Legislative Priorities
Sustaining this momentum requires a unified voice and focused action. The role of a chamber of commerce is to build a strong business environment, increase healthy job creation and support prosperous communities across the state. Last year, the Utah Chamber was created as a natural response to unify the diverse voices across our state and ensure all needs are represented and addressed. Collaboration with business leaders, elected officials and community partners allows us to prioritize the critical matters facing Utah and set the strategic course for the year ahead.
In order to achieve these foundational goals and strengthen Utah’s competitive position, it’s crucial that we have sound policy and smart investment from our legislature. What we have learned over the last year has been instrumental in shaping our priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session. We need action, and we are here to help drive that change. We are particularly focused on the needed areas of housing, transportation, energy and education, among several others. We are prepared to advocate for policy change and continued investment in these crucial priorities.
Our business leaders constantly look to the future, furthering initiatives like Utah Rising and preparing to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, where the intentional policy changes and sustained investments we champion now will create significant, generational opportunities for Utahns in every corner of our state.
Your education on the topics outlined in this guide and your participation in your local chamber contribute directly to the prosperity of our state. Consider how each policy influences your business and community, and how you can help to keep Utah the best place in the nation to live and work. We invite you to read through this and help us champion change.
Education and workforce development remain central to Utah's long-term prosperity. A strong education system prepares individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities, while a skilled workforce drives innovation, productivity and growth across every sector. Effective workforce development connects learning to jobs, helping employers fill critical roles while creating upward mobility for Utahns across regions and industries. Together, these priorities form the foundation of Utah’s economic resilience and quality of life. Continued collaboration among educators, employers and civic leaders ensures that Utah remains a place where talent is nurtured, opportunity is accessible and learning continues throughout life.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Prioritize Early Literacy*: Invest in early literacy programs and evidence-based classroom interventions to ensure every Utah student achieves grade-level reading proficiency, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and workforce readiness.
- Advance First Credential Opportunities*: Fund programs that enable high school students to earn an industry-recognized credential before graduation, connecting education directly to Utah’s workforce needs and creating earlier pathways to employment.
- Increase Post-Secondary Completion*: Strengthen advising, financial aid and transfer supports to boost completion rates across Utah’s colleges and technical schools, while expanding partnerships with private-sector employers that provide tuition assistance, apprenticeships and on-the-job learning.
- Increase Access to Affordable Child Care: Continue to expand access to affordable, quality child care by offering tax incentives and grants for employers that provide on-site care or partner with licensed providers, while also addressing zoning and regulatory barriers that make it difficult for new licensed centers to open, supporting family economic stability.
- Support Legal Immigration Pathways: Maintain Utah’s positive business and workforce environment by supporting policies that help legally authorized immigrants enter the labor force, streamline credential recognition and encourage long-term workforce participation to address critical labor shortages.
Utah plays a pivotal role in the nation’s energy and critical minerals landscape by balancing economic opportunity with environmental responsibility. As demand grows for reliable and affordable power, Utah’s diverse energy mix and innovative industries position the state to lead in responsible development and production. Strategic policies that support efficiency and innovation across traditional and emerging energy sectors will strengthen Utah’s energy security and economic competitiveness. Expanding critical minerals development and integrating new technologies with proven resources will help ensure a stable transition to a more sustainable energy future.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Support a Diversified Energy Portfolio*: Encourage continued investment across all energy sources to ensure reliable, affordable power for Utah’s homes, businesses and industries while prioritizing responsible resource management.
- Advance Nuclear and Geothermal Innovation: Support public–private partnerships and permitting reforms that accelerate next-generation nuclear and geothermal projects, expanding Utah’s role as a hub for clean and firm energy production.
- Ensure Grid Reliability and Affordability: Invest in grid modernization, transmission upgrades and energy storage to meet growing demand while keeping costs manageable for consumers and businesses.
- Protect Regulatory Stability for Utilities*: Preserve a predictable and transparent regulatory environment by maintaining mechanisms that ensure fair cost recovery and system reliability for utilities and consumers.
- Promote Responsible Critical Minerals Development: Provide incentives and regulatory clarity for environmentally responsible extraction and processing of critical minerals, which are vital to national defense, high-tech manufacturing and the clean energy transition.
The intersection of natural resources and public health impacts Utah’s competitiveness for talent retention, tourism and investment. Protecting public health and preserving the landscapes that define Utah’s identity are essential to sustaining the state’s prosperity.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Reduce Catastrophic Wildfire Impacts: Invest in public education, community preparedness, proactive forest management and emergency response strategies that minimize wildfire impacts.
- Advance Ozone Research and Mitigation: Support research that identifies evidence-based policy tools for reducing local ozone emissions and improving air quality compliance.
- Strengthen Infrastructure Resilience: Reduce risk exposure through infrastructure investments, including aging dam repairs, water infrastructure and seismic resilience to maintain water storage capacity and prevent loss of life, property damage and economic harm from accidents.
Long-term management of the Great Salt Lake remains one of Utah’s defining economic and environmental challenges. In September 2025, Governor Spencer J. Cox joined state, federal and business leaders in signing the Great Salt Lake 2034 Charter — a landmark agreement that includes private sector financial commitments to restore and protect the Lake. Continued investment and cross-sector collaboration will be essential to maintaining momentum and safeguarding the Lake’s critical role in Utah’s economy, air quality and global ecosystems for generations to come.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Advance the Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan: Continue investing in research, water metering, conservation and wetland restoration to strengthen the Lake’s long-term economic and ecological resilience.
- Strengthen Intergovernmental and Private Sector Collaboration: Promote coordinated efforts among federal, state and local agencies, along with private and philanthropic partners, to support evidence-based management and clear accountability for the Lake’s long-term health.
- Stabilize Great Salt Lake Water Levels: Support water conservation incentives, agricultural efficiency programs and restoration projects that increase inflows and sustain the Lake as a critical environmental and economic resource.
Rising health care costs continue to strain Utah employers and employees alike, making affordability one of the state’s most pressing economic challenges. As benefit costs grow faster than wages, many companies struggle to maintain coverage while competing for talent in a tight labor market. At the same time, potential changes to federal health programs could shift more responsibility to states and employers, heightening the need for state-level solutions that preserve access and affordability. Ensuring that Utah’s health care system remains affordable, transparent and competitive is critical to sustaining a healthy workforce and a strong economy. Thoughtful collaboration between policymakers and the private sector can help stabilize costs, improve outcomes and keep health care within reach for Utah families and businesses.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Streamline Health Care Regulations: Reduce administrative complexity and streamline compliance requirements to lower costs for providers and employers, allowing more resources to be directed toward patient care and workforce support.
- Reduce Barriers and Lower Costs: Expand access to primary care by strengthening training pathways, improving service availability and offering flexible contracting options, helping lower costs for employers while maintaining strong safety standards.
- Advance Mental and Behavioral Health Priorities*: Strengthen the state’s mental and behavioral health systems by expanding crisis response teams, improving patient transport between care settings and supporting public awareness and suicide prevention initiatives across Utah communities.
- Strengthen the Health Care Workforce Pipeline: Increase training sites and supervised clinical rotations through stronger partnerships among health care providers, hospitals, clinics and education providers and expand funding for residency and advanced training positions to ensure Utah can train and retain the health professionals its growing population requires.
Homelessness remains one of Utah’s most visible and complex challenges, straining public safety systems and community resources. Despite new investments and expanded shelter capacity, many communities continue to face growing unsheltered populations and increased public health and safety concerns. Addressing this crisis requires more than short-term fixes; it demands alignment between state and local governments, business leaders and service providers to ensure accountability and results. A balanced approach that combines enforcement with access to treatment, supportive housing and workforce reentry programs can help individuals regain stability while restoring safety and community confidence.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Expand Behavioral Health and Recovery Services: Increase funding for mental health and addiction treatment programs to address root causes of homelessness and strengthen community well-being.
- Invest in Workforce Reentry and Training Programs*: Support job training, placement and transitional employment initiatives that help individuals experiencing homelessness rejoin the workforce and achieve financial independence.
- Enhance State Support for Homeless Services*: Evaluate and consider state funding for evidence-based homeless services and partnerships that demonstrate measurable outcomes in housing stability and employment.
Housing affordability remains one of Utah’s most significant barriers to workforce stability and economic growth. Rapid price increases, limited supply and high interest rates continue to make it difficult for workers — especially first-time buyers and young professionals — to live near their jobs. As more employees are priced out of local markets, commute times lengthen, productivity declines and businesses face growing challenges in recruitment and retention. The shortage of attainable housing also limits mobility for essential workers and recent graduates, weakening Utah’s long-term competitiveness. Addressing this crisis will require coordinated efforts to expand housing supply, align infrastructure investment with growth and support policies that keep Utah communities livable, connected and economically strong.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Support Infrastructure for Housing Development*: Continue investing in essential infrastructure, such as roads, water and utilities, to unlock entitled land and accelerate new housing construction.
- Accelerate Land Use Processes*: Streamline land use and permit approvals to lower costs, reduce delays and bring new housing to market more quickly.
- Create Statewide Community Land Trust*: Establish a statewide land trust using donated public and private property to create permanently affordable housing through long-term ground leases.
- Expand Starter Homeownership Opportunities*: Encourage development of smaller, attainable homes by updating zoning, supporting innovative financing and promoting projects near employment centers.
Utah’s natural resources – its land, water and air – remain central to the state’s economy, quality of life and long-term growth. From agriculture and energy to recreation and tourism, nearly every industry depends on the health and availability of these resources. Persistent challenges such as declining water availability, poor air quality and loss of open space continue to threaten both environmental and economic stability. As population growth and climate variability place new pressures on these systems, Utah must balance growth with responsible stewardship.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Focus on Long-Term Water Availability: Support municipal, industrial, agricultural and residential users, as well as state water managers, in managing limited water resources more efficiently through education, incentives and technology-driven solutions.
- Align Conservation With Growth Objectives: Connect water conservation and air quality objectives with Utah’s economic development and housing goals through investments in collaboration and shared outcomes.
- Support Environmental Input on Statewide Projects: Ensure timely, constructive environmental review through the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Natural Resources to help Utah communities achieve their economic and environmental goals.
Utah’s long-standing reputation as a top state for business depends on maintaining a predictable, competitive tax and regulatory environment. As costs rise and economic uncertainty grows nationwide, Utah’s ability to attract investment and support entrepreneurship will hinge on keeping regulations efficient and taxes stable. Reducing compliance burdens, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses, allows employers to focus on growth, innovation and job creation. Continued vigilance against unnecessary regulation, coupled with clear and consistent tax policy, will help preserve Utah’s business advantage and ensure a strong foundation for future economic resilience.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Maintain a Competitive Tax Climate: Preserve Utah’s pro-growth tax structure by ensuring stability and predictability for businesses of all sizes, while evaluating targeted adjustments that strengthen investment and job creation.
- Simplify Regulatory Processes*: Streamline permitting and compliance requirements to reduce administrative burdens on employers, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, enabling them to operate efficiently and focus on innovation and expansion.
- Protect Property Tax Fairness: Monitor shifts in property tax policy to prevent disproportionate increases on commercial properties, ensuring businesses continue to invest, expand and contribute to local economies without bearing an inequitable share of the tax burden.
- Align with Federal Pro-Growth Reforms: Coordinate state tax and regulatory provisions with federal reforms to promote consistency, encourage investment and maintain Utah’s standing as a top state for business.
- Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience: Expand manufacturing incentives for companies that onshore or grow Utah-based production to improve stability and support small business growth.
Utah’s leadership in technology and innovation continues to drive statewide economic growth and competitiveness. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from health care to finance to manufacturing, Utah’s businesses and universities are playing a key role in applying these tools responsibly and productively. The state’s strong talent base, entrepreneurial culture and collaborative public–private partnerships have helped attract investment and advance research that turns new technologies into real economic value. Continued focus on responsible AI adoption, data security and workforce readiness will be essential to ensuring that innovation remains an asset for Utah’s long-term prosperity.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Promote Responsible AI Adoption and Readiness: Support initiatives that help businesses adopt AI responsibly by expanding access to technical assistance, employer training resources and tools that ensure AI use enhances productivity and strengthens operational integrity.
- Build a Future-Ready Tech Workforce: Invest in coordinated programs that help businesses train and upskill their employees, expand hands-on learning opportunities with K-12 schools and higher education institutions and support applied research that strengthens Utah’s long-term competitiveness in AI and emerging technologies.
- Advance Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Capacity: Support programs that help businesses enhance their cyber defenses and protect critical data, bolstering security across Utah’s economy.
Infrastructure remains the foundation of Utah’s economic strength, supporting the efficient movement of people, goods and services across a rapidly growing state. Continued investment in transportation, water, energy and digital networks is essential to sustaining economic momentum and maintaining Utah’s quality of life. When infrastructure challenges exist, Utahns experience longer commutes, increased congestion and reduced access to housing and jobs. Strategic collaboration among federal and state leaders, local governments and the business community will be key to building the resilient, connected systems Utah needs.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Strengthen Private Sector Partnership Opportunities*: Encourage collaboration with private-sector partners to finance, design and deliver transportation and infrastructure projects efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Enhance Public Transit Access: Invest in modern, reliable public transportation, particularly in high-growth areas, to improve access to key employment centers and reduce congestion with a focus on first- and last-mile connectivity for commuters and businesses.
- Continue Infrastructure Investment*: Support funding priorities for critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, freight corridors, multimodal transportation and digital networks, to support Utah’s expanding economy and population growth.
- Advance Broadband Expansion: Ensure broadband investments are deployed efficiently to extend high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas, supporting education, business growth and rural development.
- Support Regular Reviews of State Laws for Advanced Air Mobility: Encourage a comprehensive review of existing transportation, zoning and airspace regulations to identify updates that would accelerate Advanced Air Mobility development, streamline vertiport permitting and ensure Utah’s legal framework supports safe, efficient integration of emerging air technologies.
With the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games now less than a decade away, Utah has entered a critical planning phase to ensure the state is ready to welcome the world once again. The Winter Games present an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Utah’s natural beauty, hospitality and business climate, but also a responsibility to prepare our air, land and water for global attention. The condition of Utah’s environment, infrastructure and communities will reflect our long-term priorities as much as our readiness to host. Coordinated planning and investment today will help ensure the Winter Games strengthen Utah’s economy, support sustainable growth and leave a legacy that benefits residents and businesses for years to come.
We urge the Legislature to:
- Solidify Utah’s Competitiveness for Future Winter Sports: Invest in infrastructure, venues, and lake-effect snow through accelerated stewardship of the Great Salt Lake to maintain Utah’s preeminence as a winter sports destination.
- Prepare Utah to Shine in the 2034 Winter Games: Invest in identifying Utah’s own goals for the Winter Games, collaborative plans to achieve them and media pathways to reinforce Utah’s quality of life and economic attractiveness during the Winter Games and beyond.