Utah Gov. Spencer Cox dedicated his second inaugural address to what he said is Utah’s greatest asset, not its sterling economy, not its world-class wilderness, but it’s families.
The recognition heaped upon the Beehive State during Cox’s first administration had little to nothing to do with the actions of his administration, he said. It had everything to do with Utah’s unparalleled levels of what he called “social capital,” which takes into account family unity, charitable giving and volunteer groups.
“The incredible things we’ve been able to accomplish over the past four years happened because of our strong social capital,” Cox said. “And if we want to continue to cut taxes, create jobs, build infrastructure, lift people out of poverty and make the American dream a reality for the next generation, we need more of it. And it can only happen one family, one neighborhood and one community at a time.”
Cox kicked off a second four-year term during a broadcast ceremony on Wednesday before a crowd that included former Utah Govs. Mike Leavitt, Jon Huntsman Jr. and Gary Herbert, as well as hundreds of Utah lawmakers, business leaders, university administrators, political consultants and religious representatives gathered at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.
Cox described his first term as an attempt “to write the next chapter of Utah’s history,” pointing to his administration’s role in slashing state taxes, suing social media giants scoring raises for teachers and securing the 2034 Winter Olympics.
These policy goals may have played a small part, Cox said, in the litany of awards received by the state over the last four years, which include rankings as the best state in the nation, the best state to start business, the most affordable state, the state with best upward mobility and the best economic outlook.
But the true source of these accolades is located far from the steps of the Utah Capitol and the skyscrapers of downtown business districts, Cox said. The true secret to Utah’s No. 1 status is better reflected by studies that find Utah among the top places in the nation for getting married, having children and going to church, Cox said.
“Faith, family and community: Utah has it. And the rest of the world is desperately yearning to find it. We must not give up now when it’s needed more than ever before,” Cox said. “Utah must stand tall as that shining city on a hill. We must be different.”
Cox has said his second, and what he has said will be his final, term in office, will be focused on lofty promises to grow the supply of starter homes by 35,000 housing units and double the state’s energy production.
On Wednesday, Cox announced a policy initiative to support the community networks that undergird the state’s economy and culture. The “Built Here” second term strategic plan includes 22 objectives aimed at supporting struggling people in Utah, making Utah a better place to live and investing in the state’s prosperity.
The initiative will base its success on metrics like reducing intergenerational poverty, increasing housing units and growing alternative post-secondary education programs.
The event included the ceremonial swearings in of Cox, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Attorney General Derek Brown, State Auditor Tina Cannon and State Treasurer Marlo Oaks.
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson takes the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant, not pictured, during the state of Utah’s public inauguration ceremonies held at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Attorney General Derek Brown takes the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant, not pictured, during the state of Utah’s public inauguration ceremonies held at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Auditor Tina Cannon takes the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant, not pictured, during the state of Utah’s public inauguration ceremonies held at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Treasurer Marlo Oaks takes the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant, not pictured, during the state of Utah’s public inauguration ceremonies held at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News