Natalie Gochnour: Why building a city is like a relay race

In 1846, the namesake of Parley’s Canyon, Parley Pratt, wrote in his journal about the “shout of joy” he and others felt upon first seeing the Salt Lake valley. Pratt helped start what has become 178 years of city building in Utah. Salt Lake City now serves as the urban center for a multi-state region of more than 4.5 million people. Pratt would be astounded at the thriving city that exists today.

Salt Lake City’s size, stature and success is no accident. The vision, hard work and perseverance of multiple generations created it. Like a relay race, each generation took the baton, ran its lap and passed the stick to the next generation of city builders. Today’s lap calls upon us to invest in a vibrant sports, entertainment, culture and convention district downtown. Let’s not drop the baton.

As an economist, I’m often asked about the economics of city building and the Smith Entertainment Group proposal. Here’s what I say:

First, keep your eye on the ball. Central cities require constant attention and investment because the forces of decentralization often pull people, jobs and commerce to outlying areas. If regions fail to carefully plan, invest, partner and act when the moment is right, the centrifugal pull leaves behind a hollowed out urban core. The deterioration can become a vicious cycle. Economic activity leaves, vacancy rates rise, property values fall and the tax base deteriorates. Urban decay takes hold.

Look no further than Detroit, America’s poster child of urban decline. From 1950 to 2020, Detroit lost nearly two-thirds (65.4%) of its population. In 2013, the city filed for bankruptcy and between 2005 and 2015, foreclosure impacted one in three Detroit properties.

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Natalie Gochnour: Why building a city is like a relay race

Natalie Gochnour: Why building a city is like a relay race

Natalie Gochnour: Why building a city is like a relay race

Natalie Gochnour: Why building a city is like a relay race

Natalie Gochnour: Why building a city is like a relay race