Salt Lake County should vote to maintain ZAP program

As the November election approaches, I would like to recognize a program that has profoundly benefited our community over the past 30 years. During this time, the Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) program has enjoyed strong support from the people of Salt Lake County. As has been the case for the past three decades, this issue will be put before voters for renewal in the next election. Since its founding in 1997, ZAP has played an important role in the social fabric of our community, enriching lives, providing opportunities and supporting cultural, recreational and natural spaces.

It is essential that we renew this initiative for the next generation.

ZAP’s premise is simple: One cent of every $10 spent in Salt Lake County supports a wide range of critical community assets. The impact has been remarkable. This single penny helped build and support 232 nonprofit arts and culture organizations, 70 parks, hundreds of miles of trails and 22 recreation centers throughout the county. ZAP is about more than financial support: it’s about fostering a sense of community and making the Salt Lake Valley a great place to live for all of us.

One of the most remarkable aspects of 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 Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute analysis from July 2024. Nearly 4 million free admissions are granted each year to ZAP-funded events, opening the doors to art, music, sport and leisure to all residents, regardless of their financial situation.

As CEO of Zions Bancorporation, I understand the importance of investing in programs that provide lasting value. ZAP does just that, contributing to our cultural and recreational economy while improving the environment in which we live, work and play. This is a program that strengthens Salt Lake County on many levels: economic, cultural and social.

Let’s not forget that ZAP has enjoyed resounding success for over 30 years. Voters have supported it time and time again, with 71% approval in 2004 and 77% in 2014. This year, with bipartisan support and a history of tangible results, I am confident we can once again renew this program with overwhelming support.

At Zions Bank, we see first-hand how investing in our community drives growth. ZAP, in many ways, is a catalyst for this growth. The arts and recreation sectors not only enrich our lives culturally, but also generate tourism, strengthen 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 in November to continue a good thing. By renewing the ZAP, we ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy thriving arts, parks and recreation opportunities, just as we have. ZAP is a model of community success that we can all be proud of – one penny at a time.

Let’s renew the ZAP and keep Salt Lake County’s cultural, recreational and natural treasures alive. Join me in voting for ZAP Proposition #8 on your ballot this November.

Harris Simmons is the Chairman and CEO of Zions Bancorporation.

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