Summit County: Need to Know Feb. 2025

The biggest priorities for Summit County residents

February 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Happy February, Summit County! How about we all make a nice Valentine for Mother Nature and ask for some more snow?

Inside this month’s email

  • What you told us about your priorities for the county.

  • Have you heard about UDOT Wasatch Back?

  • Don’t forget: sign up for Summit County text updates.

General Plan Updates: what you & your neighbors told us

Last week, the Community Planning Department presented the Eastern Summit County and Synderville Basin General Plan updates to the Council of Governments. Here’s what residents have told us so far in this process:

In Eastern Summit County, residents identified the following priorities:

Preserve open spaces for ecosystems & recreation:

  • 79% of residents value open spaces for protecting natural ecosystems, wildlife, and water bodies

  • 65% consider open spaces important for supporting local agriculture

  • 56% want more spaces for passive recreation like bird watching and walking 

  • Only 2% of residents consider their own homes as "development" that impacts open space 

Expand affordable housing options thoughtfully

  • 53% support making apartments and condos available and affordable for community members 

  • 75% support limiting short-term rentals in certain areas 

  • 65% favor developing new housing near existing commercial areas and public facilities 

  • Most residents want "Little Growth" or "No Growth," yet the majority support more attainable housing 

And in Transportation & Economy, residents want to reduce traffic with smart planning and support local businesses & small-scale growth.

  • 87% of residents drive alone when traveling within the community 

  • 34% believe the region's economy needs more diversification 

  • The community prefers local small businesses over national chains 

  • 66% say architectural style is the most important factor in commercial areas 

In the Synderville Basin, residents shared similar concerns:

Open Space for ecosystems and recreation is a top priority

  • 82.5% value open spaces for protecting natural ecosystems, wildlife, and water bodies

  • 60% love open spaces near their homes and neighborhoods 

  • 76% feel the Basin is rural due to its mountain setting and preserved spaces 

  • Only 5% consider their own homes as "development" impacting open space 

Housing & Development: Residents want more attainable options near transit and services

  • 70% support development near public facilities and transit 

  • 66% favor adding housing to existing commercial areas 

  • 62% say more attainable housing is needed 

  • 55% indicate a need for more single-family housing options 

Walkability, Transportation & Accessibility

  • 87% currently drive alone in the community but many hope to rely less on cars

  • 68% want to use public transit more 

  • 55% would like to bike to local destinations 

  • The community wants cars to have a less visual presence while maintaining access 

Community Character

  • Local businesses preferred over national chains 

  • 70% prioritize walkable commercial areas 

  • Community service and volunteerism were highlighted as key values 

  • 44% believe community boards need more diverse representation 

Want to stay involved or give your input? Visit summitcounty.org/GeneralPlans to share your feedback!

Have you heard about UDOT Wasatch Back?

In case you missed it: earlier this month, the Utah Department of Transportation (aka UDOT) launched UDOT Wasatch Back to bring increased communication to drivers traveling in Parleys Canyon and the Park City area.

UDOT Wasatch Back provides real-time updates and driver education on social media (@udotwasatchback on Instagram, Facebook, and X) and at wasatchback.udot.utah.gov.

Text My Gov reminder

Have you signed up for text updates from Summit County? It’s as easy as texting SUMMITCOUNTY to 91896. After sending the initial keyword, you will be asked to reply “YES” to confirm you are opting in.

Through this system, residents may receive non-emergency notifications for events, county service disruptions, and more. And for specific updates, text one of the following keywords to the number 91896:

  • For county road construction, snow plowing, and more from Public Works: text SCROADS

  • For health advisories and other Health Department updates: text SCHEALTH

  • For information on Summit Bike Share: text SCBIKE

Stay tuned! Additional notification categories will be released this year. Beginning this Spring, residents can receive on-demand information 24/7 by texting 1-2 keywords to Summit County’s TextMyGov number, 435-495-4090. You’ll be able to receive quick information about county departments and elected offices, and report concerns.

Connect with your County!