Due to budget reductions, the Multicultural Commission was created and informally announced on July 21, 2011, under the Office of Ethnic Affairs (now Division of Multicultural Affairs). The Commission will collaborate to coordinate projects, resources, and activities targeted to better serve the ethnic community. The Commission is tasked with addressing issues like the educational achievement gap, healthcare disparities and joblessness among Utah's ethnic communities. The Multicultural Commission shall consist of members appointed by the Governor. Members will represent State agencies and leadership within the ethnic community.

The Multicultural Commission, formally announced on November 15, 2011, is chaired by the Lt. Governor and is composed of members appointed by the Governor. The 24 members of Commission consists of the executive directors of seven state agencies, the Refugee Services Office director, chairs of the current ethnic advisory councils (established through Executive Order in 1972), two legislators, ethnic business leaders, ethnic chamber of commerce representatives, and ethnic community representatives. It's a collaborative roundtable modeled after the successful Homeless Coordinating Committee that formulated the acclaimed Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Each member serves a two-year term with service being no more than two consecutive two-year terms. The Commission shall meet at least every other month.