City Hall is preparing to hire consultants to research the diverse topics of the Park City economy, growth and natural resources, a set of studies officials see as important as the municipal government continues to craft a long-range vision for the community.

Park City recently posted advertisements on its website for the three studies. Proposals are due for each of them on Aug. 8. The deadlines for the studies are in October.

Highlights of each of the advertisements:

  • In the study of the economy, labeled a "year round economic generator study," City Hall wants to learn about options to balance the Park City economy. The advertisement indicates a consultant could research what are dubbed an "innovation district" and a "sustainability center." Other items that could be looked into include a center to incubate businesses, an institution of higher education, a convention center and a children’s museum. The advertisement also mentions an idea involving a Sundance Film Festival campus or center.
  • In the look at growth, called a "balanced growth" study, the municipal government wants a consultant to research growth trends between 1990 and the present as well as predict the amount of growth from today until 2050 in 10-year increments. The study also will research the growth that might occur outside the Park City limits. City Hall wants the consultant to research the changing ratio of people who live in their Park City homes and those who have vacation homes in the city.
  • In the research into natural resources, known as a natural resources inventory and mapping, City Hall wants a consultant to delve into topics like wildlife, the watershed, wetlands and the dangers of wildfires and insect infestations. Officials want the wildlife portion of the study to look at corridors animals use for movement and recommend ways to reduce the risk to people and animals.

    Each of the three topics have been heavily debated in Park City over the years, and the economic and growth studies will likely be of significant interest to leaders and City Hall watchers given the two studies’ breadth.

    It was not immediately clear how much money City Hall expects to spend on the three studies.

    The studies will be conducted as City Hall is spending significant time and staff resources crafting a redone General Plan, an overarching document that guides growth in Park City.