The Utah Technology Council Officially Becomes Silicon Slopes Commons

The Utah Technology Council is officially Silicon Slopes Commons, a membership driven organization partnered with Silicon Slopes to accomplish the mission of “Learn, Connect, Serve”.

Elizabeth Converse

January 28, 2020

Silicon Slopes Commons, The Utah Technology Council

The Utah Technology Council is officially Silicon Slopes Commons, a membership driven organization partnered with Silicon Slopes to accomplish the mission of “Learn, Connect, Serve”. Commons, formerly UTC, will remain a 501c6 organization, with its own independent board, committees, activities and events,

Clint Betts, Executive Director of Silicon Slopes Commons, said ”Commons has an emphasis on serving the community as a whole. We want to use our resources, our successes, to make Utah a better place to live and start a company.”

Carine Clark, Board Chair of Silicon Slopes Commons, stated “Tech in Utah must have a voice. We are a major economic driver that only continues to grow. We are changing the perception of Utah, and changing our own internal landscape. Utah is my home, and we are committed to making it the best home possible for everyone.”

Silicon Slopes Commons will meet weekly during the legislative session, including hosting former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan at an open breakfast at the capitol on January 30th.

In addition to fully committing to funding computer science education in Utah and general economic development points, Silicon Slopes Commons has the following initiatives for the upcoming legislative session:

Education

Silicon Slopes supports quality education for all Utahns, especially in STEM subjects and starting early in life. Education creates opportunities that strengthen people while also benefiting companies in our technology industry and all others.

Diversity and Inclusion

Silicon Slopes believes opportunity should be accessible to everyone. Our technology companies thrive when diverse talent stays and continues to enrich our ecosystem. We believe that strategic investments within our companies will create an inclusive atmosphere for further inspiration and growth in our community.

Air Quality

Silicon Slopes believes that our environment is crucial to our growth. We support efforts to strengthen Utah’s air quality through thoughtful, collaborative solutions with government and industry to solve our current air crisis.

Taxation

Silicon Slopes believes that healthy tax system provides growth and prosperity for all industries in our state. A fair and simple tax system that promotes investment in Utah technology companies, allows legislators the flexibility to meet the state’s budgeting obligations, and prioritizes growth in targeted areas are our highest priorities.

Announcements, Community Submissions, Utah Stories, Utah Tech

Elizabeth Converse

Utah Stories

The Utah Farm That Refuses to Give Up as Development Closes In

Running a farm is hard enough, but rapid city growth makes it even tougher. More than a decade ago, the late Verl Cook faced a series of staggering hurdles that threatened to wipe out his family’s livelihood.

First, the city decided to treat the Cook’s greenhouse — the most profitable part of the farm — like a big-box retail store. They demanded the family build a paved parking lot, a project that would cost $200,000.
Farms

Future Craft Farm Launches First CSA Season in Salt Lake City

Hall and Scheig found their land last June and broke ground just two months later, transforming what was essentially a blank canvas into a diversified market garden. This year marks their first full growing season, and they’re launching it with a community supported agriculture program, or CSA. CSAs allow people to support local growers by purchasing a season’s worth of produce upfront, giving farmers the financial stability they need during the most expensive part of the year.
Utah Stories

Utah’s Housing Debate Misses the Question That Matters Most

A generation ago, homeownership was not reserved for the affluent. Working-class families bought modest homes on modest incomes. They built equity, raised families, and entered retirement with a valuable asset largely paid for.

Today, many Utah families find themselves in a different position. They may earn too much to qualify for housing assistance but too little to purchase a home. They rent apartments that consume an increasing share of their income while saving for a down payment becomes increasingly difficult.
Food & Drink

A Perfect Night in Downtown Salt Lake City: Little America, Beerhive, and STK

Staycations in one’s own town always sounded to me like something old, feeble, and tired couples do. For younger people, adventure has always seemed to inhabit the other side of the fence, right alongside the greener grass.

But sometimes extreme situations call for extreme measures.