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In a recap of its annual meeting, EDC
Utah reported that every $1 invested in the organization generated $8,180 for Utah's economy during the previous fiscal year. The organization's achievements between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, included helping 12 companies expand in or relocate to Utah, resulting in 8,519 new or retained jobs and $20.2 billion in projected capital expenditure.
During the meeting, Executive Director Ryan Starks highlighted an expanding list of partners, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development at the beginning of 2026. Starks also previewed a city partner exchange to Austin, Texas, and deeper work with nationwide site selection teams.
Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Derek Miller delivered a keynote emphasizing that economic development depends on the movement of state, local government, and the private sector together. Miller noted that current prosperity was earned through investments made a decade ago and cautioned against complacency.
EDC
Utah Deputy Director Erin Farr noted that the year's 12 wins were driven by various channels: 33% led by site selectors, 30% through EDC
Utah partners, and 27% through direct company contact. As of Sept. 3, there were 101 active projects in the pipeline.
Three companies shared their experiences regarding expansion in the state. Route 92, a developer of stroke catheter devices, chose West Jordan over other cities due to the workforce, quality of life, and tax incentives. Western Governors University, which serves nearly 200,000 students, maintains Utah as its operational and cultural home base. Nucor cited Utah's logistics infrastructure, talent pool, and business ecosystem as deciding factors for its expansion.
The meeting included the announcement of a new Memorandum of Understanding between EDC
Utah and the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (SoUtah) to strengthen collaboration.
Several leaders were recognized for their contributions to economic development. Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson received the Public Sector Leadership in Economic Development award. Christy Alter of Goldman Sachs received the Private Sector Leadership in Economic Development award. Rocky Mountain Power received the Institutional Cornerstone in Economic Development award.
EDC
Utah has worked since 1987 with state and local government and private industry to attract high-value companies and spur the expansion of local Utah businesses.
