Smithfield council hears Utah State University plan for City Vision project

Jake Powell, Todd Johnson and David Evans of Utah State University’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Department presented an overview of a planned City Vision project to the Smithfield City Council at a specially scheduled meeting on May 6, 2026. The presenters said the work will begin in Fall 2026, timed to coincide with the university’s academic calendar, and described a charrette-based studio approach intended to produce a set of deliverables for city planning staff and elected leaders.

According to the presenters, the charrette program will focus on core questions and methods that solicit community contributions and staff input. They described a two-part academic sequence—a Fall studio followed by a Spring Capstone studio/charrette—intended to develop design alternatives, research findings and tangible deliverables for Smithfield. The presentation cited expected outputs including program and process documentation, examples of precedent work, timelines and recommendations for integrating natural systems and neighborhood connections into the city’s master plan. No formal council action or vote was taken during the meeting; the session concluded with the presentation and questions.