Naples starts process to join a Utah Inland Port Authority project area

Naples has taken a first step toward a Utah Inland Port Authority project area, its council minutes show. ^[1]

On Aug. 13, 2026, Councilman Nate Zilles moved to adopt Resolution 26-379 to create a port authority project area in Naples, with a housing reference removed. Council members Jonathan Beede, Kenneth Reynolds, Dan Olsen and Zilles voted aye; Ross Morton was absent. ^[1]

What was said

Lori Haslem of the port authority told the council that if Naples joined, it would become part of the Black Gold project area, according to the minutes. She said the authority freezes the existing property tax value and the increase is the differential. ^[1]

Mayor Arnold said the city's own project area would be discussed after joining and that any money for the city's project area would stay with the city. Haslem said that if an investor defaulted, the risk would not fall back on the city. ^[1]

Haslem said the resolution is the first step in mapping out a project area, and the city would hold a public hearing for final approval. The minutes give no boundaries, percentages, amounts or duration. ^[1]

Zilles questioned housing wording in the resolution. The mayor said the language was taken from another entity's resolution and might need to be removed. ^[1]

Earlier discussion

At the July 9, 2026 meeting, a presenter the mayor had invited led a discussion of economic development incentives, including tax increment financing and sales tax incentives. The council voted unanimously to have him pursue conversations with the port authority about sales tax incentives and small commercial development. ^[2]

Existing redevelopment agencies

Naples' two redevelopment agencies were created in 1983 and 1992. The fiscal 2025 audit says both have matured and will no longer receive tax increment, and that funds accumulated earlier will be used for planned projects. ^[3]