Lehi's City Council will review three policy areas at a work session Monday, Oct. 12: the city's rapid population growth and what it means for local schools, the financial health of the municipal fiber network, and rules governing home-based businesses.

The session begins at 4 p.m. at Lehi City Council Chambers, 131 N. 100 E., according to the city's meeting agenda.

Growth and school planning

Lehi's population has surged roughly 29% since the 2020 census, when it stood at 76,867. World Population Review estimates the city now has about 99,366 residents, growing at 4.25% annually.

That growth is straining schools. Alpine School District representatives told the council in January 2025 that two Lehi elementary schools had exceeded 1,000 students each and that the district may need reconfiguration or new construction to keep up.

Alpine School District is scheduled to split into three new districts on July 1, 2027. Lehi will fall under the new Aspen Peaks School District, which will also serve Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland and the Utah County portion of Draper, according to KSL. Monday's presentation is expected to address how the city's growth trajectory and area plans connect to school planning, though the agenda does not name the presenter.

Fiber network finances

The council will also hear an update on the city-owned fiber optic network, which was completed in August 2025 through a partnership with Strata Networks. The system spans more than 400 miles of fiber and serves about 23,000 homes and businesses.

As of September 2026, the network had surpassed 7,000 active subscribers, a 30% take rate, Lehi Free Press reported. Long-term financial models require about 10,500 subscribers for the system to cover bond obligations without backup city funds. Five independent internet service providers compete on the infrastructure.

Fiber Manager Shaye Ruitenbeek told Lehi Free Press in September that the city was preparing "an updated financial and operational overview" of the network for an October work session, including information on "the network's progress toward long-term financial sustainability."

Home occupation regulations

The third agenda item revisits a topic the council has been wrestling with since at least Feb. 13, 2024, when it approved Ordinance #07-2024 adding athletic instruction as an allowed home occupation use. The council directed staff at that meeting to review expanding other uses, such as academic and cooking instruction, and to examine intensity limits.

The issue resurfaced in January 2025. Resident Brianne Beckstrom told the council her home-based business had been accused of illegal activity despite holding a valid license. She challenged the city to grandfather more than 500 existing home occupation licenses. Resident Andrew Jackson said at the same meeting that his own permit might be in violation.

The discussion comes days after the council voted Wednesday, Oct. 7, to create a 20-member Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC) aimed at cutting red tape, Lehi Free Press reported. Council member James Harrison said at that meeting, "We want to make it easier for these entrepreneurs and business owners who are taking enormous risks to be able to operate effectively in our city."

How to attend

Monday's work session is open to the public. Residents needing disability accommodations can contact the City Recorder at 385-201-2269. Work sessions are discussion-only; any policy action would appear on a future regular meeting agenda.