- Objective 2.1 Activate Energy Use Reduction Programs
- Objective 2.2 Develop a Regional Water Plan
- Objective 2.3 Activate Zero-Waste & Circular Economy Programs
- Objective 2.4 Develop a Regional Approach to Housing
- Objective 2.5 Develop a Regional Transportation Plan
- Objective 2.6 Advocate for Smart Growth
Objective 2.1 Activate Energy Use Reduction Programs
Back to Top of ListThis initiative seeks to activate, enhance, and provide education on energy use reduction programs within the tourism economy. This includes efforts such as creating programs for lights in hotel rooms to turn off when rooms are vacant; incentivizing and supporting the installation of renewable energy systems, especially at locations like ski resorts; and supporting HVAC improvements that provide for more energy efficient air conditioning and heating.
Project Progress
The Elektron Solar Project came online in 2024, delivering renewable power to the two local ski resorts, Park City Municipal, and Summit County operations. Mountain Regional Water has installed a floating solar array, further expanding regional renewable infrastructure. The Green Business Program is connecting participating businesses with no cost energy audits to reduce consumption and operating expenses. In March 2026, the Community Clean Energy Program was approved by the Utah Public Service Commission and is anticipated to launch in early 2027, enabling homes and businesses in participating communities to opt into clean energy directly through their utility bills. Work continues to support enrollment and implementation to make renewable energy a practical option for residents and businesses.
Objective 2.2 Develop a Regional Water Plan
Back to Top of ListRegional partners will work together to develop a water plan to minimize water use and improve water quality, including establishing specific metrics to track progress. The plan will seek to leverage and expand existing programs and identify opportunities for new initiatives that will have a positive impact on the region’s water.
Project Progress
Water is one of our most precious resources, and thoughtful planning is underway. In December 2025, the Summit County Council adopted brand-new Water Use and Preservation chapter into each of the two Summit County General Plans. These new water chapters offer strategies for reducing water use in existing development, new construction, at government facilities, and addresses the county's role in supporting the Great Salt Lake.
Objective 2.3 Activate Zero-Waste & Circular Economy Programs
Back to Top of ListThis initiative seeks to support responsible materials usage in Summit County by activating, enhancing, and providing education on waste reduction and diversion programs. This includes increasing participation promoting recycling and composting practices; increasing landfill waste diversion; reducing the prevalence of single-use plastics; providing reusable shopping bags and/or water bottles; and other similar efforts.
Project Progress
Reducing waste across our community takes many hands, and many are already at work. The Park City Community Foundation's Zero Food Waste initiative has expanded curbside composting and drop-off access, with local governments and businesses signing up to the compact. Landfill staff are diverting materials like cardboard and mattresses at the source. Deer Valley used their large-scale events as a case study to develop a zero-waste event toolkit that is currently being finalized for broader community use. Recycle Utah continues its education work in area schools and is developing a new location that will significantly expand the region's ability to divert waste. Summit County is currently updating its Solid Waste Action Plan to guide the next chapter of these efforts.
Objective 2.4 Develop a Regional Approach to Housing
Back to Top of ListAs housing costs increase and housing availability decreases in Summit and surrounding counties, housing has become less accessible for tourism workers with stagnant wages. To address this, regional partners will work together to develop an approach to housing that advocates for affordable housing, explores the impact of short-term rentals on the housing market, and considers the formation of a regional housing authority.
Project Progress
While regional housing authority efforts are still evolving, Summit County is moving forward with a county-level housing authority that is designed to allow municipalities and neighboring counties to join over time. In the meantime, the Housing Resources Council commissioned a regional study on the economic impact of affordable housing, with clear findings: when workers can live close to where they work, the whole community benefits.
Objective 2.5 Develop a Regional Transportation Plan
Back to Top of ListThe community will undertake a regional transportation plan that addresses the transit system, transit ridership, an active transportation system plan, multi-modal targets, and single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) reduction targets. This plan will also identify funding strategies to fund a regional sustainable transportation advocate and create messaging to encourage visitor and local use of transit systems.
Project Progress
A regional transportation plan has been adopted to synchronize with UDOT and other regional partners, and an update is planned for 2027. In the meantime, an active transportation plan update is coming in 2025, with a focus on performance targets like reducing single-occupancy vehicle use. High Valley Transit and Park City Transit continue to coordinate routes, and the Summit Bike Share program gives residents and visitors more car-free options.
Objective 2.6 Advocate for Smart Growth
Back to Top of ListThe PCCVB and other partners will work to advocate for smart growth policies that help protect our community health and natural environment and provide an additional perspective on why to consider smart growth options.
Project Progress
Growth is inevitable; the question is how our community shapes it. The "Our Summit" visioning process recently completed by Summit County has laid the groundwork for smarter growth policies in the years ahead. The Housing Resources Council also actively advocates for smart, intentional growth and affordable housing, offering community members resources and opportunities to get engaged in local planning decisions.
