SALT LAKE CITY (May 10, 2021) — Responsive government requires long-term vision. Recent reorganization of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (formerly the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget) will streamline planning, budgeting, operational efficiencies, and economic functions as our state experiences rapid growth.
“Utah benefits from proactive leadership,” Executive Director Sophia DiCaro shared. “As our state’s population grows more rapidly, the need for enhanced statewide planning coordination grows as well. In addition to a focused effort to streamline government and create efficiencies, the office will seek to offer clarity on long-term strategies that will provide the quality of life we want for future generations.”
To assist this effort, Laura Hanson will join the team as the new State Planning Coordinator on May 10, leading a team of analysts to map priorities for long-term budgeting and financial needs. Hanson brings 22 years of planning experience to the role, most recently having served as the Director of Planning for the Utah Transit Authority where she helped define the vision for public transit along the Wasatch Front.
“Proactive planning leads to cost-effective investments,” Hanson said. “We are eager to work together with entities across the state to integrate principles of good planning into the way we budget, govern, and think about the future long-term.”
Other office priorities include Policy and Economic Analysis, led by Deputy Director and Chief Economist, Nate Talley; Budget and Operations, led by Managing Director of Budget and Operations, Duncan Evans; and Management and Special Projects, led by Director of Operational Efficiencies, Jeff Mottishaw.
GOPB will continue work to improve government efficiency through principles found in the One Utah Roadmap such as reconsidering how to best serve customers, tying budgets to performance measures, and investing in state employees.