Growing West Jordan: The Plan Behind the Empty Lots

West Jordan has room to grow. That isn't something most cities in the Salt Lake Valley can say. Undeveloped land is a prized possession we don't take for granted.

What's going to fill in these spaces?

Besides the Fire Station #56 that will sit on the corner of 9000 S. and U-111, there's not much else set in stone.

What we do know is that Jim Grover, our new Economic Development Director, will "play matchmaker of the places we want to attract."

He says that it all starts with balance.

East and West

Two big areas are ready for new growth: our City Center by the TRAX station and the 1,700-acre southwest quadrant.

Grover says that whatever goes into these developments needs to support the people who already live here. For you, that means bringing in great places to work, eat, shop, and have fun.

The environment, the look and feel, of the space is just as important as what businesses come in.

"The new areas will be walkable, with entertainment, green space, food choices and visibility," Grover said.

Behind the Scenes

To make that happen means more than just deciding what goes where, issuing a permit, or constructing a building; it's West Jordan City's Economic Development Department working with landowners, developers, and companies who want to make an investment in the area.

City Planners create a vision for the area and its potential, and along with the City Council, decide what goes where. Economic developers help bring that vision into reality.

This also means the City will work to support new businesses and homes with utilities, roads and power.

Simply putting in empty buildings and hoping for the best businesses to fill them, there is a lot of risk. An economic development director takes the time to "look for complementary, attractive businesses and actively markets to them, to bring them within the city. It's a win when these businesses support the whole area."

When it comes to planning for the future, there is a phrase "highest and best use." Every acre should be working for the city, for residents, and for businesses. Grover's job is to support the city, residents and businesses and make sure the space is being used to its fullest potential.

A Different Kind of Director

Grover was raised in a small business, helping his parents with everything from loading the truck, stuffing pillows, leading the sales team, to managing the computer systems. His career eventually led him to the State Governor's Office of Economic Development. "My main position was recruiting companies that have high-paid jobs and high capital into the state of Utah and landing them in communities."

That background gives him a rare perspective. He understands the hustle of a family-owned shop just as well as the strategy behind a large corporation's expansion.

"I can relate with the small mom-and-pops," he said. "And also work with large companies on how they expand and how they look at and interact with communities."

He understands a city isn't built on big box stores, corporate headquarters, and it isn't built on small businesses, either. It takes all three. This range sets him up to understand that West Jordan needs it all, the small to the large, to thrive.

In 2023, Utah Business Magazine recognized Jim as Utah Business Leaders of the Year. He played an important role in attracting the expansion of a semiconductor manufacturer to the State of Utah. "Communities that are prepared to partner with businesses that are the right fit can be a win to provide the types of jobs that we and our kids can choose to take," said Jim.

Texas Instruments is currently investing $11 billion and plans to create 800 high-paying jobs. They also partner with the local school district to prepare students to enter high-tech fields in Lehi, Utah.