Consultants present economic development plan; council delays formal adoption to Aug. 13

Jason Burningham, principal and owner of LRB Public Finance Advisors, presented the Willard Economic Development Strategic Plan, summarizing stakeholder engagement beginning in November 2024 and analytical work that concluded in December 2025. The study identified taxable-sales leakage in lodging and food services and concluded that "based on a projected population of 1,400 new residents by 2040, the city could support approximately 81,000 square feet of commercial retail spread over approximately 17 acres." Burningham described traffic volumes on I‑15 and at the 750 North corridors as drivers of commercial demand and highlighted Willard Bay State Park as a major asset.

The plan lays out four strategic pillars: grow a four-season recreation and agritourism economy; diversify the tax base with light-industrial and mixed-use nodes focused on South Willard and a northern corridor near Flying J; modernize water and growth infrastructure (including potential use of tax increment financing via the Inland Port Authority); and manage growth to protect farms and neighborhood character. Council discussion focused on how industrial and residential growth would interact and on financing options; Mayor Travis Mote and council members asked clarifying questions about geographic focus and potential use of Inland Port Authority tax increment financing.

Rather than vote to adopt the plan at this meeting, the council agreed that at least one member had not reviewed the full plan document; a motion by Council Member Rod Mund to table adoption and place the item on the Aug. 13 agenda was seconded by Council Member Rex Christensen and carried unanimously. City Manager Jeremy Kimpton confirmed there is no statutory or grant-driven urgency because the plan satisfies the grant deliverable.