Monday March 9, 2026

 

2026 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Great news for the LAA Program - the 2026 Legislative Session brought a full restoration of $500,000 in ongoing funding! This ensures continued support for local governments statewide. Thank you to all who took time to communicate the program's value to state legislators during the session. To stay up to speed on everything else that happened this legislative session, join ULCT online on March 12 for their 2026 General Session Recap (12:00–1:30 PM), and be sure to review the WFRC 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up for a comprehensive summary of notable legislation and some appropriations highlights related to WFRC’s work.


ARPA Closeout Reports

Have you received a notification from the U.S. Department of Treasury about your American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Closeout Report? This is the final report that all municipalities must submit to finalize all reporting for SLFRF funds. Please reach out to me if you would like assistance completing your ARPA Closeout Report.


Don't Forget! Unified Project Portal (UPP)

The Utah Project Portal (UPP) is the official platform for submitting and managing projects under the Unified Water Infrastructure Plan (UWIP), as well as the official platform for collecting the annual projects list for the Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB). If your city or town has any projects considered for funding under either of these programs, you must submit all project data to the portal. Request an account or sign in here, and view instructional videos here.



ULCT Midyear Conference Scholarship - Due March 11

Seven scholarships are available to local officials in LAA cities and towns located in counties of the second through fifth class to attend the upcoming ULCT spring midyear conference. Online applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 11. Priority will be given to municipalities and local officials that have not attended a ULCT conference before.


Invasive Species Mitigation Weed Control Grant - Due March 20

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is looking for projects that target high priority species and will reduce the number outlier populations. For more information about this grant and to access the online application, please visit UDAF's website here.


Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grant - Due March 31

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports projects that protect, improve, expand, or maintain safe and sustainable motorized off-road vehicle access on public and community lands. Find the online application and FAQs here.


Firehouse Subs First Responder Grants - Opens April 7

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation offers ongoing grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 to first responder and public safety organizations nationwide to purchase life-saving equipment, support training, education, and disaster response. Find more information about the grant and how to apply here.

 


ULCT 2026 Legislative Session Recap - March 12 at 12:00 p.m.

The Utah League of Cities and Towns will be hosting a general legislative session recap meeting. Register here for an in-person or online review of legislation that may affect your municipality.


ULCT Midyear Conference - April 22-24, 2026

Registration is open for the Midyear Conference in St. George. Explore the preliminary agenda to see a lineup of professional development workshops, keynote presentations, collaborative roundtables, and networking events designed for local government leaders from across Utah.


In Case You Missed It - WFRC 101 Recording is Now Available!

Did you miss the WFRC 101 webinar in February? To learn more about who we are, how communities collaborate through WFRC, and the planning, funding, and technical resources available to support transportation, land use, and economic development efforts, watch the recorded webinar here, and view the slides here.

As a reminder, URS' new Pension Administration System, AUREUS, will go-live on March 30, 2026. If you or your municipality's staff need assistance navigating the new employer portal or have any questions regarding the update, please reach out to me.


If you have any questions about any of the opportunities in this edition of the LAA Connection, please feel free to reach out to me.


Sincerely,


Madison Aviles

Local Administrative Advisor

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