SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 23, 2026) – Sutherland Institute will co-host two events Oct. 27-28 focused on civil dialogue, family policy, and the demographic changes affecting Utah.

Forging Common Ground: The Utah Way on Tuesday, Oct. 27, will explore Utah’s experience finding common ground on difficult public policy issues. The Demographic Imbalance Roundtable on Wednesday, Oct. 28, will examine demographic trends and policies related to families, caregiving, and Utah’s aging population.

“Utah has a strong tradition of bringing people together across differences to work toward solutions,” said Sutherland Institute President and CEO Todd Weiler. “These events will provide opportunities for thoughtful discussion as we consider how to strengthen our communities and prepare for the future.”

Forging Common Ground: The Utah Way

Forging Common Ground: The Utah Way will take place Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law.

One panel will examine Utah’s experience with the Utah Compromise and the role of civil dialogue in addressing difficult policy questions. A second panel will discuss efforts to find common ground on Utah legislation involving transgender athletes, conversion therapy, and adoption.

Speakers include but are not limited to: professor Paul Cassell, Elder Alexander Dushku, Marina Lowe, former Rep. Kera Birkeland, Sen. Todd Weiler, and Sen. Chris Wilson.

Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams will deliver a keynote address, while former Gov. Gary Herbert will deliver closing remarks on civil dialogue, differences of opinion, and compromise.

Date: Oct. 27, 2026

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Location: Auditorium, University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law

Demographic Imbalance Roundtable

The Demographic Imbalance Roundtable will take place Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Capitol Board Room at the Utah State Capitol. Sutherland Institute’s William C. Duncan will moderate.

The roundtable will examine how Utah can support families and caregivers as the state’s demographics change. Utah’s fertility rate was 1.8 births per woman in 2023, below the replacement level of about 2.1. The share of Utahns ages 65 and older is projected to increase from about one in eight in 2025 to nearly one in four by 2065.

Co-convened by Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and professor Robin Fretwell Wilson, the discussion will consider policy and practical responses, including investments in families, housing, and caregiving.

Date: Oct. 28, 2026

Time: 1:30-4p.m.

Location: Capitol Board Room, Utah State Capitol

For more information, please visit our event page or contact marketing manager Kelli Pierce.