What is the ‘Utah way,’ and can it survive?
Utah’s leaders have a history of working toward compromises on difficult issues. Will the state’s growing population make such solutions harder in the future?
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Utah’s remarkable economy, civil political discourse and healthy lifestyle are increasingly noted by national and local media. Often, references are made to the “Utah Way” as the secret sauce for the state’s success. Your columnists, native Utahns with very different backgrounds, offer their perspectives.
What is the “Utah Way” and is it as pervasive as many claim?
Pignanelli: “Utah was founded by exiles from the United States…and its history still defines the state. So, it may seem a strange place for lessons for the rest of America”—The Economist
As an Italian Irish Catholic whose family has dwelled here more than a century, my experiences vary from the traditional Utahn. Yet, I possess a passionate conviction in “The Utah Way”.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints excel in many ways — except for tooting their horns. I am happy to blow the instruments for them.
Utah’s success is a direct effect from the church and its members. The institution prioritizes education, family, community, patriotism, etc. Their legacy of enduring hardship, discrimination, and decades of abuse from government percolates deep in the society. The multiple tragedies did not produce victimization but rather a drive to achieve through hard work, tolerance, collaboration, and compassion.
There would be no Utah without the church. Our geographical area would have been the borderlands of Nevada and Colorado. The pioneers intentionally moved here with an intent to build a beacon of hope and faith. This “sense of purpose” still abides. Without full-time clergy, multitudes volunteer time to fulfill numerous important roles — an environment unparalleled on the planet.
These dynamics create a quality that permeates the thoughts and actions of members and nonmembers. I consistently observe this force in business, political and community activities. Many articulate the advantages of the Utah Way. As a heathen Gentile, I help explain its origins.
Webb: There’s no question that we have a more collaborative, less siloed, business and political culture than is the case in many other states. I’ve heard a number of key leaders who have come to Utah from elsewhere, really without much knowledge of the state, comment that Utah’s collaborative tradition is unique, refreshing and effective.
For example, Andrew Gruber is executive director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council and has emerged as a trusted and effective leader in transportation in Utah. We’re very lucky to have him and his family. Gruber came from the Chicago area a number of years ago where turf battles were unrelenting among cities, counties, public transit districts and the state transportation department. I’ve heard him comment how remarkable it is for all agencies and stakeholders, along with the Legislature and business community, to voluntarily work together to solve Utah’s short- and long-range transportation challenges.
Another example: The Salt Lake Chamber has unified the business community all across the state, and works with government and other institutions more effectively than almost any business organization in the country.
This sort of collaborative spirit is common across the spectrum of fields and disciplines in Utah. We see it in business, government and down at the neighborhood level.