Park City Childcare Program saves families $470+ monthly while boosting employment, report states

PARK CITY, Utah – A year after its launch, Park City’s Needs-Based Childcare Scholarship Program is showing measurable success in stabilizing the workforce and supporting families, according to a newly released impact report. The initiative, funded with $1 million from Park City and $485,000 from Summit County, has provided 125 families and 150 children with financial assistance while bolstering 28 local childcare businesses.

According to the report, every $1 invested in the program has generated at least $3.13 in economic impact, totaling an estimated $4.64 million in measurable returns. The program has also saved local employers $2.76 million in turnover costs and facilitated $262,752 in state childcare assistance, reducing financial strain on local government.

City’s Commitment to Childcare

Park City’s commitment to addressing childcare affordability began in 2023 when the City Council engaged community members through public comment sessions and partnered with the Park City Community Foundation to conduct a local childcare needs assessment. “During their fiscal year budgeting process, City Council decided to dedicate $1 million to help support local childcare needs, including affordability,” said Michelle Downard, Park City’s resident advocate and program manager lead.

The program, launched in January 2024 in Park City and expanded to Summit County in June 2024, provides monthly scholarships up to $1,700 for families earning 100% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Families must contribute 10% of their income and apply for state benefits if eligible.

On average, Park City families received $471.85 per month, while Summit County families received $787.39 per month.

Workforce Stability & Economic Growth

The program has directly impacted workforce retention, with 60% of parents maintaining employment, 32% rejoining the workforce, and 80% of unemployed participants securing jobs within three months.

“We’re really encouraged by everything, including the individual stories from community members who were able to either pursue employment, stay employed, or earn promotions,” Downard said. “On a large scale, I think a big takeaway is that it is helping families thrive, which also supports the economic growth of the community.”

Childcare Capacity & Provider Sustainability

Childcare providers have also benefited from increased enrollment, with 82% reporting growth.

“On March 20, we will present a separate staff report that recognizes the impact report and discusses local childcare capacity, including recent openings of new facilities in Summit County,” Downard said. “It will provide updated capacity numbers and further insights into childcare sustainability.”

Challenges & Future Funding

As the first municipality in Utah to implement a childcare support program, Park City had to navigate unique challenges in program design and execution. “We had a work group of local stakeholders who helped design the program, define the criteria, and ultimately make recommendations to City Council,” Downard said. “Ensuring it aligned with Council’s goals while being effective was critical.”

Future funding remains uncertain, as no dedicated funding source exists for childcare support at the municipal level. “That will be part of the conversation on March 20,” Downard said. “City Council will discuss whether they want to consider additional funding in future fiscal year budget discussions.”

Integrating with State & Federal Support

Park City designed its program to complement existing state and federal childcare assistance, rather than duplicate it. “We were very purposeful in making sure we were part of the broader solution,” Downard said. “A coordinated approach ensures we maximize the impact of available resources.”

The report notes that many families are now receiving state assistance through Utah’s Department of Workforce Services (DWS) in addition to municipal funding, increasing overall support.

Looking Ahead

While the city has not set a specific long-term enrollment goal, officials plan to continue assessing the community’s needs and adjusting the program accordingly. “The impact report helps us measure success, and I think it provides a great example of how we can continue to track impact moving forward,” Downard said.

Park City’s bold step into municipal-level childcare support has garnered local and national recognition. “We’re honored to be receiving so much recognition for this program,” Downard said. “We’re looking forward to the March 20 conversation to see where we go from here.”

To watch the March 20 Park City Council meeting where the Childcare Program will be discussed, click here. Meeting agenda and staff reports on the Childcare Program are available here.