This week’s edition centers on scale. Utah County has grown quickly for years, but the latest state projections suggest something larger and more permanent taking shape. The question is no longer whether the county will grow, but how that growth will reshape daily life over time.
At the same time, the rhythm of the week feels familiar. Public hearings draw packed rooms, food trucks park in neighborhood lots, and community calendars fill with basketball games, film festivals, and winter markets. Long-range forecasts sit beside weeknight dinners and Saturday plans. That mix of future planning and present routine continues to define this stretch of the year in northern Utah County.
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In today’s edition…
A long-range look at Utah County’s projected population growth
Quick updates from around the county
A local food truck spotlight in Eagle Mountain
Things to do in the week ahead
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
Utah County’s population is projected to double by 2065
Utah County is expected to grow from roughly 750,000 residents today to about 1.5 million by 2065, according to the 2026 Economic Report to the Governor. That would mean nearly 800,000 additional people living in the county over the next four decades.
Statewide, Utah’s population is projected to reach 5.6 million during that same timeframe. Utah County is expected to absorb a significant share of that growth, accounting for nearly half of the state’s projected increase. The report also notes that Utah’s median age is expected to rise to about 45 by 2065, reflecting both longer life expectancy and slower birth rates compared to past decades.
The projections point to continued pressure on transportation systems, housing supply, schools, water infrastructure, and public services. Utah County currently receives less transportation funding per capita than other parts of the state, even as it experiences some of the fastest growth. That imbalance is likely to become more noticeable as development continues along major corridors from Lehi to Spanish Fork.
This is not a short-term surge tied to one industry or one housing cycle. The report outlines a steady, long-range shift that will shape how cities plan roads, neighborhoods, commercial centers, and transit connections. Decisions made in the next decade will influence what daily life looks like for a county that could eventually rival larger metropolitan areas in size.
Growth in Utah County has been a defining theme for years. The latest projections suggest that the pace is not slowing, and the scale may be larger than many residents expect.
Quick Hits
Totally Sconed puts a creative spin on Utah’s favorite fry bread
Wisconsin transplant Kierra Inman fell in love with Utah‑style scones (think fry bread) and opened Totally Sconed in American Fork last fall. She experiments with savory and sweet toppings: honey butter, pizza, burgers and even dessert scones. She’s currently playing with rye scones for a Reuben‑inspired sandwich.
Former Payson baseball coach spins the “Wheel of Fortune”
Longtime high‑school baseball coach Scott Haney fulfilled a dream by competing on the “Wheel of Fortune” game show. Haney, who coached at Payson and Salem Hills, won $26,428 and a Caribbean cruise on the Feb. 19 episode. He plans to audition for more game shows, including Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge”.
Residents pack American Fork City Hall over zoning fight
A Feb. 4 public hearing drew crowds for 2½ hours as residents protested proposed zoning changes. Many opposed down‑zoning that would prohibit detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and allow high‑density housing on narrow lots. Some claimed the city relied on a consultant’s code template without proper public input; commissioners acknowledged communication gaps and promised better outreach.
Restaurant of the Week
On the left: The Godfather. On the right: The RIP Dracula.
Smashed Down
Eagle Mountain’s Ranches area has a new local food truck parked along Cory B. Drive. Smashed Down serves classic smashburgers with a simple, focused menu and is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The truck leans into traditional smashburger technique, pressing fresh beef patties onto a hot griddle to create caramelized edges and crisp texture. Standouts include the RIP Dracula, which packs bold flavor and a balanced mix of toppings that come together surprisingly well, and The Godfather, another solid option that delivers on richness without feeling overdone. Paired with seasoned fries and a straightforward ordering setup, Smashed Down gives Ranches residents a nearby, locally owned dinner stop that keeps things simple and well executed.
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
BYU vs UCF Men’s Basketball - Final home game
When: Feb 24 (Tue) 9 p.m.
Where: Marriott Center, Provo
BYU hosts UCF in the Cougars’ final home game of the regular season. Expect senior recognition, a packed student section and Big 12 intensity under the Marriott Center lights. A strong finish at home could shape postseason seeding and momentum.
Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.”
When: Feb 23 (Mon) – Mar 14 (Sat) Various showtimes
Where: Lindsay Legacy Theater, Hale Center Theater Orem
This 60-minute musical adaptation of the Pixar film follows Marlin and Dory’s underwater adventure to find Nemo. Designed for families, the production blends bright staging, kid-friendly pacing and familiar songs. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Zions Indie Film Fest
When: Feb 23 (Mon) – Feb 28 (Sat) Various screenings
Where: SCERA Center for the Arts, Orem
The Zions Indie Film Fest highlights independent filmmakers with feature films, documentaries and shorts. Day passes and full-festival passes are available. Expect filmmaker Q&As, community discussions and locally produced work.
Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders
When: Feb 28 (Sat) 5:30 p.m.
Where: America First Field, Sandy
Real Salt Lake opens its MLS season at home against the Seattle Sounders. The match marks the club’s first home fixture of 2026 and typically draws one of the larger early-season crowds. Expect pre-match festivities and a high-energy atmosphere.
Next Stop Comedy
When: Feb 28 (Sat) 7:30 p.m.
Where: Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Office, Lehi
A rotating lineup of regional stand-up comedians performs in an intimate venue setting. The traveling showcase brings professional comics to unexpected local spaces. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served.
Cashflow Game Night: Escape the Rat Race
When: Feb 24 (Tue) 7 p.m.
Where: WeWork, Lehi
This interactive board-game night teaches investing concepts through hands-on play. Participants simulate income, expenses and asset building while networking with local real-estate enthusiasts. Designed for beginners and seasoned investors alike.
Full Moon Nordic Snowshoe
When: Feb 27 (Fri) 5 p.m.
Where: Sundance Nordic Center, Sundance
This guided snowshoe experience takes participants through moonlit winter trails at Sundance. Registration includes snowshoe rentals and a headlamp. Expect crisp air, quiet forests and a scenic nighttime outing.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!
When: Through Feb 28 (Sat) Museum hours
Where: Museum of Natural Curiosity, Lehi
This hands-on exhibit invites children to explore math, science and engineering through Curious George’s playful world. Interactive stations encourage problem solving and creative thinking. Ideal for families with younger kids.
Provo Winter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, January 10 – April 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Provo Towne Centre Mall, Provo
The Provo Farmers Market continues indoors for the winter, featuring local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It’s an easy, weather-proof way to support local vendors through the colder months.
In case you missed it…
Eagle Mountain may get Lowe’s and Smith’s.
Developers behind the proposed Eagle’s Landing commercial project told the planning commission they have commitments from Lowe’s and Smith’s Marketplace to anchor the site. The commission recommended the plan to city council, where final approval would move the project forward.
Housing growth slows but prices remain steady.
Economist James Wood says Utah’s housing boom has cooled after the sharp pandemic-era spike. Price growth has flattened in recent years, and 2026 is expected to look similar unless mortgage rates drop below 6 percent and bring more buyers back into the market.
Great Carp Hunt registration open.
The Utah Lake Authority is again paying anglers $1.50 per invasive carp through the end of February. The annual effort aims to reduce carp populations that muddy water and harm native June suckers, with additional prize money available for participants.
That’s it for this issue of The Point.
If you spot something interesting, confusing, or very Utah County — a new restaurant, construction mystery, or rumor that needs checking — hit reply. The best tips make it into next week’s issue (with credit, if you want it).
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