Governor Gary R. Herbert appointed Alan Matheson State Planning Coordinator. Mike Mower, Deputy Chief of Staff, previously held the post in addition to other duties, but will now focus on local municipality and county outreach for the Governor’s Office. Matheson will continue to serve as the Senior Environmental Advisor to the Governor. “Long-term strategic planning and resource coordination is essential as we address growth, one of Utah’s greatest challenges, and Alan has a strong portfolio in this arena,” said Governor Herbert. “In overseeing the development of our outdoor recreation vision and through his work on the Balanced Resource Council, Alan has consistently demonstrated the ability to bring diverse parties together and tackle challenging issues.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this vital effort. We are working toward a better Utah today and well into the future,” said Matheson. “By thinking ahead and preparing for projected growth, we can help create a better life for following generations, improving quality of life and economic development at a lower cost.”
As the State Planning Coordinator, Matheson will work with local and regional planning organizations throughout the state to update the Quality Growth Strategy. Issues to be addressed include water; mobility and urban form; cost of living and housing; air quality; energy, infrastructure and disaster resilience; natural lands, agriculture and recreation; economic development; and healthy living. In addition, the State Planning Coordinator will continue to serve as a resource for Utah’s communities.
Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Matheson served as executive director of Envision Utah. Before moving to Utah, he was a partner in a Phoenix law firm as the senior attorney and environmental policy advisor for Arizona’s largest electric utility provider. He has acted as a consultant to several regions in the country on planning and environmental matters. Matheson received his A.B. in International Relations from Stanford University and graduated from the UCLA School of Law.
