Provo City

Economic Development Team


Mayor John R. Curtis has announced the creation of an Economic Development Strike Force within the City administration to focus on a number of key objectives to improve the local economy in Provo over the next 12-18 months.

The task force will be chaired by Wayne Parker, the City's Chief Administrative Officer and will consist of the following members:

  • Gary McGinn, Community Development Director
  • Paul Glauser, Redevelopment Agency Executive Director
  • Dixon Holmes, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development
  • Casey Serr, Engineering
  • Tara Riddle, Property Manager

Task force members will commit 50% of their time through June of 2013 to accomplishing a number of key goals and objectives during that time.  These include:

1)      Goal:  Complete a Citywide Economic Development Strategic Plan by June 2012

a)      Meet with BYU Marriott School to ascertain available resources 

b)      Develop a scope of services for the study including identifying key economic development goals and strategies, the key niches for Provo’s future job creation, key areas for economic development and redevelopment and more. 

c)      Solicit proposals and award a contract for development of the plan

d)      Convene a Mayor’s CEO Summit to discuss the community ED vision

e)      Complete the plan and submit for Council approval

 

2)      Goal:  Develop a balanced and targeted approach to downtown redevelopment including office, retail, restaurant, arts and entertainment, residential and other compatible uses

a)      Explore best practices in Ogden and elsewhere in revitalizing downtowns 

b)      Develop a more detailed analysis of the missing components to an effective downtown 

c)      Review and revise our list of obstacles in downtown

d)      Bring the City’s downtown team together to envision the possible locations in the downtown for needed components for success

e)      Reality test the conclusions with downtown stakeholders and with studies done to date

f)        Prioritize projects and locations for redevelopment

g)      Develop models for each of the project areas

h)      Determine development and redevelopment potential for city-owned properties, including an analysis of the value proposition for relocating the City Center

i)        Court and select property owners and development partners who can make these projects successful

j)        Develop and implement additional strategies for filling empty storefronts on Center and University

k)      Complete the downtown specific area plan, including a parking plan

l)        Install wayfinding prior to the opening of the Convention Center

m)    Work with Downtown Provo, Inc. to define its role and governance and to secure a long term, sustainable financial plan for its success

n)      Take members of the Council and other downtown stakeholders on field trips to downtowns that model our desired outcomes

 

3)      Goal:  Attract the components of a “retail resurgence” in Provo including new retail options downtown, at Southgate, at and around the Towne Centre Mall and East Bay, West Center Street, Draper Lane, South State Street, near the BYU Campus, North Geneva Road, the Westside Connector and at other strategic locations

a)      Re-engage in discussions with Boyer Company, Target and others related to the Southgate Project

b)      Explore the possibilities for securing needed property for the roads accessing the Southgate area

c)      Meet with property owners in East Bay and near the mall to determine best next steps

d)      Explore ways to strengthen the existing retail base of the Towne Centre Mall and to encourage more pad development

e)      Conduct needed market analysis for considering additional sales tax generating options on West Center, Draper Lane, South State, and areas near the BYU Campus.

 

4)      Goal:  Better plan and prepare for, and then attract, new job creating businesses in the Mountain Vista Business Center.

a)      Complete new road infrastructure that has been contracted in the MVBC

b)      Develop a detailed site plan for the business center

c)      Formulate a strategy to position MVBS as a financial engine to support other economic development projects 

d)      Work closely with existing businesses in the Center to encourage and plan for retention and expansion

e)      Identify business sectors which can best use the resources of the Center and that meet our job creation objectives

f)        Network and develop relationships for future business locations in the Center

 

5)      Goal:  Improve and streamline the development review process

a)      Bring all parties together to develop a review approach to design-build and other newer development technologies

b)      Streamline the CRC to allow decisions to be made more quickly and in real time

c)      Develop a customer service focus in the development review process which encourages timely and comprehensive feedback and communication

d)      Explore ways to simplify and streamline general plan and zoning ordinances

  

6)      Goal:  Explore possibilities and solicit proposals to sustainably develop the City’s property in Provo Canyon for resort, golf, winter sports, shooting sports, and residential development

a)      Retain a consultant to develop feasibility studies to develop city-owned property in Provo Canyon consistent with the Vision 2030 plan

b)      Based on the findings of the study, attract quality developers with a good track record in sustainable development to partner on development plans 

  

7)      Goal:  Develop an overall plan for aviation related economic development and job creation at the Provo Airport, including building needed infrastructure for Duncan Aviation

a)      Revise the Airport Master Plan to identify key locations for economic development, airport expansion, and a new passenger terminal

b)      Update cost estimates and secure needed funding from city and outside resources for building the Duncan Road, airport ramp and other infrastructure to support the Duncan Aviation campus

c)      Explore the possibility of acquiring additional land near the Airport for future aviation-related development and for new arterial roads to enhance access

d)      Continue to support plans for arterial road development to allow easy access to the Airport and support efforts to encourage alternative transportation access to the Airport by transit, bicycle and other modes.