Downtown Salt Lake City’s social scene drives economic growth

An increase in visitors, residents and workers is powering Salt Lake City’s downtown economy five years after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life.

Why it matters: A bustling downtown can boost local businesses, attract investment and generate tax revenue to fund city services.

What they’re saying: “The social economy is really what’s driving the downtown economy,” Dee Brewer, Downtown Alliance executive director, told Axios.

  • Previously, the area was seen as a “vertical office park,” but now much of its activity occurs between 6pm and midnight, he said.

Driving the news: Downtown Alliance recently released its 2024 economic benchmark report.

  • Here are a few highlights:

Visitors

🎫 $4.05 million in tickets to performance venues were sold last year, an 18.4% increase from 2023…

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