This post originally appeared on the Good Notes blog.

Under President Taylor Randall’s leadership, the University of Utah strives to become a top 10 public university with a focus on societal impact. U West Valley—a partnership between the U and the West Valley community—is key to realizing this vision.

A Vision for the Community

U West Valley represents a fundamental shift in how we approach health care and education. Our goal is to make the University of Utah more accessible, responsive, and valuable to the communities we serve, particularly in West Valley.

This vision encompasses:

• Improved health access and well-being
• Increased education opportunities and career pathways in health sciences
• Fostering economic growth through job creation and local investment

Through ongoing collaboration with residents, community leaders, and campus and health care experts, we will build a medical campus that addresses West Valley’s unique needs and enhances quality of life.

Why West Valley?

As Utah’s second-largest city, West Valley is home to a culturally rich and diverse population. It has strong neighborhoods, thriving schools, and a growing business community.

Despite these strengths, residents face significant barriers to accessing health care. For example:

• 85,000 West Valley residents make 600,000 outpatient visits to U of U Health annually, driving more than 12 million miles to access services.
• Put together, the three hospitals west of I-15 in Salt Lake County only have 386 beds for a community of more than 725,000 residents. Only one out of 10 inpatient beds in Salt Lake County are on the west side.
• Life expectancy in West Valley is nearly 10 years lower than in nearby eastside communities, and there is a shortage of physicians compared to other Wasatch Front areas.
• The poverty rate in West Valley is double the Utah state average.

Building a medical campus in West Valley is more than meeting the growing demand for care. It’s about improving community health. The project will also create nearly 2,000 jobs and boost the local economy.

Community Collaboration

Our approach is deeply rooted in collaboration with the people of West Valley. Since 2021, in partnership with University Neighborhood Partners, we have held more than 150 community meetings and engaged nearly 300 residents and leaders.

With the support of the Westside Community United committee, West Valley Steering Committee, and the West Valley mentorship program, we have gathered vital insights to ensure the hospital and health center reflect West Valley’s identity and values.

Key community priorities include:

• Culturally responsive care with greater access to services in multiple languages
• Expanded education, training, and job opportunities for local residents

Community input ensures the West Valley Hospital and Health Center will be a place for health care, expanded learning and career development, and community growth.

Overcoming Fiscal Challenges

Like many major hospital projects across the country, the West Valley medical complex has faced its share of fiscal constraints. Cost assessments have required us to pause and reevaluate the project.

However, we have recently made significant strides, thanks to $400 million in additional bonding authority from the Utah State Legislature. The bonding and ongoing fundraising efforts allow us to move forward with renewed energy.

West Valley remains the university’s number one fundraising priority, and we are making great progress toward our $200 million fundraising goal. Meetings with donors have been promising and we are close to announcing a lead donor for the project.

Project Progress

The project is progressing with a clear understanding of the cost, timeline, and phased approach. The confirmed site—located at 3750 S and 5600 W—will be developed in two phases:

• Phase 1A involves the construction of U of U Health’s largest multi-specialty outpatient health center. The facility will include operating rooms, an emergency department, oncology services, women’s health, mental health care, multi-use community space, and more. Design and construction will begin in Spring 2025. The center will be operational by mid-2028.
• Phase 1B will add inpatient hospital beds and supporting services, establishing U of U Health’s first community hospital. It is expected to be completed within two years of Phase 1A.

Beyond Buildings: Expanding Health and Educational Access

U West Valley is not just about new buildings; it’s about creating opportunities for learning, employment, and boosting the local economy. Through our partnership with Proxima Careers, more than 150 students are on education pathways that will lead to jobs in health care.

The “Earn and Learn” Health Sciences program provides traditional and nontraditional learners with the opportunity to begin or advance their careers in health care.

In collaboration with the Sorenson Impact Institute, we are exploring economic impact strategies focused on investment, ownership, and financial inclusion for West Valley residents.

These initiatives—along with expanded health services at U of U Health’s Redwood Health Center, Population Health Center near Rose Park, South Main Clinic, and West High School Clinic—are breaking barriers to health care access.

Annual events like Healthy Start West Valley and Imagine U Day further connect students and residents to academic programs and essential health services.

A New Chapter for West Valley

We are on the brink of an exciting new chapter for West Valley. With groundbreaking for the new medical campus on the horizon, we are thrilled about the future and positive changes that lie ahead.

Through deep collaboration and shared vision, U West Valley can transform health care, education, and economic opportunity in this vibrant community.