We understand many of you are rightfully concerned about the recent passage of HB2 in North Carolina and HB1523 in Mississippi, bills that undermine the progress we have made as a country toward equality for LGBTQ people. Over the last year, business has played a large role in keeping reactionary bills like HB2 and HB1523 at bay in other states. Unfortunately, this time, the North Carolina General Assembly and the Mississippi Legislature chose politics over the best interests of the people and businesses they serve.

In Salt Lake City we are no strangers to robust public discussions about equality, discrimination, access, and accommodation. We know by taking these issues seriously, we make our city a great place to live and do business. In 2009, Salt Lake City adopted an ordinance that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment. In 2015, the State of Utah followed suit by adopting a similar measure. Both of these statutes were supported by religious groups across the state, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, proving to the nation that equality for LGBTQ people and religious liberty are not mutually exclusive principles.

In Salt Lake City, economic strength is intrinsically tied to treating all people with dignity and respect. Like you, we recognize that our economic success depends on inclusion and protection for everyone. So, in light of North Carolina and Mississippi’s recent actions, we’d like to invite you to consider doing business in our beautiful and welcoming city.

Salt Lake City has one of the strongest economies in the country. With several institutes of higher education, our city’s workforce is well educated, and our business community is supported by cutting-edge research and innovation. Health care, housing, and energy costs are some of the lowest in the nation. State and local regulations and taxes are business-friendly, and this year, both branches of Salt Lake City government have made economic development a top priority.

We are a diverse city, with a culture of community service and passion for the arts, and of course, our access to the outdoors is unrivaled. Skiers and snow boarders can enjoy the “greatest snow on Earth” at six world-class resorts less than 45-minutes from downtown. Our red-rock desert playgrounds include five of the most scenic National Parks less than a 4-hour drive—providing an easy weekend escape.

Please consider joining businesses like Goldman Sachs, Ancestry.com, Cicero Group, Myriad Genetics, Google Fiber, and others who have already made Salt Lake City home. We would welcome an opportunity to help you bring your business here. In Salt Lake City, we welcome the world. If you have more questions about Salt Lake City and how you can do business here, please send us an email at mayor@slcgov.com.

With regards,