This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

Bill Malone is optimistic for the tourism industry in Park City. Of course, that does come with the job as the CEO of the Park City Chamber/Bureau. “People are confident that they will have a good time here,” he says. And even with a less than optimal snow season last winter, lodging occupancy was only down 1 percent. “January was our biggest month,” he adds.

There are also a number of new lodging projects coming online. “There’s the doubling of the Goldener Hirsh,” says Malone, “and we’re waiting for the Mayflower project at Deer Valley,” referring to nearly 1,000 new skiable acres, lifts, hotels and condos. And if the Winter Games once again come to Park City in 2030, “Mayflower might possibly be a site for the Olympic downhill.”

And this year Alterra Mountain Company, the new owners of Deer Valley Resort, announced their IKON Pass, with ski privileges at all of its resorts, much like Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass. “The Epic Pass was a great move,” says Malone. “Of course, the question is, do the Epic and IKON Passes make the consumer more of a snow-watcher? Are they booking later dependent upon conditions?”

But that could just be a short-term reaction to last year’s snowfall, according to departing Deer Valley Resort President Bob Wheaton. “After a good snow year, bookings go up,” he says, “and in fact, lodging bookings at Deer Valley are up 12 percent so far this year.”

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This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

The real estate in the greater Park City area is strong. “We’re a bit shy on inventory,” says Park City Board of Realtors (PCBOR) President Todd Anderson. “The buyers want the right home, so there’s a bit of paralysis in the market. Second-home owners don’t have to buy right now, so they’re being patient.”

While buyers are taking more time to find just the right property, other types of property are selling quickly.

“People want new construction now,” adds Anderson. “They want something they don’t have to fix up. Some are buying pre-construction, before there’s even a hole in the ground,” he says, referencing some of the construction at Canyons Village. The areas on S.R. 248 in Wasatch County are selling very quickly too. One builder said that he couldn’t build them fast enough. “There’re just not many lots left in Park City to build on,” says Anderson, “so people are looking outside of town. The new Mayflower development in Deer Valley has a lot of potential.” Workforce housing is a challenge as always, with many opting to buy and remodel.

Half of real estate sales are cash sales too, which means mortgage companies have to be much more competitive and inventive to capture clients. “They’re fighting tooth and nail for every sale,” says Sheila Hall, the 2019 incoming PCBOR president. “Some segments are selling; some are not. Anything under $2 million is going quickly. Buyers don’t make sacrifices, they’re holding and waiting for the right house.” Some buyers are looking to Midway, Heber City and the Kamas Valley as well, attracted by upgraded schools and an easy commute to Park City.

Claire Seton and her husband know the value of finding a local Realtor. Moving from the Bay Area, they were attracted by the quality of life and spending time outdoors biking and skiing. Claire, as the ecommerce manager for Patagonia, wanted an outdoor life, and says, “We stumbled upon our Realtor (Hall) last Labor Day. I wanted to move in the summer so I can ease into the winter. We are trying to be very particular. We have a little time to buy, so we’re not diving in head first. It’s hard to beat Park City.”

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This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

The numbers tell the tale: Rents are increasing and wages aren’t keeping pace with the costs of finding a place to live. Prices of housing are through the roof, so service workers struggle to find a place nearby, or opt to commute in from less-expensive areas of the county or from Wasatch County, Salt Lake City and even the Utah Valley. The jobs just aren’t where the people can afford to live. And every fall college kids arrive to work and ski, and then scramble to find a place to sleep for the next four months.

While some employers do provide employee housing, most don’t. And with Park City having the highest housing costs in the state, what affordable housing there is can strain the meaning of the phrase. While it just seems impossible to build our way out of this problem, Park City has committed to build 800 new affordable units by 2026. For example, the Central Park Condominiums that Park City bought for around $4.3 million will be sold to qualified buyers through a lottery, but required income still ranges from $43,419 for one person, to $83,754 for a household with 3 people. There will just always be fewer places than needed. There are no easy answers.

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This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

Park City and Summit County are very diverse: economically, ethnically and historically. There are multi-million-dollar ski lodges to the west, and horse properties to the east. Our rural valleys are the gateway to the high lakes mountains, with family farms and ranches supplanted by new homes and subdivisions. The towns of Francis, Kamas, Oakley, Coalville and Henefer on the East Side are seeing growth outside of Park City, as is Wasatch County to the south. It seems to be where everyone wants to be.

And for good reason. The summers are perfect, with moderate temperatures and afternoon rains, while the winters bring the deep snow and blue skies for which we are famous. Second homes and the resort economy subsidize our bus systems, recreation centers and outdoor lifestyles, and taxes are mostly low, but increasing to meet demands for schools, roads, and services. But everyone agrees on one thing: It’s just a great place to live, work, and visit.

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This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

Every year it’s a struggle to find employees to fill thousands of jobs in Park City, and keep them. Some businesses are increasing their wages to attract people. Bill Malone, of the Park City Chamber of Commerce/Bureau, says, “Some people will switch jobs for a dollar or two more an hour, but they don’t take into account benefits.”

Waiters, lifties, housekeepers, drivers, cooks, and every other position must be filled to maintain the resort economy. Wages are becoming more competitive because they have to be. Others devise incentives to retain employees for the whole season. Deer Valley Resort, for example, will give a year-end bonus of an extra $1 per hour for those who stick it out.

The Trump administration’s immigration restrictions and fears of deportation are impacting that group of workers as well, as businesses traditionally rely on J-1 work visas for employees coming from other countries. Paid parking in Park City’s Old Town is making some employees reassess their commutes, search for housing and their wages.

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On Nov. 6, Park City voters will be faced with yet another open space bond. The long-disputed Treasure Hill development on the hillside above Old Town could be purchased by the City, if a $48 million, 16-year bond passes. Up to $3 million of the funding for the Snow Ranch/Armstrong pasture at the base of Thaynes Canyon would also be included in the bond.

Scrambling to make up the difference to the $64 million bond price tag, Park City has delayed the Brew Pub parking lot project, and the sale of fire district property on lower Park Avenue for $1 million. “I just don’t know if it will pass,” says Park City Manager Diane Foster.

“Half of the existing bond debt will be retired in the next seven years,” she adds. “We’re done acquiring land.” This also follows Park City’s acquisition last year, for $19.5 million, of a 5.25 acre parcel in what is called the Arts and Culture District, which is intended to be the new home for the Sundance Institute and Kimball Art Center. In 2016 a $25 million bond passed to help acquire Bonanza Flat, a 1,350 acre piece of land high above town.

Mayor Andy Beerman understands the financial pressures these bonds impose on residents. “About 85 percent of the taxes here are paid by nonresidents,” he says. “The city has not increased base taxes in 30 years. We have to be careful of compounding costs of living. Increases in Park City’s property tax have always been voter approved.” He agrees with Foster that Park City is largely done with growth in Park City.

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Live PC Give PC – Nov. 9, 2018

People helping people give back: That’s the role of the Park City Community Foundation (PCCF). For the past 11 years they have created grant programs, elicited donor funds and begun initiatives in the community. We in Summit County rely upon each other, and take care of each other, as evident by the ideas, time and funds to provide support for a hundred worthwhile causes, from trails to kids to the arts.

Last year the PCCF was able to help nonprofits raise more than $2 million during its day of giving: Live PC Give PC. In the past seven years it has raised nearly $8 million, and supported more than 100 local nonprofits. This year, for 24 hours on Nov. 9, it hopes to see even more generosity. 

Once again, the PCCF Giving Guide, in cooperation with the Park City Board of Realtors, helps donors discover worthwhile organizations that enhance our lives, with mission statements, wish lists, and contact information. Giving to your favorite organization is a great way to show support.

“Our community is very generous,” says Deanna Rhodes, PCCF’s marketing and communications manager. 

“Our programs are getting traction. It’s mind blowing.” And it has plenty of programs to help fund.

The PCCF’s Women’s Giving Fund, created by over 1,300 members, has a $1.5 million and growing endowment. They have made a number of

high-impact grants including $30,000 to PC Tots to provide affordable child care and education, another $30,000 to the Summit County Children’s Justice Center, and a $33,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. 

The Solomon Fund’s mission is to integrate more minorities into recreation. Working with the Youth Sports Alliance, Basin Recreation, PC MARC, and 20 other partner organizations, it gives scholarships, equipment, and aid in transportation to sporting events. Its goal is to reach 21 percent Latino participants in Park City programs. Last year the Solomon Fund awarded over $90,000.

The PCCF also assists the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) as they help our community with information, education, resources and funding. PCEF has also created the Bright Futures Program, a peer support system for first-generation college kids. This spring, the first students from this program will be attending college; the first ever in their families.

Other initiatives include Promise Park City and Summit Community Power Works. PCCF’s involvement with the Summit County Mental Health Alliance has been critical as it develops and implement a strategic plan. Their QPR program helps those in need by asking people to Question, Persuade and Refer when they encounter someone at risk.

While Park City and Summit County have some pressing and complex issues, there’s always a group of people willing to step-up, help and partner. And that rising tide helps all of us. Ollie Wilder, community impact director, praises the community. “They collaborate together, which is really important to lots of issues.” The PCCF is all about nurturing philanthropy in the greater Park City area.

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This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

Summit County Transit
People are getting out of their cars in Summit County like never before. The Park City/Summit County transit system boasts Utah’s first all-electric transportation hub, powered by clean, renewable electricity. The new e-bikes, e-buses, and electric vehicles are powered by solar panels on the Kimball Junction transit center and Summit County Library. Plus, two DC Fast Chargers are provided on site to charge electric vehicles to full range in 20-30 minutes. 

By 2022, Summit County plans to electrify at least half of its total fleet. And to set an example, three members of the Summit County Council now drive electric vehicles.

Parking
While paid parking in Old Town came as a shock to many locals and employees, it has changed the dynamic in people’s behavior. Workers can take advantage of the new carpool parking program, the guaranteed ride home program, and a free, in-town park-and-ride lot for Main Street employees. “Last winter we saw 200 cars a night at the Homestake lot,” says Park City Manager Diane Foster. “Our goal is 80 percent occupancy in paid parking.”

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Arts and Culture District
Park City is home to a lot of creative people: filmmakers, painters, musicians, photographers, and writers. And there will likely be a new home for them both the Sundance Institute and the Kimball Arts Center in the near future, as Park City starts the process of developing the Park City Arts and Culture district. This 5-acre development is intended to be a focus for creative venues including public parking, affordable housing, a transit hub, public walkways and plazas. Master planning is now in process.

Park City Institute
The Park City Institute’s St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Concert Series had to scramble this spring, seeking a new venue after a number of years at the Deer Valley Resort. The Institute’s Moe Hickey says, “It was a very big transition, not having a home,” but eventually the Institute secured the Quinn’s Junction field, and finally, City Park in Park City for the 2018 summer shows. “It’s an unbelievably beautiful location,” says Hickey of City Park, “with the trees lining the field. Plus, it’s really created a sense of community.” A bike valet has been very popular, as everyone is helping out to bring music to the mountains. Hickey adds, “Grace Potter was only going to do three shows all summer, and she added a show to comeout here and help us out.”

Film and Television
Once again Park City is on the filmmaker’s map, with the successful run of the first season of Yellowstone, on the Paramount Network. Filmed locally and starring Kevin Costner, the series has been picked up for a second season of 10 episodes. Utah Film Studios has helped make this happen with its three giant sound stages and full support facilities.

For more stories from this edition, visit the Milepost special section.

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This story is found in the 2018 edition of Milepost.

Park City’s schools are known for their committed teachers, trained staff and motivated students. But excellence comes at a cost and students, teachers, principals, superintendents and parents are all trying to figure out how to pay for it. After the failure of a $56 million bond for capital improvements in 2015 (with nearly 60 percent casting a no vote), the Park City School Board approved a 16.8 percent tax increase in August.

This increase will generate $5.6 million per year primarily to cover teacher raises, student fees, and administration. This will cost the average primary home owner (with a nearly $900,000 home) about $188 more per year in property taxes and $343 more for a vacation home. The Board will likely increase taxes again next year, though business administrator Todd Hauber says the size of the hike will depend on a number of factors.

Park City School Board member Andrew Caplan has accepted the challenge to fund the schools.  “We’re making progress as a district,” he says.

Having worked in finance in London and Hong Kong, he does admit, “It’s certainly different than the private sector.”

And while student numbers have not increased significantly, he’s concerned about the teacher shortage and lack of housing for educators, hence the nearly $7,000 bump in salaries and benefits. “Only 50 percent of teachers live in district. It’s just impossible to live here.”

The Board has also hired a new superintendent, to replace the departing Ember Conley. “We wanted an experienced leader,” says Caplan. The School Board hired Jill Gildea for a higher salary than Conley’s, at $235,000 per year, and also purchased a district-owned house for her to live in.

But there has been significant pushback from some members of the community. Former Board member Julie Eihausen says, “Our student count is around 4,700. It hasn’t changed in many years.” The tax increase included funding for additional school administrators and staff. “I understand we have some incredibly wealthy people here, but long-term residents are going to be taxed out, because we have a top-heavy administration,” she adds.

And these tax increases don’t even address the school buildings themselves. “Looking forward we still have to do some capital projects,” says former Board member Moe Hickey. “We’re still going to do a bond after two tax increases totaling $11 million.”

Former teacher and longtime Parkite Jim Tedford has been following the process too. He’s not only concerned with the increase in the superintendent’s salary (putting it in the top three in the state) but the increase in support staff when enrollment is stable. In a letter to the Board, he wrote, “Don’t jeopardize future community support by not being fiscally responsible with your current operating budget.”

But the Board is intent, according to Caplan, on streamlining the budgeting process. And Caplan agrees that officials will be looking to bond, perhaps in the fall of 2019. That could pay for a whole lot of books.

For more stories from this edition, visit the Milepost special section.

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