New data from the Census Bureau ranks Lehi, Utah, as the 11th fastest growing city in the U.S., a reflection of the Wasatch Front’s strong economy, particularly in the area known as Silicon Slopes. Lehi was the only Utah city ranked in the top 15 and one of just four in the West, according to the Census Bureau’s new population estimates for 2016. At 4.6 percent growth, Lehi now has a population of 61,130 people.

The Utah County town of Vineyard grew sixfold in the past two years — from 611 residents to 3,953 — as new homes mushroomed on and around the old Geneva Steel plant site. But City Manager Jacob McHargue says those newly released U.S. Census Bureau estimates are for 2016, and he figures the town's population has already expanded to 8,000 residents by now, based on the number of recently completed and occupied homes.

Tourism in the Beehive State is growing at historic levels, and research indicates the trend could continue for the foreseeable future. A report authored by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah stated that tourism grew 12 percent from 2011 to 2015, with visitors spending a record of nearly $8.2 billion and generating approximately $1.15 billion in total state and local tax revenue.

Utah’s top tourism official says at a time when the number of people visiting national parks is skyrocketing, the Trump administration and Congress should step up their funding of the National Park Service. “The federal government needs to make an investment,” says Vicki Varela, director of the state’s office of tourism, film and global branding.

Military spending creates over $9 billion in economic activity for the Beehive State, rivaling the construction industry in importance to Utahns' financial well-being, a new study showed. Research from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah indicated that the defense industry was directly and indirectly responsible for supporting more than 109,000 jobs resulting in $9.2 billion in economic activity during 2015 — the latest available data. The study showed federal defense spending accounted for 5.8 percent of Utah’s employment, 7.1 percent of total earnings and 6.2 percent of the state's gross domestic product — one of [...]

The defense industry continues to play a significant role in Utah's economy. Research released Thursday by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute showed the defense industry directly and indirectly supported 109,000 jobs, almost 6 percent of the state total. The $9.2 billion in economic activity it generated represented 6.2 percent of Utah's gross domestic product, said Juliette Tennert, institute director of economic and public policy research.

Utah's defense industry directly and indirectly supported over 109,000 jobs and $9.2 billion in economic activity in the state during 2015, according to new research released by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. That year, federal defense spending was responsible for 5.8 percent of Utah's jobs, 7.1 percent of its earnings and 6.2 percent of its GDP.

Demographers puzzled by last month's U.S. Census update showing that Utah's San Juan County is the nation's fast growing are now throwing doubt on the surprise findings, arguing that the census is probably now recording Navajo residents who have not been captured in past surveys.

The Beehive State stands as an example for the nation when it comes to a premier business climate, innovative policies and economic growth. Utah's success is no accident. In fact, the state’s culture of collaboration has been vital in addressing the challenges of an increasingly competitive global economy. Utah is showing the world what’s possible when business leaders and lawmakers work together to find common ground.

Though organizers of the Outdoor Retailer trade show have made it clear they won't be returning to Salt Lake City in 2018, Salt Lake City officials have submitted an unsolicited bid to host the convention. The city didn't receive an invitation to bid for the shows this year following retailers' protests over Utah political leaders' call for the newly designated Bears Ears National Monument to be reversed.