Growth is at a standstill in most western boomtowns, but not in well-planned, thriving South Jordan, UT. An expedited permitting process and good planning are given credit as catalysts for growth.
From the Deseret News:
"If you want evidence that the recession is slowing, hop a plane to South Jordan, UT, where buildings are rising daily, businesses are scrambling to move in, and residents love their town. Local planners credit regulations that create a town people want to live in, an expedited approval process for developers, and an open city government that builds relationships with its constituents."
Thanks to Rebecca Sanborn Stone
FULL STORY: South Jordan is thriving in recession, thanks to savvy planning

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