2026 Public Policy Guide released, outlines the business community’s legislative priorities
Today, the Utah Chamber, Salt Lake Chamber and Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah hosted the annual Utah Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit, the state’s premier economic forecasting and public policy event. The theme of today’s summit was “Invest in Utah,” and it brought together government, business and policy leaders from across the state. Attendees observed current economic conditions, key insights and top policy priorities outlined in the Chamber’s 2026 Public Policy Guide.
This year’s Public Policy Guide addresses 12 legislative priority areas: education and workforce development, energy and critical minerals, environment and public health, the Great Salt Lake, health care, homelessness and public safety, housing affordability, natural resources and growth, the tax and regulatory environment, technology and innovation, transportation and infrastructure and preparation for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Each legislative priority is outlined and includes recommended legislative action to ensure a prosperous future for all Utahns.
It’s important to note that these legislative priorities emerged from an extensive review process that drew input from member surveys, industry experts and policy committees representing sectors from health care and housing to energy and technology. The Utah Chamber Board of Directors then evaluated and selected the most critical issues facing Utah’s employers and employees, ensuring focused advocacy on the policies that will have the greatest impact on the state’s economic future. A complete copy of the Utah Chamber’s 2026 Public Policy Guide can be found at utchamber.com.
“Utah’s continued economic strength is no accident. It’s the result of sound policy, collaboration between business and government and a unified vision for our state’s future,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Utah Chamber and Salt Lake Chamber. “As we prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session, the business community stands ready to work alongside our elected leaders on the critical issues facing Utah. This Summit represents the power of bringing diverse voices together to chart a course for long-term prosperity.”
Along with releasing the 2026 Public Policy Guide, the Summit featured the Economic Report to the Governor, a fireside conversation with Governor Spencer J. Cox and former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema and a bipartisan legislative leadership panel that included Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and House Minority Leader Angela Romero.
“Utah’s strong economy didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of good decisions made decades ago, and now it’s our turn to make the next set of decisions that will shape Utah 20 years from now,” said Governor Cox. “I’m grateful to the Utah Chamber, Salt Lake Chamber and the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute for grounding this conversation in real data and real priorities. As we head into the 2026 General Session, we’ll stay focused on policies that keep opportunity strong for families and employers across our state.”
The Summit concluded with a keynote address from Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics and Chairman of UNITE. Shriver’s remarks focused on leadership, dignity and long-term economic strength; themes that resonate as Utah positions itself for continued success.
“It’s no surprise that Utah is leading the nation in so many areas, from how it’s achieving economic growth to upward mobility to rising educational outcomes,” said Dr. Shriver. “When we can engage with each other across differences and disagreements, with dignity and deep dialogue, we can solve even our most challenging problems in order to thrive. Utah’s business, political and community leaders across the state are doing just that – and showing the country a better way.”
This annual event provides an unparalleled opportunity for government and business leaders to find common ground on the policies that will shape Utah’s economic future. This year’s Summit is made possible by supportive sponsors. The premier sponsor is Clyde Companies. AT&T is the platinum sponsor and Zions Bank is the presenting sponsor. Major sponsors include Altabank, Chartway Credit Union and Enbridge Gas. Event sponsors are Mountain America Credit Union, The Larry H. Miller Company and Visit Salt Lake. A complete list of sponsors is listed in the program.
