In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox is taking steps to proactively shape the state's future. He recently enacted an executive order to establish the BUILD Coordinating Council. The council's mission is to streamline state agency initiatives, align long-term planning, and capitalize on collective opportunities. "This council will help us combine efforts and make better decisions to maintain the quality of life that makes Utah exceptional," Cox said, as reported by the Utah Governor's Office. Its focus will encompass housing, transportation, water, energy, as well as environmental and recreational needs.
Aligning with the intent of HCR 11, which the Utah Legislature passed in 2024, the council will aim to ultimately look at the big picture, accounting for how policy and funding decisions impact growth across multiple sectors. The council is set to bring together state agencies quarterly to identify statewide goals, parse through demographic and economic data, and resolve any planning conflicts that may arise. Moreover, the council will work to improve coordination efforts across different agencies and regions of Utah.
The BUILD Coordinating Council is chaired by the State Planning Coordinator and includes senior advisors and executive directors from key state agencies. These span departments including transportation, environmental quality, and health and human services, among others. In addition, research institutions and community partners such as the Salt Lake Chamber and Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games are invited to partake in the council's efforts.
A broad sweep of responsibilities is laid out for the new council. Among these tasks are establishing a shared vision for the future of Utah and identifying state investment opportunities for wider impact. The council is also charged with the production of an annual report to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Legislature, further ensuring comprehensive oversight and transparency. These are steps designed to nurture solutions that effectively stretch across different agency borders.
