LAYTON -- Understanding and adapting to the needs of local companies.
That is the most important thing to do to continue bringing more businesses to Layton, according to economic development specialist, Ben Hart.
Hart and Layton plan to continue doing just that in 2012.
"In 2009 there was a strong growth mode and businesses were looking at expanding," Hart said. "Now they are looking at how to keep their doors open."
Hart said that 2011 was a better year for the city's economic development than 2010. However, the year was not on par with the middle part of the 2000s. Still, there was a general uptick that was good for the city.
"There are things being done that show the innovation and mindset of the developers in our community," Hart said.
Those include new subdivisions that are on the way and commercial developments, including several medical offices, that are either under construction or soon will be.
While happy with the existing retail businesses in the city, Hart said the city has a goal to help the economy grow by adding to the shopping experience in Layton.
"We want to welcome in retailers who will attract more consumers to Layton," Hart said. "Also, we want to grow the economy as far as what's available here."
While new businesses are important, Hart said 2012 will be the year of multifamily housing units.
Eastgate at Greyhawk, at 3100 N. Church St., is already under construction and Kays Crossing, at 60 S. Main St., should begin construction in early 2012. Villas on Main, a 120-unit apartment complex that will be located at 1450 N. Main St., should also see construction start in 2012.
The fourth development, set for vacant ground on the northwest corner of Hill Field Road and Antelope Drive, still has some work to do before finishing the city's permit process.
"There are other ones in the queue," Hart said. "There are other multifamily projects that want to become a reality in 2012 or 2013."
Hart said that the city is not overbuilding or building in areas where there is no need. Instead, the demand for growth is the impetus for bringing in the multifamily housing units.
"This shows there is still a need for development to occur," Hart said. "We're still growing as a community and developers in the private sector are responding to where there is a need."
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