The Denver and Salt Lake City Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have embarked upon regional visioning strategies that promote development around higher
density, mixed use centers with current or future access to transit. This study examines the programs and policies in the Salt Lake City and Denver regions to examine regional
vision influence on local planning and the opportunities and constraints facing centers. The research team analyzed local plans over the past several decades, interviewed
planners, and examined demographic, land use and transportation characteristics in select centers across the region. We found that the regional vision had a moderate influence
on local planning, due to vague definitions and criteria. However, light rail investment and market forces have had a more substantial influenceÑresulting in cities developing
supportive transit oriented development policies.