WASATCH COUNTY, UTAH – Projected Rapid Growth in Jordanelle Area and Deer Valley East Village Outlined in New MIDA Report
A newly released report from the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) details the anticipated pace and scale of development within the Jordanelle Specially Planned Area, with particular emphasis on the Deer Valley East Village (DVEV). Wasatch County officials are set to review these findings during their regularly scheduled County Council meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m.
According to MIDA’s projections, the area is positioned for a transformational decade. Full build-out is expected to include approximately 6,000 new residential and hospitality units, comprising:
• 1,267 single-family residences
• 3,240 condominiums or townhomes
• 1,680 hotel and hotel-condominium units
The report estimates that, at full build-out, daily population figures will exceed 7,500 individuals, not including resort staff and employees. During peak seasonal events and holidays, daily occupancy is projected to surpass 10,000 individuals.
Front-Loaded Growth Timeline
As of the report’s release, approximately 22% of the total projected development has been completed. That number is expected to increase dramatically—tripling within five years and reaching 93% build-out by 2035. MIDA attributes this accelerated growth to what it calls a “front-loaded development window,” driven by key strategic milestones, including the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, where Deer Valley is expected to serve as an official venue.
“This is a critical moment in the life cycle of this community,” the report states. “Transformational changes will take place early in each development window.”
MIDA’s analysis suggests that the projected growth in the Jordanelle Basin and East Village would more than double the total number of residential units in Heber City, which stood at 5,160 units as of 2022, per the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. Notably, Heber City saw a 53% increase in its housing stock between 2013 and 2022, illustrating the scale and uniqueness of the regional growth pattern.
Zoning, Phasing, and Infrastructure Pressures
The report identifies six distinct zones within DVEV, each governed by specific development timelines and land use patterns. Zones 2 and 6 are expected to serve as economic anchors with high concentrations of hospitality, retail, and service infrastructure, while residential development is planned across all six zones.
MIDA emphasizes the importance of this data for guiding long-term infrastructure planning, including water resources, transportation corridors, public safety, and school capacity. The report underscores that these projections are not merely hypothetical, but rather critical tools for proactive local governance.
“These numbers aren’t just theoretical,” the report notes. “They help Wasatch County and MIDA prepare for the real-world impact of this unprecedented growth.”
Regional Significance and Dependency on Major Projects
The report further notes that without large-scale projects such as Marcella Club, Skyridge, and Pioche, the current completion percentage of 22% would drop to just 11%, underscoring the region’s dependence on these signature developments for economic and structural momentum.
This week’s presentation builds on prior MIDA growth assessments and serves as a strategic roadmap as Wasatch County approaches major milestones, including the 175th anniversary of county establishment and the planned expansion of resort terrain at Deer Valley.
