As we approach the November election, I’d like to pay tribute to a program that has profoundly benefited our community over the past 30 years. Over that period, the Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) program has had the strong support of the people of Salt Lake County. As has been the case for the past three decades, it will come before voters for renewal in the upcoming election. Since its inception in 1997, ZAP has been an important part of the fabric of our community, enriching lives, providing opportunities and supporting cultural, recreational and natural spaces.
It’s critical that we renew this initiative for the next generation.
The premise of ZAP is simple: One penny from every $10 spent in Salt Lake County goes to support a wide range of essential community assets. The impact has been remarkable. That single penny has helped build and sustain 232 arts and cultural nonprofit organizations, 70 parks, hundreds of miles of trails and 22 recreational centers county-wide. ZAP is about more than financial support — it’s about fostering a sense of community and truly making the Salt Lake Valley a great place for all of us to live.
One of the most remarkable things about ZAP is its universal benefit. From the ballet to the local soccer field, from the art gallery to the neighborhood park, ZAP has touched lives across the county. Nearly 15,000 jobs are supported by the program, according to a July 2024 Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute analysis. Nearly 4 million free admissions are granted for ZAP-funded events each year, opening doors to art, music, sports and recreation for all residents, regardless of their financial background.
As CEO of Zions Bancorporation, I understand the importance of investing in programs that deliver lasting value. ZAP does just that, by contributing to our cultural and recreational economy while also enhancing the environment in which we live, work and play. It is a program that strengthens Salt Lake County on multiple levels — economically, culturally and socially.
Let’s not overlook the fact that ZAP has been a resounding success for more than 30 years. The voters have supported it time and time again, with a 71% approval in 2004 and 77% in 2014. This year, with bipartisan support and a track record of delivering tangible results, I’m confident we can once again renew this program with overwhelming support.
At Zions Bank, we see first-hand how investments in our community foster growth. ZAP, in many ways, is a catalyst for that growth. The arts and recreation sectors not only enrich our lives culturally, but also bring in tourism, bolster local businesses and help retain talent by making Salt Lake County a more attractive place to live and work.
As voters, we have an opportunity this November to keep a good thing going. By renewing ZAP, we ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from thriving arts, parks and recreational opportunities, just as we have. ZAP is a model of community-driven success that we can all feel proud of — one penny at a time.
Let’s renew ZAP and keep Salt Lake County’s cultural, recreational and natural treasures alive and well. Join me in voting for ZAP Proposition #8 on your ballot this November.
(Harris Simmons) Harris Simmons is the chairman and CEO of Zions Bancorporation.
Harris Simmons is the chairman and CEO of Zions Bancorporation.
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