Monthly Newsletter - July 2024

NEWS & UPDATES

Executive Director's Corner

It is my tremendous honor to have been given a role on the Policy Board of Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to tackling Utah's housing crisis. I feel that my role on this policy board will pair perfectly with my role at MAG, where we pride ourselves on our assistance to our local governments in their efforts to provide opportunities for under-resourced and under-represented individuals.


A Governor Cox initiative, UWHA strives to ensure that future generations of Utahns can afford to buy a home in Utah. I intend to represent the interests of those within Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties while on this board, by working to address Utah's housing crisis through the strategies of:


  1. Increasing public awareness of Utah's housing challenges and potential solutions.
  2. Developing innovative proposals for Utah's policymakers.
  3. Establishing a metric to assess the "housing friendliness" of Utah's municipalities.


I firmly believe that, as stated in UWHA's mission, "through the support and action of the Utah State Legislature and local governments, we can build a foundation for economic prosperity and community well-being that will stand the test of time."


To learn more, you can visit the UHWA site here. And as always, I appreciate the time you take to read our newsletter!


-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Staff Highlight- New HR Manager

Rebecca Smyrniotopoulos comes to MAG with a B.S. in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from the U of U.


Rebecca happened upon HR by accident in the early 2000's when a coworker asked her to help with employee benefits administrative tasks. Since then, she feels lucky to have learned a lot about HR while developing a passion for seeking opportunities to make workplaces better for everyone connected to them.


Since joining MAG, Rebecca says she's enjoyed learning "a bit about how many people's lives are made just a little easier by Meals on Wheels, how the cost-effectiveness of weatherization projects is calculated, and the enormousness of data that goes into transportation planning." She's also realized just how much she still has to learn about all of the positive effects of MAG's efforts throughout Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties.


Welcome to the team Rebecca, we're excited to have you onboard!


Provo Rehab & Nursing Flag Raising

Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing residents, Paul and Leonard, spearheaded the creation of a facility flag to enhance a sense of community at their skilled nursing facility. The resident council and Provo Rehabilitation staff collaborated to create and design the flag with the messages of "Recovery, Healing, Adapt and Live; A place where residents and their families feel loved, informed and comfortable". 


MAG's Long-Term Care Ombudsman team worked to support the residents' vision and, on June 20th, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Susie Yorgason participated in the flag raising. This might be the first resident created nursing facility flag in the nation, and Susie is working with national ombudsman organizations to share the idea.

Navigate Your Options with Confidence: Options Counseling

Navigating the world of senior services is often overwhelming. We provide options counseling that provides just that: personalized counseling on what options are available to you in your community. Our options counselors help older adults and their families navigate which in-home programs or resources in the community might benefit them.


Our counselors give personalized guidance on:

  • Eligibility for government-funded programs that offer non-medical in-home services like personal care and daily activity assistance. These programs typically serve those age 60+, income qualified, and at risk of needing nursing home placement. 
  • Caregiver support programs.
  • Referrals to community resources such as transportation, food assistance, VA benefits, and more.


Options counseling empowers your family to make well-informed long-term care decisions, allowing you to plan for the future with clarity and confidence. To make an appointment with our options counselor, call 801-229-3808.

Meals on Wheels On Parade

A big thanks to everyone who supported Meals on Wheels in the OremFest Parade! Your enthusiasm and generosity mean the world to us, and help us continue delivering nutritious meals and warm smiles to those in need.


Interested in helping out? Every bit helps! Volunteer at MAGUtah.gov/volunteer or donate at MAGutah.gov/donate


The United Way Center in Payson is Now Open!

MAG recently gathered with community partners including Payson City, Revere Health, and United Way for the ribbon cutting ceremony at a new United Way Center in Payson. Located in the basement of the Summit Foot and Ankle building, this center was opened following the great success of the United Way Center - South Franklin, located in Provo.


MAG, under the Community Development Block Grant program, is delighted to assist in funding staffing and operating costs for this new center for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.


United Way Center - Payson now provides a hub for classes and events that will benefit both children and adults. Classes, taught in English and Spanish, will include early education, literacy, and STEM. 


Spread the word to your friends in southern Utah County about this new center and its programs. We want as many as possible to benefit from the good things provided by United Way! To learn more, visit https://unitedwayuc.org/payson-community-center/.


Transportation Events

A shout out to our partners at Move Utah, Get Healthy Utah, and Bike Utah who are excited to present the inaugural 2024 Connected Communities Summit!


  • Date: September 18 - 19
  • Location: Utah Valley Convention Center, 220 W Center St, Suite 200 Provo, UT 84601


Network with key decision-makers, attend educational sessions, and engage in initiatives that foster healthier, more connected communities in Utah.


Use promo code: "ConnectedCommunitiesPartners" and save!


Learn More and Register Today! Together, let's build an active and healthy Utah!

Discover the pulse of transportation planning at the 2024 AMPO Annual Conference! Dive into three days of dynamic professional development content, now available on our now available on our schedule. With over 35 sessions to explore, uncover the insights and innovations that will shape the future of your work. Join us and don’t miss out on the conversation driving tomorrow’s transportation solutions! 


Early registration ends Friday, August 9th.

Click here to register for the ULCT Annual Convention.

Borrow Me!
MAG's folding e-bike is looking forward to exploring with elected officials and city staff who want to experience the opportunities this new technology brings. 

Contact Shauna Mecham for more information to learn about active transportation plans at:
Visit Us on Social Media

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