State of Utah

Serve Utahns by promoting prosperity and becoming the world's premier destination for families and innovation.

State of Utah SWOT Analysis

Updated: October 3, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

How to Use This Analysis

This analysis for State of Utah was created using Alignment.io™ methodology - a proven strategic planning system trusted in over 75,000 strategic planning projects. We've designed it as a helpful companion for your team's strategic process, leveraging leading AI models to analyze publicly available data.

While this represents what AI sees from public data, you know your company's true reality. That's why we recommend using Alignment.io and The System of Alignment™ to conduct your strategic planning—using these AI-generated insights as inspiration and reference points to blend with your team's invaluable knowledge.

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The State of Utah SWOT Analysis reveals a powerful dichotomy. The state possesses an elite economic engine, fueled by a young workforce and fiscal prudence, making it a magnet for growth. However, this hyper-growth creates significant internal weaknesses, primarily around resource scarcity—water, housing, and clean air—that have reached critical levels. The primary strategic imperative is to pivot from simply fostering growth to actively managing its consequences. The 2034 Olympics and federal funding present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in sustainable infrastructure. Utah's future hinges on its ability to solve these resource constraints. Failure to do so will erode the very quality of life that underpins its economic success. The state must now lead on sustainability with the same vigor it has applied to economic development.

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Strengths

ECONOMY: #1 US economic outlook for 16th year, 2.5% unemployment rate
TALENT: Youngest median age (31.9) and a highly educated workforce
FISCAL: Consistent AAA bond rating from all three major rating agencies
DIVERSIFICATION: Strong growth in tech, life sciences, and aerospace
GROWTH: Top 3 state for net migration and population growth last decade

Weaknesses

HOUSING: Home prices have risen 60% since 2020, outpacing wage gains
WATER: Great Salt Lake at critical levels, threatening ecological collapse
AIR QUALITY: SLC valley frequently has worst air quality in US in winter
INFRASTRUCTURE: Transportation networks strained by rapid population growth
EQUITY: Gaps in economic outcomes for diverse and rural populations

Opportunities

OLYMPICS: Hosting 2034 Winter Games to catalyze infrastructure investment
FEDERAL: Billions in IIJA & IRA funds for water, transit, and energy
MANUFACTURING: Reshoring trends create opportunities for advanced industry
ENERGY: Abundant solar and geothermal resources for renewable development
RURAL: Statewide fiber network enabling remote work and rural development

Threats

CLIMATE: Long-term drought is the state's #1 existential economic threat
INFLATION: Persistent inflation eroding affordability and consumer spending
COMPETITION: Aggressive competition from states like TX, ID, FL for firms
GRIDLOCK: Federal political instability impacting long-term planning
SUPPLY CHAIN: Global disruptions impacting key sectors like manufacturing

Key Priorities

GROWTH: Proactively manage growth challenges (water, housing) to stay #1
INFRASTRUCTURE: Maximize Olympic & federal funds for future-proof infra
RESOURCES: Solve the Great Salt Lake crisis to secure our economic future
OPPORTUNITY: Expand economic diversification into rural and underserved areas

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State of Utah OKR

Updated: October 3, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

This State of Utah OKR plan demonstrates exceptional strategic alignment. It correctly translates the core challenges from the SWOT—managing growth, infrastructure, and resources—into clear, ambitious objectives. The key results are strong, focusing on measurable outcomes like housing units, water levels, and job creation rather than just activities. By directly linking objectives like 'SECURE OUR FUTURE' to the existential threat of the Great Salt Lake, the plan creates urgency and focus. This framework provides a powerful tool for the Governor and cabinet to drive execution, ensuring that Utah doesn't just grow, but grows sustainably, securing its position as a leader for decades to come.

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Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

Serve Utahns by promoting prosperity and becoming the world's premier destination for families and innovation.

SUSTAIN PROSPERITY

Proactively manage growth to remain the #1 economy.

HOUSING: Increase housing stock by 35,000 new attainable units through zoning reform and incentives.
WATER: Reduce per capita urban water use by 10% through conservation programs and infrastructure upgrades.
RANKING: Secure a top 3 ranking in the 'Best States to Live' report by improving affordability metrics.
INCOME: Increase real median household income by 5% by attracting high-wage jobs in key growth sectors.

BUILD TOMORROW

Build transformative, tech-enabled infrastructure.

OLYMPICS: Secure 100% of needed state funding for all 2034 Olympic venue and transit infrastructure.
TRANSIT: Double public transit ridership on the FrontRunner commuter rail line with service enhancements.
CONNECTIVITY: Achieve 95% household access to high-speed fiber internet in both urban and rural areas.
GRID: Source 50% of the state's public energy needs from renewable sources through new power projects.

SECURE OUR FUTURE

Solve the water crisis and improve environmental health.

GSL: Raise the Great Salt Lake's water level by 4 feet through upstream releases and conservation.
AGRICULTURE: Convert 25% of agricultural irrigation to high-efficiency systems via state grants.
AIR: Reduce PM2.5 emissions by 15% along the Wasatch Front through stricter industrial standards.
RECREATION: Fully fund the state's trail network maintenance backlog to protect recreational assets.

INNOVATE & DIVERSIFY

Expand opportunity into new sectors and regions.

RURAL: Create 5,000 new high-wage jobs in rural counties by investing in new industrial parks.
STARTUPS: Increase early-stage venture capital investment in Utah-based startups by 20% year-over-year.
AI: Launch 3 pilot AI projects in water, energy, and traffic management to improve state services.
WORKFORCE: Reskill 10,000 workers for jobs in advanced manufacturing and life sciences through tech colleges.

METRICS

Economic Opportunity Ranking: Maintain #1 National Ranking
Real Median Household Income: Achieve $95,000
Net Migration Rate: Maintain positive net in-migration of 25,000+ people

VALUES

Fiscal Prudence
Innovation
Community & Collaboration
Stewardship
Opportunity for All

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State of Utah Retrospective

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
Utah State Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent press releases and strategic plans from Utah.gov

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Serve Utahns by promoting prosperity and becoming the world's premier destination for families and innovation.

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What Went Well

BUDGET: Legislature passed a balanced budget with a $400M tax cut
ECONOMY: Maintained nation-leading low unemployment below 3% throughout year
WATER: Secured over $500M in funding for Great Salt Lake preservation
OLYMPICS: Officially selected as the preferred host for the 2034 Winter Games
TECH: Continued job growth and venture capital investment in Silicon Slopes

Not So Well

HOUSING: Housing affordability index continued its steep decline statewide
GSL: Great Salt Lake levels remained near historic lows despite good snowpack
TRANSIT: Public transit ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels
AIR QUALITY: Severe winter inversion events continue to plague the Wasatch Front
LABOR: Workforce participation rate has not fully recovered to pre-2020 highs

Learnings

SCALE: Incremental policy changes are insufficient for systemic challenges
FUNDING: One-time funding is good, but structural deficits require new models
MOMENTUM: Major events like the Olympics can align political will for big goals
INTERCONNECTION: Water, air quality, and growth are deeply linked problems
DATA: Better real-time data is needed to manage resources dynamically

Action Items

HOUSING: Launch a governor's task force on housing innovation and density
WATER: Implement dynamic water pricing models to incentivize conservation
TRANSIT: Fund a study for high-speed rail development along Wasatch Front
AIR: Create stricter emissions standards for industrial polluters in SLC
DATA: Invest in a centralized data dashboard for key state metrics

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Organization	SWOT Analysis	OKR Plan	Top 6	Retrospective

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State of Utah Market

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
Utah State Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent press releases and strategic plans from Utah.gov

Founded: Statehood: January 4, 1896
Market Share: Ranked #1 state for economic outlook for 16 consecutive years.
Customer Base: 3.4 million residents and thousands of businesses.
Category:
State Government
SIC Code: 9199 Administration of General Economic Programs
NAICS Code: 921190 Other General Government Support
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Zip Code: 84114
Congressional District: UT-1 SALT LAKE CITY
Employees: 24500

Competitors

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Products & Services

No products or services data available

Distribution Channels

State of Utah Business Model Analysis

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
Utah State Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent press releases and strategic plans from Utah.gov

Problem

Managing rapid population and economic growth
Severe drought and long-term water scarcity
Strained infrastructure (transport, housing)
Maintaining high quality of life amid growth

Solution

Pro-business, low-tax, stable policy env.
Strategic investments in water conservation
Building future-proof infrastructure
Preserving access to public lands/recreation

Key Metrics

State GDP Growth Rate
Median Household Income
Net Migration Rate
Citizen Satisfaction / Well-being Index

Unique

Unique combo of economic dynamism & lifestyle
Youngest, most educated workforce in the USA
Culture of collaboration and problem-solving
Unmatched access to outdoor recreation

Advantage

Decades of consistent fiscal conservatism
Strong social capital and community cohesion
Early investments in economic diversification

Channels

Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
State agencies (UDOT, DNR, etc.)
Public-private partnerships (e.g., EDCUtah)
University technology transfer offices

Customer Segments

Utah Residents (Citizens)
Businesses (from startups to enterprise)
Tourists & Visitors
Federal Government & Other States

Costs

Public employee salaries and benefits
Infrastructure construction and maintenance
Education (K-12 and Higher Ed) funding
Social services and healthcare programs

State of Utah Product Market Fit Analysis

Updated: October 3, 2025

The State of Utah provides the nation's most stable and dynamic environment for growth. It combines unparalleled economic opportunity with an unmatched quality of life, creating a unique ecosystem where businesses, individuals, and families don't just succeed, they thrive. This is achieved through decades of proven fiscal discipline and a unique culture of innovation and collaboration that ensures long-term prosperity.

Unlocking unparalleled economic opportunity for businesses and individuals.

Delivering an unmatched quality of life through outdoor access and community.

Ensuring long-term stability and prosperity through prudent governance.

Before State

Economic uncertainty and limited job options
Burdensome regulations stifle innovation
Disconnected communities, poor infrastructure

After State

Thriving, diverse economy with abundant jobs
A launchpad for entrepreneurs and businesses
Vibrant, connected communities and amenities

Negative Impacts

Talent drain to other states for better jobs
Stagnant wage growth and lower living standards
Declining quality of life and opportunities

Positive Outcomes

Highest economic mobility and opportunity
Top state for business and private investment
#1 state for families and overall well-being

Key Metrics

Population Growth Rate

1.6% annually

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

71% citizen satisfaction (2023 survey)

Customer Retention Rates

~98% annual resident retention rate

User Growth Rate

Top 5 in U.S. for net migration for a decade

Customer Feedback/Reviews

N/A

Repeat Purchase Rates

N/A

Requirements

Consistent, long-term strategic investments
Pro-growth, fiscally responsible policies
Strong public-private sector collaboration

Why State of Utah

Targeted investments in tech, life sciences
Maintaining a stable, low-tax environment
Building world-class transport, water infra

State of Utah Competitive Advantage

Unique culture of collaboration and optimism
Unbeatable work-life balance proposition
Decades of proven fiscal discipline

Proof Points

16 years as #1 state for economic outlook
AAA bond rating from all three agencies
Home to the 2034 Winter Olympic Games

State of Utah Market Positioning

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
Utah State Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent press releases and strategic plans from Utah.gov

Strategic pillars derived from our vision-focused SWOT analysis

Lead nation in growth by diversifying our economy.

Balance expansion with water and resource security.

Invest in education, recreation & affordability.

Deliver world-class public services through tech.

What You Do

Provides stable governance, infrastructure, and a pro-business climate.

Target Market

Residents, families, and businesses seeking opportunity and quality of life.

Differentiation

Youngest, most educated workforce
Unmatched outdoor recreation access
Fiscal stability and predictability

Revenue Streams

Income Tax (54%)
Sales Tax (32%)
Federal Funds
Gas & Fuel Taxes

State of Utah Operations and Technology

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
Utah State Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent press releases and strategic plans from Utah.gov

Company Operations

Organizational Structure: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches with various departments.
Supply Chain: Manages public infrastructure projects, contracts with private vendors.
Tech Patents: N/A; fosters innovation through university tech transfer programs.
Website: https://utah.gov/

Top Clients

Board Members

N/A (Governed by elected officials)

State of Utah Competitive Forces

Threat of New Entry

LOW: The barrier to entry for becoming a new state is prohibitively high, making this threat effectively non-existent.

Supplier Power

MEDIUM: Federal government (as a funder) has significant power. Public sector unions and key contractors can also exert influence.

Buyer Power

HIGH: Voters (citizens) and large corporations hold significant power to influence policy through elections and lobbying efforts.

Threat of Substitution

HIGH: Businesses and talented individuals have high mobility and can easily substitute Utah for other states offering a better value proposition.

Competitive Rivalry

HIGH: Intense competition from states like Texas, Florida, Idaho, and Arizona for corporate relocations, talent, and federal funds.

Analysis of AI Strategy

Updated: October 3, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

The State of Utah AI SWOT Analysis indicates a strong foundation but a critical need for strategic direction. Utah's existing tech ecosystem and university talent are significant assets, positioning it to be a leader in public sector AI. The most compelling opportunities lie in applying AI to the state's most pressing challenges: water optimization, traffic management, and energy grid efficiency. However, the lack of a unified governance framework is a major weakness, creating risks of biased applications, security vulnerabilities, and wasted resources on siloed projects. The immediate priority must be to establish a statewide AI strategy and ethical task force. This will provide the necessary guardrails and coordination to responsibly deploy AI, transforming government efficiency and securing Utah's long-term prosperity by solving its most complex resource problems.

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No past cycles

Mission & Vision SWOT Analysis OKR Plan Retrospective AI Strategy Data Acquisition

Serve Utahns by promoting prosperity and becoming the world's premier destination for families and innovation.

Strengths

DATA: Robust state data centers and university AI/ML research programs
TALENT: Strong pipeline of computer science graduates from BYU and UofU
ECOSYSTEM: Thriving 'Silicon Slopes' tech hub fosters AI innovation
ADOPTION: Government culture open to adopting new, efficient technologies
INFRASTRUCTURE: High-speed fiber network backbone across the state

Weaknesses

GOVERNANCE: No statewide AI strategic plan or ethical governance framework
COORDINATION: Siloed AI initiatives across different state agencies
PUBLIC TRUST: Lack of public education on AI's use in government services
PROCUREMENT: Outdated procurement processes slow the adoption of AI tools
SKILLS GAP: Shortage of public sector employees with applied AI expertise

Opportunities

WATER: AI-powered water management to optimize allocation and conservation
MOBILITY: AI-driven traffic management to reduce congestion on I-15 corridor
EFFICIENCY: Automate routine government services, freeing up human capital
HEALTHCARE: AI for predictive analytics in public health and service delivery
ENERGY: Optimize grid management and forecasting for renewable energy

Threats

BIAS: Use of biased AI models in public services could worsen inequities
SECURITY: AI systems are new vectors for cybersecurity threats to the state
DISINFORMATION: AI-generated content could disrupt public trust and discourse
WORKFORCE: Job displacement in administrative sectors due to automation
COMPETITION: Other states creating more attractive AI research incentives

Key Priorities

GOVERNANCE: Establish a statewide AI task force and ethical framework now
OPTIMIZATION: Pilot AI in water, traffic, and energy to solve key problems
TALENT: Launch public-private partnership to train state workforce in AI
SECURITY: Develop robust security protocols for all government AI systems

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State of Utah Financial Performance

AI-Powered Insights

Claude

Gemini

GPT

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah
Utah State Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent press releases and strategic plans from Utah.gov

Profit: N/A (Government Entity); Maintains budget surplus and AAA bond rating.

Market Cap: N/A

Stock Performance

Annual Report: Utah Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)

Debt: General Obligation Bonds: ~$2.1 Billion (as of mid-2023)

ROI Impact: Measured by GDP growth, job creation, and citizen well-being metrics.

SWOT Index

Composite strategic assessment with 10-year outlook

/ 100

Market Leader

ICM Index

STRATEGIC ADVISOR ASSESSMENT

Utah's high ambition is tempered by significant, near-existential threats (water, housing), lowering its achievability score. While upside from its #1 economy is strong, the severity of its weaknesses creates a balanced SWOT profile. The OKRs are well-structured and impactful, targeting the right problems. The state's economic growth potential is capped not by market size but by its ability to solve pressing resource constraints, reflected in the modest growth multiplier despite a strong underlying economic engine.

SWOT Factors

Upside: 83.3 Risk: 86.7

OKR Impact

AI Leverage

Top 3 Strategic Levers

Solve the Great Salt Lake water crisis.

Aggressively increase attainable housing supply.

Leverage AI to optimize water, traffic, and energy systems.

AI Disclosure

This report was created using the Alignment Method—our proprietary process for guiding AI to reveal how it interprets your business and industry. These insights are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

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