Monthly Newsletter - October 2024

Executive Director's Corner

I am thrilled to announce that on behalf of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and the Utah Women & Leadership Project, MAG has been selected as one of Utah's 100 Companies Championing Women for 2025.

This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, leadership, and empowerment for women within our organization and across the communities we serve. Our efforts in supporting women’s leadership and advancement have made us a standout example to businesses and communities throughout Utah, and it’s truly an honor to be recognized. Initiatives highlighted in MAG’s nomination include:

• Flexible work hours and location options
• Pay equity efforts
• Diversity of leadership both within MAG and our Executive Council, Committees, and Boards
• Adoption of a paid parental leave policy

Thank you to stakeholders, partners, and staff who support MAG’s efforts and have helped make this accomplishment possible!

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Live PC Give PC in support of Meals on Wheels

Each year in Park City, nonprofit organizations come together for the Live PC Give PC event, an inspiring day of giving that unites our community to create positive change. This year, we are thrilled to announce that our Meals on Wheels program will be participating!

On November 15th, we invite you to take part in this 24-hour fundraising challenge. Your support empowers our community to donate to our cause, ensuring that we can continue providing vital meals to those in need.

Get involved by donating, spreading the word, or volunteering your time. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our community. Visit the Live PC Give PC MOW website to learn more and help make this year's event a success! Thank you for your participation!

Medicare Open Enrollment

MAG provides unbiased personalized Medicare counseling to anyone who has questions during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period. October 15- December 7 is your chance to change your Medicare health or drug coverage for 2025. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan or switch to Original Medicare during this Open Enrollment Period each year.

If you need help with the process or want personalized counseling, contact one of our Medicare counselors at magutah.gov/medicare.

Registration Open for 2024 Caregiver Conference

The 19th Annual Caregiver Conference is on Friday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at doTERRA (389 S 1300 W, PG) and virtually. This year's theme is Mind, Body, Heart: Boosting Caregiver Resilience, with a keynote address by Jody Moore, popular life coach and host of the Better Than Happy podcast. If you care for a senior loved one, this conference is for you. 

The conference is free, but registration is required. Call 801-229-3808 or visit magutah.gov/cg to register and learn more.

SFHRP Success

Ever heard of the Single Family Home Repair Program? The goal of SFHRP is to assist income-qualified homeowners with home repairs, improve accessibility, and increase your home’s energy efficiency. To see if you qualify visit https://magutah.gov/housing-rehab/

Take a look at all the work we did in FY2024:

Summit and Wasatch Counties- 15 homes received repairs: 8 were new roofs; 1 driveway replacement; 2 exterior siding jobs; 3 furnace and water heater replacements; and 1 home received new windows. Total funding spent $234,066!

Utah County- 8 homes completed: roofing, siding, window replacements; 2 bathroom remodels; 2 new laminate floorings; 1 home got new plumbing; and 1 home received concrete repair. Total funding spent $97,775!

Small Business Funding Available!

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity has grant funding under the Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) program to help Utah-based small businesses develop novel technologies and products through the SBIR and STTR programs. Eligible companies must meet SBA-39 requirements for SBIR/STTR participation, with additional funding available for women-owned, small disadvantaged, and rural businesses. This initiative supports innovative entrepreneurs across the state, providing crucial financial backing for groundbreaking ideas. Businesses must be registered with the Utah Division of Corporations as an active for-profit business entity in good standing. See this link for more information on how to apply: https://business.utah.gov/innovation/utif/

For businesses in Utah, Summit, and Wasatch counties, the Mountainland Small Business Loan Fund complements this program by offering gap funding in the form of low-interest loans to bridge financial shortfalls and ensure the success of your technology-driven business plans. Please find out more about our loan program on our website: https://magutah.gov/loans/

AMPO Conference

MAG's Planning Team had the opportunity to attend, and present, at the 2024 AMPO Annual Conference-- where MPOs converge to ignite innovation and forge powerful connections.

MAG's Shauna Mecham, Planner I and Air Quality Analyst presented during a panel on active transportation. The discussion included the value and necessity of trails as part of an active transportation plan, as well as planning and funding approaches that should be considered.

Additionally Bob Allen, MAG's Senior Planner and TIP manager, gave a "Project Idea to Construction Complete" presentation as part of the Creating Quality Core Products Breakout Session. The presentation highlighted the benefits of transitioning from a document-based Transportation Improvement Program to a data-based system called Workflow. Over the last year, MAG has worked with developers to expand the capabilities of Workflow to include project selection, funding, and project delivery. This new system is more secure and convenient to use, and it creates opportunities to include the RTP and other core products into one system. 

Both panels were well attended, generating interest in the innovative ways MAG is doing business.

Congressman Owens Visits the MPO

MAG’s Utah County MPO Board recently hosted U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens. Along with sharing updates on his efforts in Washington, the Congressman expressed the importance of the Regional Transportation Plan and how he uses the RTP improve his understanding of regional transportation priorities. He also commended the MPO Board for the collaborative way in which our member municipalities work together to accomplish more.

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Approved

The FHWA and FTA jointly approved the Utah FFY 2025-2030 STIP which incorporates the individual Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) for all Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) within the State of Utah: Wasatch Front Regional Planning Council (WFRC); Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG); Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO); and Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMPO).

Click the following links to learn more about the STIP or MAG's Transportation Improvement Program.

Local Administrator Advisory Training

On Monday, November 18 from 5:30pm - 8pm there will be a training held for LAA communities located in Utah County. This training is free to LAA communities and will include dinner, a keynote speaker, and a workshop. The training will be held at the Central Utah Water Conservancy District building. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon from the Utah League of Cities and Towns for signups and registration. For more information contact Spencer Foster at 801-229-3675 or sfoster@magutah.gov

Housing Inventory Explorer

What does our housing landscape look like today? The Utah Housing Inventory Explorer is a tool created to extend the data that metropolitan planning organizations already utilize as inputs to regional analysis, and allows anyone to explore housing trends across the region. Data is currently available along the Wasatch Front from Weber County to Utah County.

You can access the explorer from our map gallery at magutah.gov/maps or clicking here.

Utah Valley Growth & Prosperity Summit

The 2024 "Growth and Prosperity Summit: A Plan to THRIVE" aims to bring together business leaders, community members, government representatives, and students to foster collaboration and innovation. Our mission is to develop actionable strategies that promote economic resilience, sustainable growth, and equitable opportunities for all. Through dynamic panel discussions, expert keynote insights, and enthusiastic community engagement, we strive to make Utah County the best place to live, learn, work, play, and raise a family.

Sign up to get your tickets today!

Boys and Girls Club of Utah County

UDOT- Planning and Investment



Unified Plan Partners, we want to hear how you've seen the All Users mindset in action!

Local Warming Center Program Needs Volunteers, Blankets, and Supplies for Upcoming Winter Season 

Beginning October 15th, warming centers for individuals who are homeless and seeking warmth and a place to stay for the night will be open nightly from 9pm to 8am through April 30, 2025, and will be in Provo and incorporated Utah County. Volunteers (18 years and older) are needed to help at the warming centers during the evening, late night, and early morning. Those serving will be assisting experienced staff with set up, clean-up, safety, and security and will be providing our homeless friends with care and fellowship. Training is required. To sign up and/or find out more information, go to https://app.vomo.org/opportunity/warming-center. 

The warming centers are also in need of tons of blankets and other supplies. To find out what is needed and for drop off instructions, look online at JustServe Warming Center Needs.

For questions or additional information, please contact Kena Mathews at Community Action Services and Food Bank at kenam@casfb.org. Thank you! 

UrbanPlan Workshop to be Held Friday, November 8th, at the Lehi City Offices

UrbanPlan is an interactive workshop designed for regional elected and appointed officials to explore the dynamics that shape the built environment. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including role-playing and teamwork, to address real estate and land use challenges. The workshop features a simulation where attendees work in teams to respond to a hypothetical Request for Proposal, develop site plans, and build models using LEGO bricks.

To register for the workshop, please visit this Registration Link.

For questions, concerns, or comments contact Johnathon Knapton, MAG Communications Manager, at jknapton@magutah.gov or (801)229-3836