Every person in the Wasatch Region deserves access to a neighborhood that’s connected, vibrant, and full of opportunity. That’s why we champion the creation of opportunity-rich neighborhoods: places where homes, shops, offices, parks, and schools are near one another. These neighborhoods connect homes with businesses to create the kind of places that feel like a “classic Main Street”: walkable, welcoming, and filled with everyday life. They’re not just nostalgic; they’re a powerful engine for local businesses and a place where everyone can get around safely. We can create more of these neighborhoods by changing local zoning laws to encourage building that mixes uses.
Economic Stability and Resilience
Neighborhoods that mix homes, businesses, and services across income levels are more economically resilient. Local shops thrive when customers live just steps away. Families of all income levels benefit from proximity to jobs, services, and schools: strengthening the local economy and reducing the risk of economic displacement when challenges arise.
Stronger Social Connection
These neighborhoods bring people together. Shared spaces—like plazas, cafes, parks, and libraries—create natural opportunities for interaction. When people from diverse backgrounds live and gather in the same area, they form stronger bonds, develop empathy, and build lasting communities rooted in trust and mutual care.
Better Access to Daily Needs
Mixed-use neighborhoods mean you can walk to the grocery store, grab coffee on your way to work, or bike with your kids to the park—all without needing to drive across town. This reduces transportation costs, shortens commutes, and gives residents more time and autonomy in their daily lives. It also supports independence for seniors and youth, who benefit from neighborhoods where daily needs are within reach.
Environmental and Public Health Benefits
Connected communities reduce car dependence and urban sprawl, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and preserving open space. These neighborhoods naturally encourage walking and cycling, which improves public health and air quality. They also make public transit more viable and often attract investments in energy-efficient infrastructure and buildings.
Creating Opportunity
Housing options within mixed-use areas, especially affordable housing, ensure that people of all income levels, not just the wealthy, can live in great neighborhoods. That means better access to jobs, strong schools, healthcare, and social mobility. It also helps employers attract and retain a diverse workforce by creating more inclusive, welcoming communities.