February 2022 | Vol. 9 Iss. 14
FREE
A DECADE OF GROWTH: SOUTH JORDAN’S DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD By Collin Leonard | c.leonard@mycityjournals.com
I
n the past decade, the US Census Bureau reports South Jordan as the fifth-fastest-growing city in the country with a population over 50,000. The city outpaced both the state and county, with a staggering 51.8% growth rate. Utah was the fastest-growing state within the same timeframe, at 18.4%, and Salt Lake County experienced growth of 15.1%. The metrics, at first glance surprising, do not tell the full story. The comparisons in the census favor cities close to the 50,000 population mark (for example, South Jordan in 2010). Phoenix, for example, had a much greater numeric increase, but its growth rate as a percentage of its existing population was significantly less than the smallest cities in the same category. These rates do not provide a strong basis for comparison between cities of different sizes, but the fact remains: South Jordan is experiencing an unprecedented influx of new residents. As the city grows, many are wondering how these changes will affect the small businesses, home ownership, education and more. Brian Preece, South Jordan’s director of City Commerce, has held a front-row seat watching the city develop for the past 17 years. “Retail has stopped expanding almost everywhere,” he said. Medium-box stores and office spaces are no longer the strong markets they once were; the pandemic has increased reliance on ecommerce and allowed employees to work from home. According to Preece, “food is the new retail,” but commercial space is finite as developers struggle to keep up with demand. Local businesses follow in the wake of newly built A view of the growing city. (The City of South Jordan) Continued page 4
15 SAUCES OVER 50 FRESH INGREDIENTS NAAN PIZZA DOUGH MADE FRESH DAILY Craft Your Own Pizza
Indian Food, Pizza, & Wings
Indian Food, Pizza & Curry Wings
2927 S 5600 W West Valley
125 N SR 24 Bicknell, UT
1086 W South Jordan Pkwy South Jordan
801-890-0415
435-425-2500
801-302-0777
w w w. C u r r y P i z z a U t a h . c o m
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
$5 OFF a purchase of $30
Valid Monday-Thursday. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Expires Feb. 28, 2022.
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190