Community Development

Enhancing Washington County’s Future: USU Extension’s Commitment to Community and Economic Growth

At Utah State University Extension, we are dedicated to fostering community, workforce, and economic development in Washington County through innovative and community-focused programs. After a comprehensive analysis of the community’s assets and needs, we have identified six key recommendations to drive our community development efforts:

Key Recommendations

  1. Build the broadband infrastructure of the future: Ensuring robust broadband connectivity is essential. We are committed to developing state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure and making it accessible and well-known throughout the community.
  2. Integrate housing into economic strategies: Attracting a talented workforce (e.g., remote workers) involves more than job opportunities; it requires a holistic approach that includes affordable and suitable housing options.
  3. Create networking spaces: We are establishing spaces and programs where professionals can collaborate, network, and thrive within the community.
  4. Focus on workforce development: Our efforts are directed towards equipping the local workforce with skills that align with jobs that can be performed anywhere, enhancing their employability in a digital economy.
  5. Attract talent with community connections: We aim to create a welcoming environment that encourages talented individuals with community ties to return, settle, and contribute to local growth.
  6. Invest in quality of life: Enhancing the quality of life in Washington County is paramount. Our programs focus on building a vibrant tech ecosystem and providing amenities that improve living standards.

Our Strategy

  1. Develop tech clusters: Creating unique, differentiated tech clusters that attract firms, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers.
  2. Cultivate a skilled workforce: Building a diverse and proficient digital workforce through targeted education and training programs.
  3. Ensure excellent connectivity: Providing reliable and fast broadband connectivity to support digital activities.
  4. Foster a vibrant community: Offering ample networking opportunities and acceleration programs to build a strong tech community.
  5. Enhance quality of place: Investing in first-class schools, parks, green spaces, bike lanes, and co-working spaces to create a desirable living environment.

We are also mindful of managing the growth that comes with the influx of tech workers, learning from other areas’ experiences with growth-related challenges.

Programs & Partnerships

Join us at USU Extension as we work together to build a brighter future for Washington County through innovative programs and community collaboration. For more information about our programs and how you can get involved, please contact paul.hill@usu.edu.