SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (January 10, 2025) — Today, the Salt Lake Chamber hosted the annual Utah Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to release its 2025 legislative priorities. The Chamber identified 11 focus areas for public policy this year, chief among them being affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure, and workforce development.
“As Utah continues to grow, it becomes even more imperative for us to adapt and enact changes that navigate the complexities of expansion while forging sustainable paths forward. Legislative policies are a critical component of enabling that agility within our communities,” said Mary Catherine Perry, vice president of public policy and government affairs at the Salt Lake Chamber. “This legislative session is a window of opportunity – a launching point where we, together, can create an elite economy that delivers prosperity for both current and future generations.”
In addition to highlighting the business community’s priorities for the coming 45-day legislative session, the Summit also discussed leadership in an era of constant change and uncertainty. General David Petraeus, a former CIA Director and distinguished Army General, had a keynote conversation entitled, “Leadership in a Complex World.” General Petraeus drew from his military career as well as from government and private sector leadership roles to demonstrate the qualities necessary to lead organizations in the complex and ever-changing world we live in.
“With all the opportunities and challenges facing Utah, it is vital that the public and private sectors come together to advance policies that will increase the quality of life in Utah and strengthen our economy,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “The guidance of the Utah Rising plan, when supported by legislative policy, has the potential to unlock an even greater era of growth and success to make Utah a place where businesses and individuals can thrive both now and in generations to come.”
The Summit presents an unrivaled opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the future of Utah’s economy and the business community’s policy priorities. At this year’s Summit, government and business leaders discussed Utah Rising, the free enterprise vision for Utah’s economy and what the business community can expect in the next decade. Utah elected officials also discussed best practices for advocating this upcoming legislative session and methods for finding common ground with officials.
A complete copy of the Salt Lake Chamber’s 2025 Public Policy Guide can be found here. (Downloadable version here).
This year’s Summit premier sponsor is Merit Medical Systems and presenting sponsors are Zions Bank and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Altabank, AT&T, Enbridge Gas and Mountainland Technical College are major sponsors. The Larry H. Miller Company, Mountain America Credit Union and Visit Salt Lake are event sponsors.
