Thoughts from a Utahn on strengthening the economy, building community, and promoting civil society.

RECENT INSIGHTS

Utah Joy

By Natalie Gochnour | 05/13/2026

Prepared remarks by Natalie Gochnour delivered at the Wilkes Climate Summit on June 13, 2026. Nearly every day since early April, I have looked at the moon  and reflected on the Artemis journey. For me, like I’m sure all of you, I have felt a hefty dose of MOON JOY. When I unpack this feeling,…

A Mother’s Touch

By Natalie Gochnour | 04/25/2026

Originally published in the Deseret News and Deseret Magazine. The U.S. Mint introduced the Sacagawea golden dollar in 2000 and it remains in circulation today. The coin commemorates the Native guide and mother for her singular and essential contribution to westward expansion. The gold colored specie is a favorite of mine because of the remarkable…

Investing in Utah Children

By Natalie Gochnour | 02/23/2025

By Elena Patel and Natalie Gochnour Originally published in the Deseret News. Approximately 1 in every 10 Utah children 0-5 years of age lives in poverty. Without additional help, many of these 28,000 children will continue to suffer food insecurity, poor living conditions and lack of opportunity. Fortunately, Utah now joins with 13 other states, offering…

Why this speech on elections is exactly what Utahns need to hear

By Natalie Gochnour | 10/04/2024

Originally published in the Deseret News. This week I attended Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson’s timely speech on the 2024 elections. She spoke with authority, courage and grace as she explained that attacks on our elections and the people who run them are attacks on the very institutions that protect our liberty. She said Utahns…

Why building a city is like a relay race.

By Natalie Gochnour | 07/10/2024

Originally published in the Salt Lake Tribune. In 1846, the namesake of Parley’s Canyon, Parley Pratt, wrote in his journal about the “shout of joy” he and others felt upon first seeing the Salt Lake valley. Pratt helped start what has become 178 years of city building in Utah. Salt Lake City now serves as…

Utah and Salt Lake City Policy Innovations

Athena Remarks

Here are reasons why Utah should host another olympics

Christmas reminder: Success in life depends on human kindness

Finding peace in God’s love

Singing my mother to heaven