Gov. Spencer Cox singled out the agency overseeing Draper's $2.3 billion Point of the Mountain development on Thursday as an example of state authorities that have outgrown their original missions, calling for "major reform" of how Utah governs its independent land and taxing bodies.

Cox named the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority, which controls 600 acres at the former Utah State Prison site, and the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District as examples of independent agencies with "mission creep" during a PBS Utah news conference on Aug. 20. His primary target: the Military Installation Development Authority, the powerful state body that green-lit the controversial Stratos data center in Box Elder County this summer.

"I think we need major reform when it comes to MIDA, and I will be pushing for that reform again," Cox said, according to Utah News Dispatch.

The governor's comments land at a pivotal moment for Draper. Phase 1 construction at The Point broke ground June 29 with $2.3 billion in private funding committed, backed by a $165 million state infrastructure loan. The development is projected to bring 46,500 jobs and $7 billion in annual GDP at full buildout, with first buildings expected to open in 2028. The Land Authority also sought developers for 800-900 homes in its River District, with proposals due Aug. 14 and vertical construction anticipated in spring 2028.

What Cox wants changed

Cox said elected officials should have more say in what projects independent authorities approve. He said state leaders and the governor's office need greater insight into those decisions.

"There are a lot of these authorities that have come up to do really important projects. And that may be OK. We may support all of that. But we, the elected officials of the state, should be able to have a little bit more of a say in what happens there," Cox said.

Cox said he proposed MIDA changes in 2025, but they never passed. That effort would have created a Beehive Development Authority to coordinate with MIDA, the Point of the Mountain Land Authority and other agencies. It stalled amid bipartisan concerns about consolidating too much government power.

Political fallout fueling reform push

The Stratos data center project, backed by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary, triggered widespread protests across Utah this summer. Senate President Stuart Adams, who served as MIDA board chair, lost his June Republican primary to challenger Stephanie Hollist. Two Box Elder County commissioners who voted for the project also lost their seats.

Rep. Jason Thompson is now drafting legislation to narrow MIDA's authority ahead of the January 2027 legislative session. MIDA has paused work on the Stratos project, citing ongoing referendum litigation.

MIDA spokesperson Kristin Kennedy Williams said in a statement that the agency "is not a policy maker" and is "always happy to engage with the Governor and his team."

What it means for The Point

The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority is a separate entity from MIDA. Created by the Legislature in 2018, it is governed by a 12-member board of legislators, agency executives, local officials and business leaders. Executive director Mike Ambre has led the authority since October 2024.

Cox's comments did not propose specific changes to The Point's governance. But his framing of the Land Authority as an example of mission creep raises questions about whether the 2027 Legislature could restructure oversight of the Draper site.

Neither The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority nor Draper Mayor Troy Walker's office has publicly commented on Cox's characterization.

The 2027 Utah legislative session convenes in January. Residents can track proposed legislation at le.utah.gov.