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Lawmakers consider shifting state preference from Census to Utah Population Committee estimates
Summary
A League discussion of House Bill 379 would prefer Utah Population Committee (UPC) estimates over Census figures for most state and local funding formulas; sponsors and cities representing fast‑growth areas pressed for more accurate counts and clarified protections for federally required Census use.
House Bill 379 would give the Utah Population Committee’s population estimates priority over U.S. Census Bureau figures for state and local calculations when federal law does not require Census numbers. League staff told members the change aims to give fast‑growth cities more accurate figures for formula allocations.
The plan matters because some distribution formulas — including certain sales tax and roadway distributions — use population as a baseline. League presenter Carson Kingham said UPC estimates would be preferred “except where federal requirements require Census numbers,” and that where UPC estimates are unavailable, the Census would continue to be used. He also said the UPC could work with local governments to obtain better data under agreements that respect protected records.
Why it matters: Several high‑growth cities told the committee they feel undercounted under current practice. Mark Christiansen of Saratoga Springs said his city had a multi‑thousand person difference with existing counts and that more accurate figures affect revenue and planning.
Questions and clarifications focused on mechanics. Mayor Dirk Burton of West Jordan asked how UPC develops subcounty counts; Kingham said the bill is not prescriptive but UPC may use building permits and local counts, and that UPC members include university demographers and the legislative fiscal analyst. Santa Clara City Manager Norm Beagley asked whether the change would be mandatory; staff said the bill would apply to state agencies determining funds and would not force local governments to change their own population bases for planning. Kingham said the bill “shall” require local governments to work with UPC where applicable but that unavailable data would not be mandatory to provide.
Where the League stands: Staff said they had no urgent objections but recommended continuing review; the League’s recommendation to officers was to “work toward support” because the organization prioritizes policy based on good data.
Next steps: Staff asked members to forward feedback to the bill sponsor through the League; no formal position change or legislative vote was recorded during the meeting.
