August 11, 2026

What does Econ 101 teach us about UTOPIA?

The original 11 cities include Tremonton, Perry, Brigham City, Layton, Centerville, West Valley City, Murray, Midvale, Lindon, Orem and Payson. Together, they will pay nearly $13 million next year to service the agency’s bonds. With the reduction in sales-tax revenues due to the slow economy, some cities have begun to raise property taxes to keep their municipal services whole while making UTOPIA payments.

There’s still no light at the end of UTOPIA’s tunnel. Maybe it’s time to quit digging. [cont…]

One libertarian’s rationale for UTOPIA

There are many cases where government may usurp a function better handled by private companies, and many more instances were government decides to support a politically-connected entity to the detriment of others. Upon a closer inspection, there are all arguments that actually supports UTOPIA’s existence. [cont…]

When the government picks winners, the applicants might already be losers

Maybe it’s time to choose leaders who won’t keep “picking winners” by subsidizing private businesses and using government to compete with the market? Even the Chinese can make a city look good by pouring enough money into it. Just look at the Olympics. That doesn’t mean the economy will do better because of it.

Government subsidies equal corporate welfare. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Washington, D.C. or West Valley City, it’s the same thing. Whether it’s Solyndra or UTOPIA, the more a company shells out to get onto the public assistance, the less likely it would perform well in the market. Spending more money on campaign donations and lobbying might be correllated. [cont…]