The Utah Inland Port Authority Board has selected Envision Utah as a contractor to lead a public outreach initiative to help facilitate the development of the northwest quadrant of Salt Lake City.
“Envision Utah has the knowledge, relationships and national expertise to serve the board through this complex process. We received a number of responses from skilled public engagement firms, and we have found the right fit,” said Derek Miller, chair of the Utah Inland Port Authority Board. “Engaging key stakeholders and the public is critical to ensure we correctly develop the northwest quadrant in Salt Lake City. Careful collaboration and planning will secure the future success of the Inland Port and the state of Utah.”
The Authority participated in an official state procurement process for the consulting partner, which included an evaluation committee to assess responses from local and national firms. The evaluation committee reviewed three initial responses to the request for proposal that met the set criteria. Following the evaluation, the board reviewed written proposals and participated in an in-depth discussion. Scoring took into account each firm’s expertise, depth of understanding and quality of proposals for the project. At the conclusion of the vetting process, the evaluation committee selected Envision Utah as its official recommendation to the UIP Authority Board, which the board accepted.
“It is important that everyone who has a stake in the future of the Utah Inland Port area has a meaningful voice in this process,” said Robert Grow, executive director of Envision Utah. “We look forward to assisting the Inland Port Authority Board in engaging with people and figure out the future of the northwest quadrant of Salt Lake City.”
The first phase of a three-phase process will begin immediately, and will focus on public input. This may include researching similar projects in other locations, identifying best practices and examining all relevant demographic, employment, real estate and infrastructure data. Second and third phases will include collaborative planning and detailing financial options and resources of the development.
The Utah Inland Port Board Authority was created in 2018 by H.B. 2001 to ensure the Northwest Quadrant of Salt Lake City enhances the future economic development of businesses and citizens while improving solutions to air quality, environmental traffic and minimizing the negative impacts of growth. The Board Authority is comprised of local and state officials from both the legislative and executive branches. The authority is tasked to facilitate the development of the area known as the “Utah Inland Port” including infrastructure planning and financial tools for the benefit of the state of Utah.
