One of Utah's top planning groups, Envision Utah, will announce today the selection of Layton Mayor Jerry Stevenson as its new chairman.

Although the position is voluntary and part time, Stevenson will have opportunity as chairman to influence the future direction of Envision Utah, a group created with the purpose of guiding long-term, "smart" growth in Utah.

Considering past development in Layton, the retail capital of Davis County, Stevenson's selection could prove controversial. But longtime followers of Envision Utah say the selection is smart, especially considering Stevenson's past experience as a deal-maker in local government.

"For a person in that position, the number one job skill they could have is being a good host," said Keith Bartholomew, an assistant professor in the University of Utah's College of Architecture and Planning. "Maybe that means they can provide good home-baked cookies — whatever it takes."

As Envision Utah's chairman, Stevenson will meet with elected officials to discuss Envision Utah principles and ideas. He will serve as chairman for about two years, said Kevin Fayles, Envision Utah spokesman.

"I think Mayor Stevenson knows firsthand the challenges cities face with planning," said Fayles. "We think he will be an effective ambassador; meeting with elected officials, finding what concerns they have with planning."

Stevenson has been active in Layton city government the past 26 years. He was on the city planning commission for six years; the Layton City Council for eight and has served as mayor the past 12 years. He is not seeking reelection.

Stevenson said Thursday that he was honored by the selection. He said he supports Envision Utah's goals and its process of bringing people together to discuss planning.

"I've been an avid supporter of Envision Utah since my conversion back in the early '90s when I was first exposed to Envision Utah," said Stevenson. "I think the process they have developed there — there is so much advantage to it for cities and counties to use those processes and principles."

While Layton is not known for being a city built around Envision Utah principles, Stevenson said he has tried to incorporate those principles during his tenure as mayor. Different ideas about growth work for different cities, he said.

In recent years, Layton has encouraged high-density, mixed-used development in its downtown area, in exchange for preservation of open space in more rural areas.

Stevenson's announcement as Envision Utah's new chairman will occur during an awards luncheon today, sponsored by the Coalition for Utah's Future Common Good.

For more information about Envision Utah, see http:www.envisionutah. org.

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