WHAT WE DO

Journalism + Data

= Solutions to Wicked Problems

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PURPOSE

Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation. Growth brings opportunities, but also challenges - whether you can afford to buy that home or rent that apartment, bike safely to work or access public transportation, breath clean air and drink clean water. These challenges shape our daily lives and their urgency only grows with time.

The Innovation Lab uses data-driven journalism to identify solutions to our most pressing public challenges.

We explore challenges from all angles to “come up with a beautiful, elegant solution that works,” as Steve Jobs said.

We convene relevant stakeholders – impacted citizens and residents, community organizations, and business, nonprofit, and government leaders – to plot a strategic path to a better future.

In short, we use innovative journalism to build solutions to problems that don’t want to be solved.

Still idling your car? Here’s why you’re in the minority in Utah.

‘We bribe them with $2 and cigarettes’: Why a Salt Lake grassroots program is thriving

How Kennecott’s Utah copper mine may be key to our solar future

Utah lags behind others in clean energy goal. Is that about to change?

192,000 businesses and $9.67 billion in economic activity: What a report says about Google’s impact in Utah

Utah’s micro solution to the big challenge of making public transit faster

We traveled from Salt Lake City to Provo using only public transportation. Here’s what we learned.

Could a ‘hydrogen hub’ energize Utah and the West to a cleaner future?

Utah-based tech company aims to reduce workplace injuries using robots

Utah has bad drivers, but just how bad are they?

Here’s why some Utahns say they don’t ride public transportation

UDOT sliding new bridge into place, starting I-15 environmental impact study

Delta pilots protest scheduling concerns outside of Salt Lake City International Airport

‘We’ll help you get started:’ This Utah group wants to help turn your garden into a farm.

Tell us which Utah roads and intersections you think are most dangerous

OUR TEAM

Luke Peterson

Editor & Director

Luke received his master's in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he worked with the Ash Center for Innovation in Government. He led technology-based economic development for local governments in Iowa, Rhode Island, and Utah, and later launched the Office of New Urban Mechanics (ONUM) at UVU, which worked to solve thorny public problems in partnership with cities, legislators, and state agencies. He’s served as Sr. Economic Development Officer for the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and on Governor Spencer Cox's transition team advising on technology and innovation.

Tim Fitzpatrick

Innovation Reporter

Tim Fitzpatrick is the Renewable Energy Reporter for the Innovation Lab, covering Utah’s transition to sustainable energy. He started at the Tribune in 1976, and he has been a reporter, editor, managing editor, deputy editor, editorial page editor and executive vice president. He has a BS degree in physics from Utah State University and an MBA from the University of Utah.

Saige Miller

Innovation Lab Producer & Reporter

Saige is the producer and engagement reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune Innovation Lab, focusing on community narratives to pave the way toward solving Utah’s biggest issues. Originally from Salem, Oregon, Saige moved to Salt Lake City in 2014 to attend and debate for the University of Utah. After graduating from college, Saige kick-started her career at KSL NewsRadio as a digital content and radio producer.