City leaders discuss revitalizing town center as hub for community events and commerce

In the heart of Highland, Utah, city leaders gathered on July 8, 2025, to discuss the future of their community, focusing on the development of a vibrant town center. The meeting buzzed with ideas aimed at transforming this area into a bustling hub of commerce and community life, where residents can gather for events and support local businesses.

The council emphasized the importance of hosting regular events to foster a sense of community and tradition. “Creating traditions around those events will support our local businesses in the town center,” one member noted, highlighting a key theme of the discussion. The vision for the town center includes a mixed-use area that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, making it a walkable destination for all.

A significant part of the conversation revolved around promoting community engagement and building a strong local identity. Council members discussed the concept of “aging in place,” which focuses on supporting families and individuals as they navigate different life stages. This includes the potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to provide flexible housing options.

Strategic opportunities were also identified, such as forming a local chamber of commerce to advocate for and assist local businesses. However, the council acknowledged current limitations in staff and budget, indicating that further exploration will be necessary to bring these ideas to fruition.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to integrate economic strategies for long-term growth and sustainability, particularly in the town center and the Sitla South Gateway area. As Highland looks to the future, the discussions from this work session lay the groundwork for a community that thrives on connection, commerce, and a shared identity.