dashboard, and a signature project.
In the Workforce and Education sector, the plan seeks to raise third-grade reading proficiency to 100% by 2030. To achieve this, the Chamber suggests businesses mentor young readers, sponsor local literacy initiatives, or partner directly with schools.
According to Utah Chamber President and CEO Derek Miller, the update was designed to answer how every business can get involved. "Adding action items that present practical steps for businesses to take will make a far greater and longer lasting impact," Miller said in a press release issued August 5, 2026.
A Long-Term Vision
The initiative builds upon the foundational Utah Rising plan launched in the fall of 2024. Business leaders review and update the plan every two years to remain aligned with the evolving needs of the state's economy.
Spencer P. Eccles, chair of the Utah Rising Steering Committee, noted that the plan provides the framework needed to address current challenges while expanding opportunity for all Utahns. He encouraged every Utah business, regardless of size, to commit to at least one meaningful action over the next two years.
Legislative Success and Monitoring
The Chamber's recent legislative efforts coincided with the 2026 Legislative Session, during which it reported a 100% success rate on its designated priority legislation. This effort included tracking 260 business-related bills to advocate for policies concerning housing supply, workforce talent, critical mineral development, and Great Salt Lake protection.
While the Chamber reported full success on its priority items, its 2026 bill tracker shows it is currently monitoring or expressing concern regarding several other measures. These include HB 587, which proposes reducing the corporate and individual income tax rate from 4.5% to 4.45%, and SB 287, which proposes a tax on entities generating significant revenue from targeted advertising.
Opportunities and Challenges
Utah faces several economic opportunities, including the potential impact of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which is estimated to have a $6.6 billion economic impact. Other opportunities include advancements in artificial intelligence, a growing energy sector, and significant real estate investments such as The Point and Utah City.
However, the state also faces significant economic challenges. The Chamber identified misalignment between workforce skills and the needs of a knowledge economy, housing affordability issues that threaten wealth creation, and growing mental health concerns among youth and young adults.
Data from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, released in a June 2026 dashboard, noted that while Utah ranked fourth in the nation for annual job growth in May, labor force participation has softened in recent months. The institute reported that the state's labor force participation rate remains high at 66.5%, but has remained flat or decreased since August 2024.
Economic Context
The Utah economy remains a significant driver of national growth, with the private sector comprising 89.9% of Utah's $315.9 billion nominal Gross Domestic Product as of 2025. The Utah Chamber continues to advocate for policies that support this private sector-driven economy through its ongoing work and the Utah Rising framework.
About the Utah Chamber
The Utah Chamber represents more than 80,000 employers across the state. The organization works alongside the Salt Lake Chamber to lead private sector efforts and collaborate with public sector partners to secure statewide prosperity.
