The opposition was loud and diverse. Conservative and progressive groups alike pushed back. Even a Republican lawmaker tried to stop it. But none of it was enough to halt SB337.
On Monday, Utah’s Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee narrowly approved the bill with a 3-2 vote, sending it to the Senate floor. If passed, it would create the Beehive Development Agency, an independent nonprofit with extensive planning powers, bonding authority, and control over land use and taxation. The bill’s supporters, including Governor Spencer Cox and top Republican legislative leaders, argue it will streamline economic development and housing incentives for major projects across the state. But critics call it an unprecedented overreach of power.
A New Era in Utah’s Economic Development?
Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, who is sponsoring the bill, says Utah needs a more efficient way to respond to large-scale development opportunities.
“That could be a nuclear plant. It could be large manufacturing. Or it could be really grand-scale, mixed-use developments,” Cullimore explained. “This is not about a new subdivision and a Walmart.”
He pointed to various economic and housing incentives lawmakers have passed in recent years. While these policies have helped, Cullimore argues the state needs a central entity to consolidate these efforts.
“We need somebody that can come in and coordinate all of these,” he said.
How Would the Beehive Development Agency Work?
The Beehive Development Agency would fall under the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity but operate independently as a nonprofit. Under SB337, it would have sweeping powers:
- Bonding Authority – The ability to issue bonds for major projects.
- Taxing Authority – The power to levy taxes to fund infrastructure.
- Land Use Control – Decision-making power over strategic development areas.
Supporters say the agency would fast-track economic growth and allow Utah to attract large-scale investments more effectively. Critics, however, see it as an unchecked entity that could override local control.
Why Critics Are Sounding the Alarm
Opposition to SB337 has come from across the political spectrum. While economic development groups support the measure, local officials, grassroots activists, and even some lawmakers have voiced concerns.
Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, was one of the few Republicans to push back. “This is a major shift in power,” he said. “We’re essentially handing over land use authority to an unelected body.”
Progressive groups argue the bill could pave the way for corporate giveaways and unchecked development that prioritizes profit over community needs. Some fear it could lead to displacement and gentrification, particularly in lower-income areas.
Adjustments Made, But Skepticism Remains
Cullimore made some changes to the bill in response to backlash. The original draft included provisions that would have allowed the state to override local zoning laws. That language has been removed, but critics say the bill still centralizes too much authority in one agency.
“I appreciate the changes, but this is still too much power in too few hands,” said an opponent during Monday’s hearing.
With the bill moving to the Senate floor, Utah lawmakers must now decide whether SB337 is the streamlined solution the state needs—or a dangerous concentration of power that could alter Utah’s development landscape for years to come.
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