Heber City Envision 2050: Planning a Sustainable, Community-Led Future
What Is Envision 2050?
Heber City launched Envision Heber 2050 in 2019 to update its General Plan. Its goal: guide growth to balance rural charm with sustainable development. Officials used extensive public outreach, including workshops, surveys, and open houses. The result: a visionary plan adopted in 2020 by unanimous City Council vote.
Inclusive, Community-Driven Process
Instead of top-down planning, Heber City embraced a grassroots approach. Community values shaped the vision through public engagement. Residents emphasized open space preservation, trails, and maintaining a small-town feel. The city also used scenario planning to help residents visualize different futures.
Key Land Use Changes
Envision 2050 redefined how land gets used across the city:
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It promoted compact town centers rather than suburban sprawl.
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It identified open space corridors to preserve rural character.
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It encouraged downtown revitalization, including multimodal streets and public plazas.
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It supported community reinvestment areas (CRAs) to fund infrastructure and affordable housing.
These land use shifts aim to manage growth while fostering economic vitality.
Zoning Updates & Implementation Strategy
Following Envision 2050’s adoption, Heber City updated its zoning code and development policies. It adopted the Central Heber Overlay Zone (CHOZ) to guide downtown design, pedestrian infrastructure, and mixed-use development.
The city incorporated Envision 2050 goals into capital budgeting and future development plans . It also updated Plats, permits, and land use applications to require consistency with the General Plan.
Rewards & Progress
Envision 2050 earned the APA Utah High Achievement Award in October 2020 for excellence in planning. The APA praised Heber’s inclusive process and flexible, graphic-heavy plan presentation.
The city has already begun implementing major priorities:
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Launching the Central Heber Plan to revitalize Main Street and the historic train station area.
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Creating a CRA to fund streetscape work, facade improvements, and affordable housing.
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Advancing the Heber Valley Corridor (bypass) to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Managing Growth and Facing Challenges
Heber has balanced fast population growth—doubling since 2003—with maintaining rural identity. Envision 2050 established growth scenarios to weigh the pros and cons of dispersed versus compact development .
These scenarios helped illuminate long-term trade-offs. Ultimately, residents favored focused growth centers surrounded by preserved open space . As a result, the city agreed to adjust zoning to limit sprawl and require clustered density.
Residential & Housing Guidance
Envision 2050 addressed housing by calling for mix of housing types and options to meet workforce needs . The city adjusted zoning to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), cottage housing, and reduced lot sizes in targeted areas .
Envision Heber also prioritized moderate-income housing, with policies to encourage mixed-income development.
Transportation & Infrastructure Priorities
Envision 2050 called for walkable corridors and a connected trail system. The plan outlined street cross sections, pedestrian improvements, and transit integration through zoning code updates.
The plan’s implementation schedule guides multi-modal infrastructure investments through 2034 and beyond.
Next Steps & Ongoing Monitoring
Envision 2050 emphasizes continuous review. City staff will revisit the plan annually and recommend adjustments when needed.
Also, the plan ties into Heber’s Parks Master Plan, Moderate-Income Housing Plan, and Airport Plan for coordinated growth.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
Envision Heber 2050 marks a transformative planning milestone for Heber City. It balances growth with preserving character. It embeds community values in land use, development, housing, transit, and infrastructure. Thanks to inclusive engagement, actionable policies, and a roadmap for implementation, Heber is ready to thrive sustainably through 2050 and beyond.
