Changes are afoot at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, as two programs have been moved elsewhere in state government and one has been disbanded.
The Utah Innovation Center has moved to the Nucleus Institute under the Utah System of Higher Education. The Utah Broadband Center has moved to the Utah Department of Transportation. And the Unified Economic Opportunity Commission is no more, although GOEO keeps some of its responsibilities.
The changes are the result of HB542, passed during this year’s general legislative session.
“While some programs are transitioning to new agencies, GOEO remains firmly committed to advancing economic opportunity for all Utahns,” said Jefferson Moss, GOEO’s executive director. “Transitions can be challenging, but this transition is intended to align resources with the needs of our state. These teams have done vital work, and on behalf of GOEO, I wish them continued success as they carry forward their important missions at new agencies.”
The Utah Innovation Center provides a funding roadmap for Utah startups and emerging companies developing innovative technology. Its move aims to improve alignment and funding pathways for deep technology development in USHE’s Nucleus Institute. HB530, passed this year, reorganized the Utah Innovation Lab and created the Nucleus Institute.
Created in 2021, the Utah Broadband Center works to ensure all Utahns can access reliable, affordable high-speed Internet service, with the underlying idea being that high-speed Internet to every home and business accelerates Utah’s economy. Switching it to UDOT “aligns broadband efforts with infrastructure planning, creating streamlined workflows and greater statewide impact,” a news release about the change states. UDOT operates a separate broadband initiative known as the “Middle Mile” program. The transition brings both broadband efforts under one agency to improve coordination and increase efficiency.
The UEOC started in 2021 and worked to produce budget items and legislation. GOEO retains its duties of identifying targeted industries to enhance economic growth and creating strategies that improve Utah’s infrastructure. The focus now is executing the policies and guidance that the UEOC established.