July 2, 2018
On June 21, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in Dakota v. Mayfair, ruling that South Dakota can require internet retailers to collect sales tax on purchases by local buyers, even if the retailer isn’t physically present within the state.
This precedent establishes a framework for other states to enact or alter laws concerning taxing internet sales.
The Salt Lake Chamber applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
This decision levels the playing field between brick-and-mortar and e-commerce businesses, both of which are critically important to Utah’s economy.
Our state’s sales tax base has been declining over the past several decades, leaving millions in uncontrolled sales tax from online sales that could go toward essential programs.
As the voice of Utah’s business community, we now call on our state legislature to take swift action and pass legislation that allows the state to collect this revenue.
The Court’s ruling coupled with action from the legislature will surely provide a boost to Utah’s economy and ensure our unrivaled business climate continues to thrive.
July 3, 2018
Amid widening evidence that Utah’s housing affordability crunch is worsening, business and community leaders met last week in Salt Lake City for the first Housing GAP Coalition “big tent” meeting to discuss the problem.
The Housing GAP Coalition is poised to address the challenges associated with housing affordability to ensure that the American Dream is kept alive and well for all Utahns by providing access to a variety of housing types for all income groups.
This business-led group is the first of its kind in the nation and aims to address Utah’s housing affordability crisis before it’s too late.
In the coming months, a major public-awareness campaign will launch so that people are educated about the various issues surrounded affordability, such as the shortage of housing units, construction and labor costs, land costs and local topography, community zoning ordinances, along with economic and demographic growth.
July 4, 2018
Downtown Salt Lake is celebrating one of its most ardent “champions,” Vasilios Priskos, by honoring his legacy in perpetuity.
In between 100 South and 200 South, running parallel to Main Street on the west and Regent Street on the east, there is a pedestrian access route to be known as “Vasilios Priskos Walkway.”
As owner of InterNet Properties, Vasilios was instrumental in the revitalization of Downtown Salt Lake City.
He believed that investing in downtown was about more than making money. He believed it was more than just buildings. He saw downtown as a part of his family legacy and part of himself. He wanted all of downtown to succeed. He wanted to be part of its vision and history.
Additionally, because of his efforts, the downtown area is being designed to allow for increased walkability and easy access to various entertainment venues, restaurants and gathering places throughout the downtown business district.
This walkway is a tangible reminder for our entire community of what one man did and the ways that he changed our community.
July 5, 2018
Immigration has always been a controversial and complicated issue. Lately it has become more prevalent and demands to be acknowledged.
The Salt Lake Chamber urges Congress to fix our broken immigration system in a manner consistent with the Utah Compact.
The Utah Compact was developed over several months of groups and individuals who were concerned about the tone of Utah’s immigration discussion.
The Compact is based on Utah values and we encourage our leaders to use these guiding principles as they address the complex challenges associated with a broken national immigration system.
We urge Utah’s federal delegation to lead efforts to strengthen families, support economic growth, focus law enforcement efforts on serious crime and uphold our values as a free society.
The United States should always be a place that welcomes people of good will and our laws should reflect our values as a country of immigrants.
It is time for Congress to step up and do the job they were elected to do. There is no excuse for delay.
July 6, 2018
Recently the Downtown Alliance, along with CBRE and Salt Lake City, released their 2018 State of Downtown Report.
The State of Downtown Economic Benchmark Report offers a comprehensive analysis of downtown Salt Lake City’s economy including office space, retail and residential development to local media.
The Attitudes and Perceptions of Downtown Regional Survey Results catalogs regional attitudes, accomplishments and objectives.
The three main takeaways from this year’s studies were:
- The need for continued housing development in all income brackets. While Downtown Salt Lake City is still relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country, it is beginning to feel the growing pains of a rapidly expanding urban center.
- Record retail sales lead by restaurants and nightlife. Retail sales totaled 865.3 million in 2017.
- Downtown’s role as a growing tech hub and revitalization of vacant spaces. Tech companies are choosing downtown to attract a diverse workforce with amenities and cultural experiences that can’t be found in the rest of the state.
