Provo City has appointed a cross-sector steering committee to guide an Economic Development Strategy Study aimed at identifying opportunities for long-term growth, investment, and economic resilience. The initiative, which is being conducted by the consulting group Civic Solutions, seeks to align public and private partners around a shared vision for the city's economic future.
Diverse Leadership Representation
The steering committee is composed of leaders from various sectors, including business, education, healthcare, and finance. According to a statement from Provo City on Oct. 9, 2026, the committee members include representatives from organizations that significantly influence the regional economy.
Committee members include Corbin Church, founder of iHub; 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. The group also features Lee Adamson, director of Explore Utah Valley; Matthew Wunderli, associate vice president of business development for 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.
Long-Term Strategic Planning
Provo City Council Chair MacKay stated that the decisions made during this process will help shape the economic future of Provo for years to come. MacKay noted that leaders from entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, and finance were intentionally selected to identify opportunities that strengthen the local economy and support long-term prosperity for residents.
As Utah.News reported, the study aims to identify the city's distinctive strengths and competitive advantages. The final results of the study are expected to consist of a three-year action plan and a 10-year roadmap to guide Provo's economic development efforts.
Expertise and Community Input
The study is designed to leverage expertise in areas such as business attraction, tourism, workforce trends, investment, entrepreneurship, and regional competitiveness. The involvement of these organizations is intended to ensure the strategy reflects both local priorities and broader economic opportunities.
Public Engagement Opportunities
Community members will have opportunities to participate in the process through public open houses and other engagement activities. This feedback is intended to help ensure the final strategy reflects the qualities that make Provo a desirable place to live, work, and do business.
Corbin Church, founder of iHub, said the study reflects one of Provo's strengths: a willingness to engage residents and community partners in shaping the city's future. Church noted that city leaders appear willing to listen and improve where necessary.
Focus on Quality of Life
Kyle Hansen, representing Intermountain Health, stated the study is an opportunity to ensure economic growth and community well-being advance together. Hansen said he is interested in contributing a healthcare perspective to develop a strategy that supports sustainable growth while maintaining the area's quality of life.
Ensuring Strategic Alignment
The steering committee will help validate findings and provide guidance throughout the study to ensure the strategy reflects economic opportunities and the qualities that make Provo a desirable location for residents and businesses.
