In the wake of COVID-19 and the protests following the death of George Floyd, Salt Lake City leaders and community members wanted to understand their options for addressing existing equity disparities and needs within Salt Lake City. It was determined that focusing these efforts on the West Side of Salt Lake City, which is lower-income and more diverse, would have the greatest impact on equity disparities.

The Sorenson team identified two sectors, early childhood care and education and workforce development, as strong candidates for interventions that would leverage public-private partnership financing strategies to eliminate equity disparities and promote economic development on the West Side. This analysis was combined with specific policy and program recommendations, and was compiled into a report and delivered to the Salt Lake City Mayor and Executive Team.