According to Utah’s 2006 Economic Report to the Governor, Utah's population reached 2.2 million in 2000 and it is projected to more than double to 4.7 million by 2040 – a growth ratemore than twice the national rate. While providing many opportunities to our state, this growth will also result in many challenges including water supply, education and infrastructure.

As Duane Cardall, KSL’s Director of Editorials stated in a recent editorial, “Utah's contribution to [population growth] offers a reminder that effectively managing surging growth must remain among our highest priorities.” Often though, managing growth can conflict with property rights.

“Growth = Challenges: A dialogue on growth in Utah” has been organized by the Utah Intergovernmental Roundtable to discuss these critical issues through a dialogue with some of the key players in Utah. The Summit is designed to discuss issues such as:

• Why government planning?
• Why not let market forces work?
• Citizens need a whole range of municipal services (i.e. roads, parks, police, fire, etc.).Could some services be offered more effectively through regional cooperation?

Laying the ground work for this discussion will be a series of presentations addressing the specific challenges in key areas including population growth, water, infrastructure, education, and transportation.

The Summit presenters include:

• Robert Grow, Senior Counsel, O’Melveny & Myers LLP and founding chair emeritus of Envision Utah
• Robert Spendlove, Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget
• Fred Finlinson, Senior Partner, Finlinson & Finlinson
• Carlos Braceras, Utah Dept. of Transportation
• Ray Timothy, Utah State Office of Education
• Senator Greg Bell
• Chris Gamvroulas, Ivory Homes
• Wilf Sommerkorn, Davis County Community & Economic Development
• Craig Call, State Ombudsman
• Jodi Hoffman, Utah League of Cities and Towns
• Alan Matheson, Envision Utah

Discussing the impact this growth will have is critical so that we can find the best answers for our communities. Please join us for what will an interesting and lively discussion.

The event will be held on October 19, 2006 from 8 am to 2 pm at the Delta Center. Registration is $50.00 and includes lunch. To register, please go to www.cppa.utah.edu/uir and register on line or call Jolaine Randall at 581-6493.