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Utah Coalition of Cities and Counties tells Emery County commission to watch for state planning changes
Summary
Sarah Davenport Smith of UC3 briefed the Emery County Commission about Senate Bill 337 and a related executive order, offering training and constitution‑focused policy services to counties.
Sarah Davenport Smith, managing director of UC3 (Utah Coalition of Cities and Counties, branded UC3 in the presentation), told the Emery County Commission that her association provides constitutionally focused policy analysis, lobbying and training for cities and counties and urged commissioners to be aware of recent state activity on planning and development.
Smith said UC3 tracked Senate Bill 337 — described in her presentation as legislation that would have expanded state authority over local planning and zoning — and noted the governor signed Executive Order 2506, which she characterized as a softer policy tool that could drive similar outcomes through funding incentives. She said both raise questions about local home‑rule authority, which she tied to Article 11 of the Utah Constitution.
Smith described UC3’s services, which include legislative advocacy, policy analysis, training for elected officials and planning guidance. She said UC3 launched business licensing in 2024 and expanded outreach in 2025 and that membership dues are calculated by a formula tied to a jurisdiction’s general fund; exact dues figures were not provided at the meeting.
Commissioners asked questions about the scope of the bill and whether it was tied to energy projects; Smith said proponents framed parts of it around statewide projects such as large energy developments and that the executive order is expected to use funding priorities and incentives to encourage certain planning outcomes.
Smith offered webinars and member‑only briefings, with an August session planned that she said will focus on housing, planning and zoning. She also said UC3 has access to constitutional scholars and attorneys for legal review and offers in‑person training and policy support. Commissioners asked about cost and membership; Smith said she would provide a formula and details later.
No formal action or vote followed the presentation. Commissioners expressed interest in training and asked staff to consider whether UC3 might provide future sessions for the planning and zoning commission or the full board.
