Guest opinion: Utah must avoid economic balkanization
by Derek Miller
The term balkanization has its roots in the Balkan Peninsula â a region in southeastern Europe that saw once-unified empires break apart into smaller, often warring states. Today, the term describes any situation where a once-cohesive entity fractures into disconnected parts. Itâs a history lesson packed into one word of warning â and one we should heed here in Utah.
Utahâs economy has seen remarkable growth over the past two decades. From a booming tech sector to expanding strategic infrastructure and a dynamic workforce, weâve become a national model for economic success. But growth brings new pressures: rising regional competition for talent and resources, differing priorities between urban and rural areas, and multiple entities positioned as competitors rather than collaborators. These are signs of strain, not failure, but friction.
Make no mistake: Utahâs success story has always been a shared one. The alignment between state, regional and private-sector leaders has given us a collaborative advantage that many states envy. But as growth accelerates, so does the tendency to fragment â each region, industry or institution pulling in its own direction. If weâre not careful, that friction can lead to fragmentation. Economic balkanization in Utah would mean a breakdown in the shared vision that has fueled our success. It would mean missed opportunities, duplicated efforts and a less resilient economy.
Let me be clear â I do not believe we are in serious danger. In that same breath, I do believe now is a pivotal time in our economic history. So, whether youâre a business leader, policymaker or community advocate, be wary of these balkanization red flags:
- Policy silos on critical issues like water, housing and transportation
- Rural communities struggling to keep pace with the economic engines along the Wasatch Front
- Duplicated or competing economic development efforts that dilute statewide strategy (Read More)
News Releases
Federal government owns 64.4% of Utahâs land
Utahâs federal, state, tribal, and private land ownership impacts economic development, public finance, recreation, culture, and conservation in important ways. A new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute shows that the state contains the second-highest percentage of federal land among all 50 states (64.4%). Just over one-fifth (21.1%) of land in Utah is privately owned, with the rest owned by the state (10.0%) or governed by tribal nations (4.5%). (Read More)
Rio Tinto supports Milford Mining Company in restarting operation
Rio Tinto Kennecott announces today a new 3-year agreement with Milford Mining Company. Under the agreement, Rio Tinto Kennecott will loan $5 million to Milford Mining Company to support Milford Miningâs restart of its Central Utah-based mining operations and the delivery of copper concentrate from Milford Mine to Kennecottâs Salt Lake City smelter. This agreement will help boost the domestic production of both copper and critical minerals. (Read More)
New Constitutional Federalism Director appointed at UVU
Utah Valley Universityâs (UVU) Center for Constitutional Studies (CCS) announced today the appointment of Troy Smith, Ph.D., professor of Constitutional Federalism at UVU, as the first director of the Constitutional Federalism Initiative (CFI). Sheri Smederovac will serve as program manager. (Read More)
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