Monday July 28, 2025

ULCT Call for Board Nominations - The Utah League of Cities and Towns is accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 Board of Directors. The League Board consists of mayors, council members, and a city manager from all corners of the state. This year, they are seeking many new board representatives, including “at-large" representatives and a town representative. If you would like to nominate someone before the August 1st deadline (including a self-nomination), click here.

.gov Deadline - July 1 marked the first day of the top-level domain (.gov) requirement. If you need assistance transitioning your municipal website or email address to a .gov domain, please reach out to me as soon as possible. Please note that all WFRC email addresses have also been updated, and my new email address is madison.aviles@wfrc.utah.gov.

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund - Due August 31

This grant works to preserve or restore critical agricultural land in Utah by purchasing development rights on these critical lands. It allows farmers and ranchers to continue to utilize their land for agriculture and secures Utah’s local food security. Online applications are accepted until August 31.

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative - Due September 30

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative provides funding to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations that promote safe and responsible off-highway vehicle use, land stewardship, and public education. Eligible applicants include communities working to preserve access for motorized off-road vehicles. Grants support a wide range of projects such as trail development and maintenance, staging area improvements, educational and safety programs, wildlife and land management, and efforts to protect or expand recreational access. Applications are accepted quarterly on a on-going basis.

Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grants - Due October 15

This grant program provides between $250 and $5,000 to support local organizations that directly benefit the communities they serve. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities, K–12 schools and higher education institutions, and faith-based organizations with community-focused projects. Applications for the Spark Good Local Grant Program are accepted quarterly on a on-going basis.

APA Planning Webinar: Use by Right and Administrative Approvals - August 1

This webinar hosted by the American Planning Association will review how permitting uses by right and implementing administrative approvals can shift responsibility for administrative development decisions toward the administrative professionals, freeing up elected and appointed officials to set policy and develop broad guidance while reducing friction in the review process. Register via Zoom for this webinar on August 1.

Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition (RVCC) Policy Calls - Monthly

Join the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition each month (3rd Wednesday, 2 p.m.) for a collaborative policy discussion. They talk through timely updates from Washington D.C. and policy updates from the field. RVCC looks forward to engaging with their broad coalition of partners, so please bring your insights and questions. All are welcome, and you may register via Zoom here.

July also marks the beginning of a new fiscal year, so be sure to check in with the ULCT Annual Municipal Calendar for reminders of upcoming municipal requirements. If you would like any assistance applying for any of the grants in this newsletter, or any other opportunities, please reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Madison Aviles

Local Administrative Advisor