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Salt Lake City has transformed from a winter sports venue to a thriving technology hub, leveraging the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics to become one of America’s fastest-growing business destinations. Former Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt credits the Olympics with spurring major infrastructure projects, attracting technology talent, and establishing an economic legacy that continues to shape the region’s identity.
In preparation for the 2002 Games, Utah invested in infrastructure improvements, including light rail and major highways, creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors. The Games turned a profit, with a surplus returned to taxpayers. Following the Games, skier visits, hotel revenue, and visitor spending all saw significant increases.
The Olympics served as a catalyst for Utah’s ambition to become a tech capital. Initiatives were launched to expand engineering and computer science programs, ultimately doubling the number of graduates in these fields over two decades. Public and private investments have continued to grow, with Utah’s capacity to build competitive tech enterprises exemplified by Adobe’s acquisition of Utah-based Omniture for $1.8 billion.
Looking ahead to the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, the state aims to build on existing infrastructure with modest costs. The upcoming Games are expected to generate significant economic activity, job creation, and add billions to Utah’s economy, solidifying the Olympics’ role in Utah’s flourishing tech landscape. With the reputation and infrastructure in place, Leavitt is confident that the 2034 Games will be a success.
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