In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around Utah's rapid growth and the challenges it presents. Ari Bruin, Executive Director of Envision Utah, highlighted the state's projected population increase of approximately 2 million by 2060, making Utah the fastest-growing state in the nation. This surge in population has led to heightened concerns among residents, with surveys indicating that Utahns are more apprehensive about growth than ever before.

To address these concerns, Bruin introduced the \"Guiding Our Growth\" initiative, a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the Wasatch Front Regional Council and the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. The initiative aims to foster a statewide conversation about growth, focusing on maintaining the qualities that residents cherish about Utah, such as strong communities and access to outdoor activities.

Bruin emphasized the importance of engaging the public in this dialogue, seeking informed input rather than superficial reactions. The initiative will also aim to generate a list of \"big ideas\"—policy proposals and investments that could gain broad support to effectively manage growth.

For those interested in participating in this conversation, Bruin encouraged visiting Envision Utah's website, where a growth messaging guide is available to facilitate more constructive discussions about the future of the state.