The Secret to Utah's Success

Four years ago, we set out to write the next chapter of Utah’s history, believing that our greatest days still lie ahead. From the very beginning, we were determined to build on the success of Utah’s forefathers. We were committed to preserving what makes Utah special.

And I’m proud to say that we have achieved so many of those things that we set out to do. Together we approved the largest teacher pay raise in Utah history. A starting teacher in Utah now makes a salary that is top-10 in the nation, something that many said would be impossible. And, thanks to the leadership of [our state] legislators, we passed the largest tax cut in Utah history. We have taken the fight to social media companies to protect our children and empower our parents. And we secured another Winter Olympics in 2034. The list goes on and on. We have done the hard things, never shying away from the heavy lifts. 

Time and time again, Utah has punched above its weight over these last four years. During that time, Utah has been ranked as the best state to start a new business and the best state for the middle class. We were named the most independent state, and the #1 state for innovation, economic outlook, government efficiency and upward mobility. For the second year in a row, the U.S. News and World Report ranked all 50 states across 71 metrics and more than 1,000 data points and found definitively, with little fanfare or surprise, that Utah again is the 1# state—overall—in the nation.

Now, I’ve been asked many times how Utah, this medium-sized, square-ish, mostly rural state with some weird people dominates so many rankings. And I would love to say that it's the incredible work and accomplishments of the Cox/Henderson administration and the legislature—that our initiatives and accomplishments over the past four years have made all the difference.

But that wouldn't be true. None of those things is what makes Utah great. Let me state it again: those #1 rankings have absolutely nothing to do with what we have accomplished as your state leaders in these last four years.  So, if none of that matters, what does?

Utah is not number one because of our government. We are number one because of our people. . . 

When I was lost and struggling as a teenager and ready to give up, it wasn’t government that stepped in to save me. It was John Perry, my scout leader. When my Dad was floundering and not sure if he could make it another day, it wasn’t government that answered the call for help. It was George Bench. I can’t begin to describe how lucky I was to have these people and this town in my life. But the more I have visited Utah’s other 254 towns and cities, I discover that—while my childhood was special—it was not unique.

Everyone in attendance today can name a Corey Anderson, a Roy Ellefsen, and a Terry Madsen. Not one of these couples has wealth or status. They all live in what would be considered small or modest homes. 

If we only measure “financial capital,” Utah may fall short by the many measuring sticks. But where we truly shine—and this is the secret to our success—is something a little more obscure called “social capital.” Experts describe social capital as “the connections among individuals….[and] the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arises from them.” 

Several studies have shown that Utah leads the nation in social capital, and there really isn’t a close second. Social capital is measured in categories like family unity and interaction, social support, and institutional effectiveness. It includes rates of service, philanthropy, and civic virtue. Most importantly, social capital is not created by government. It is created in our families, our congregations, in our neighborhoods, and volunteer organizations.

Social capital is not created by government. It is created in our families, our congregations, in our neighborhoods, and our volunteer organizations.

You see, the incredible things we’ve been able to accomplish over the past four years happened because of our strong social capital. And if we want to continue to cut taxes, create jobs, build infrastructure, lift people out of poverty, and make the American Dream a reality for the next generation, we need more of it. And it can only happen one family, one neighborhood, and one community at a time...

Faith, Family, and Community. Utah has it. And the rest of the world is desperately yearning to find it. We must not give up now when it’s needed more than ever before. 

With marriage rates down worldwide, births at an all-time low, deaths of despair at an all-time high, and a sense of community vanishing across much of the western world, Utah must stand tall as that shining city on a hill. We must be different. There is no government program we can create or law we can pass that will solve these problems. Some may try and inevitably fail in that process. C.S. Lewis once described it as running back and forth with fire extinguishers in times of flood. There is only one true solution. And it begins within the walls of our own homes and extends to our neighbors. 

Service, faith, freedom, and opportunity—nurtured and built here in Utah. 

If you want to understand Utah’s success, it really is this simple. Moms and Dads, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, friends, and neighbors. There never has been nor will there ever be another replacement . . . 

Governor Spencer J. Cox is serving his second term as governor of Utah.

Editor's Note: This essay is excerpted from Gov. Cox's second inaugural address on January 8, 2025. It has been published here with his permission.