Resources

Understanding the tools we use

Structuring the right deal for a community often comes down to knowing which incentive or financing tool fits the situation. Below are plain-language explainers on the programs UTRGA works with most often.

EDTIF (Economic Development Tax Increment Financing)

1

Utah's primary state-level incentive for companies expanding or relocating in the state. EDTIF provides a post-performance tax credit — meaning a company must first meet job creation and investment commitments before receiving the incentive — tied to new state tax revenue the project generates.


CRA (Community Reinvestment Area)

2

A local tool that lets a city or county capture new property tax revenue (tax increment) generated by a development to reinvest in that same area — funding public infrastructure, incentives, or other community priorities tied to the project.


Opportunity Zones

3

A federal program that offers tax incentives for investing in designated low-income census tracts. Utah has used state-level strategy and coordination — including UTRGA's Opportunity Zone Playbook — to help direct that capital toward projects with real community benefit, rather than leaving it to chance.


HCITC (High Cost Infrastructure Tax Credit)

4

A Utah state tax credit supporting large infrastructure projects — such as energy, water, or transportation infrastructure — that meet a minimum investment threshold and provide broader economic or public benefit.


UIPA (Utah Inland Port Authority)

5

A state authority that can provide incentives and infrastructure support for qualifying projects, often used to help retain or attract businesses tied to logistics, manufacturing, and distribution.

Have a project and don't know which tool fits?

That's exactly the kind of question UTRGA helps communities work through. Learn more on our For Communities page or Contact Us to get started.