Zions Public Finance worked with Rio Tinto Kennecott to understand the highest and best use of approximately 30,000 acres of land in various areas around the Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys. The analysis included detailed financial information on what is feasible at present, how infrastructure costs will influence development and absorption, and what product type in each unique area will create the greatest return to the land. The proposed “take-down” schedule considers regional influences and other planning efforts of neighboring municipalities, and addresses the impacts of proposed transportation corridors, water availability, commercial and industrial needs, and ultimate fiscal impacts created by the proposed developments.

Zions Public Finance participated in the Point of the Mountain Study to assess market potential for the area, infrastructure needs and funding strategies. The Point of the Mountain area encompasses the land including and surrounding the current Utah State prison site in Draper, Utah. Our role was focused on leading the financing strategies implementation plan. This involved a large amount of coordination between the various taxing entities, engineers assessing infrastructure needs, developers and other team members. Zions Public Finance projected revenue streams, created potential CRA or TRZ project areas and evaluated the bonding potential from using such mechanisms.

Zions Public Finance lead a multidisciplinary team of consultants to evaluate the market potential along the Provo-Orem Bus-Rapid Transit route. The study included interfacing with critical transportation infrastructure, maximizing the availability of essential services to at-risk populations, capitalizing on market and real estate development opportunities, and recognizing changing highest and best use and fiscal impact implications from increased ridership demand and area improvements put into place as part of the expanded bus service.

Zions Public Finance provided the demographic and economic data necessary for the Mountainland Association of Governments CEDS, including identifying economic clusters in the three-county region and supplying pertinent economic data related to those clusters. Demographic characteristics, as well as population and employment projections were an important component of this study, as well as interpreting the data to find opportunities for economic development.

Zions Public Finance conducted a cost-benefit study of the Stadler development, including the increased revenues and expenses that Salt Lake City would incur from the proposed development. The analysis also considered other economic factors such as job creation, wages paid, magnitude of infrastructure improvements and related economic

Zions Public Finance completed an evaluation of the Fiesta District in Mesa, AZ regarding the redevelopment potential of this area. Our involvement included extensive market analysis, presentation of a blight study and preparation of a redevelopment plan. The study area included 736 acres next to Mesa Community College and reflects a wide variety of existing uses. Plagued with high vacancy rates, the City envisions a hip, mixed-use area that capitalizes on the student population and re-establishes this area as a vibrant employment and retail center.

The municipal studies group at Zions Public Finance was part of a multi-disciplinary team that worked with Rexburg City and Madison County, Idaho to deal with growth-related issues such as development occurring outside of impact areas, irregular development patterns that increase the cost of providing municipal services, job creation, downtown development in Rexburg, industrial development opportunities and equity issues between Sugar City, Rexburg and other areas in the County. The municipal studies group was able to successfully bring the varied interests together to discuss challenges, opportunities and various perspectives, and to achieve consensus on future land use and economic growth objectives.

Zions Public Finance worked with the City of Rexburg to draft impact fees for public safety, parks and transportation. Impact fees were crafted in compliance with all aspects of Idaho Statute and involved a significant amount of coordination with various City departments to identify capital projects, growth demands, etc.

The City of McCall, Idaho is nestled between the mountains of the Payette National Forest and the waterfront of Payette Lake. As the largest community in Valley County, it serves as a regional economic hub including parts of neighboring Adams and Idaho counties. McCall’s downtown has been identified as the heart of the community and defines the character of McCall. But the City struggles with affordable housing and a large majority of workers in McCall have large commute times. Zions Public Finance worked closely with the City to identify strategies to help improve housing affordability in the community.