Monthly Newsletter - April 2025

Executive Director's Corner

Budget Season Insights: Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Growth

At Mountainland Association of Governments, budget season is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s our opportunity to align resources with our region’s priorities. As our member counties and municipalities navigate rapid growth, MAG is committed to providing thoughtful planning and fiscal stewardship to help ensure their communities are prepared to meet both current and future needs. Each year, our team works closely with member jurisdictions and stakeholders to shape a budget that not only addresses current needs but also positions us to meet future challenges head-on.

Our budgeting process is guided by a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and long-term thinking. Whether it’s investing in aging services to support our growing senior population, advancing transportation infrastructure to ease regional mobility, or funding planning initiatives that prepare us for tomorrow’s housing and economic demands — every dollar is carefully considered with the needs of our communities in mind. We understand that the decisions we make today lay the groundwork for the opportunities and quality of life our residents will experience for years to come.

As we move through this budget cycle, I’m proud of the dedicated staff and engaged partners who help ensure that MAG remains a responsible steward of public resources. Together, we are not only managing growth but shaping it in a way that honors our shared values and vision for the future.

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Volunteer Spotlight

Lonnie Lockhart has been a member of AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program through MAG since 2022.

Lonnie serves every Wednesday at Tabitha's Way Local Food Pantry North County, where he’s known for his kindness and humor. "It's not just about handing out food to the clients; it's about making people laugh and brighten their day," says Lonnie. He loves to tease, joke, and interact with the clients and their children, and they all appreciate his warm and lighthearted presence.

Thank you, Lonnie, for your dedicated service!

RSVP is a volunteer club that connects those 55+ to volunteer opportunities in our community. Learn more at magutah.gov/rsvp.

A Big Thank You to Park City Elks Lodge 734!

During their annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, the Park City Elks Lodge 734 generously presented $8,500 to Meals on Wheels. This incredible gift will help provide 785 nutritious meals to homebound seniors in our community.

We’re so grateful for their support in helping us care for our senior neighbors.

Learn more about how Meals on Wheels is making a difference at mowsuw.org.

Single Family Hope Repair Program

We've received new funding for SFHRP in Summit, Utah and Wasatch Counties!

Does your home need repairs? Home Repairs can be expensive and overwhelming! The goal of SFHRP is to assist homeowners with major or minor home repairs, improve accessibility, and increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Potential repair projects include:

• Roof Replacements
• Plumbing Updates
• Heating & Cooling Updates
• Electrical System Work
• Siding Replacement
• Replacement of Broken or Inefficient Windows
• Health & Safety Hazard Mitigation
• Overcrowding Solutions
• Accessibility Features

Inquire now at https://magutah.gov/sfhrp-questionnaire/

Petit Beauty Salon Receives $100k Business Loan

We’re excited to announce that Petit Beauty Salon, a thriving beauty services provider founded in 2022, has received a $100,000 loan from the Mountainland Association of Governments’ Small Business Loan Program. This funding will support the expansion of their operations to a new location in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

With a focus on serving the Hispanic community and welcoming the broader local population, Petit Beauty Salon has built a loyal client base through its commitment to high-quality, culturally attuned services. Their offerings include Russian manicures, laser hair removal, hair styling, body waxing, eyelash extensions, and retail beauty products.

The loan proceeds will be used for essential equipment purchases and working capital needs to support the launch of their new salon. This expansion represents a significant milestone for the business, which has maintained an impressive 10% annual sales growth since its founding.

Petit Beauty Salon’s growth is not just a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit but also to the increasing demand for personalized, inclusive beauty care in Utah County. With this new chapter in Pleasant Grove, they aim to continue empowering clients with confidence, style, and top-tier service.

The Small Business Loan Program is proud to support businesses like Petit Beauty Salon that contribute to the local economy while enriching the cultural fabric of our communities. To learn more about MAG's Small Business Loan Program visit magutah.gov/loans.

2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity

USDOT has recently released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. You can find the NOFO here: SS4A NOFO.

The application deadline (for both Planning and Implementation grants) is June 26, 2025. MAG MPO and the Wasatch Back RPO adopted Safety Action Plans last year for their respective counties, which makes all member local governments in the MAG area eligible for both Planning and Implementation grants. This NOFO includes almost $1 billion in funding to be awarded in 2025 and is the fourth year of five for safety funding made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Please note that if your agency is interested in applying for a grant, you will be asked to coordinate with MAG staff throughout the application process.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss potential projects, please contact Bob Allen (rallen@magutah.gov) and Calvin Clark (cclark@magutah.gov). For more information, including recorded informational webinars hosted by USDOT, please see the program page: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation

Federal Leaders Visit Utah Transportation

Utah's transportation partners were proud to welcome U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to Utah.

This visit was a valuable opportunity to spotlight both the exciting opportunities ahead — like the return of the Olympic Games in 2034 — and the challenges we continue to face, including ongoing air quality regulations. We appreciate Secretary Duffy’s support and recognition of our growing needs, saying, “Your state is growing. It’s expanding, and with that, you have more needs in your communities. And the federal government is a partner, and we play a role.”

A major focus of the visit was Utah’s collaborative approach to transportation planning and delivery. One standout project: the double-tracking of FrontRunner. This critical investment will improve speed, reliability, and connectivity for rail service across the Wasatch Front. Secretary Duffy joined us for a ride on FrontRunner and praised Utah’s approach to transit, noting that our state could serve as a model for others across the country.

We were also joined by U.S. Senator John Curtis and U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy, who emphasized the importance of Utah’s transit network and offered the Secretary a guided tour during the trip. We’re grateful for the continued support from both state and national leaders who understand that investing in transportation is key to preserving Utah’s high quality of life—today and for generations to come.

Golden Spoke Ride Returns!

The Golden Spoke Bike Ride is back for its’ eighth year of celebrating the eight trails that connect riders from Ogden all the way to Provo. Whether you’re new to cycling, or are a seasoned professional, this ride is for you. With two family friendly bike rides at the beginning and end of the course, and four different starting locations along the route, participants can find an option that fits their abilities. Take a look at the 2025 Event Ride Details tab to learn more about the different options before you register.

This event is FREE and all registered participants will receive a water bottle and a complimentary UTA transit pass to help you get to and from the ride. The first 200 to register will also receive a $10 voucher toward food and drink at the end of ride event. Commemorative event T-shirts can also be purchased for $15 with orders place by April 18.

The 2025 ride is ending at the new Skippers Bay Trailhead at the Provo River Delta, which means everyone will ride from north to south. There are four different starting locations along the 53 mile route between Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai (which is where the event ended last year) and Skippers Bay. The starting locations will also serve at rest stops along the route. For those who desire a more challenging experience, you can opt to do a 100 mile ride from Ogden’s High Adventure Park. The northern 50 miles will have one rest stop in North Salt Lake, so plan accordingly.

To register for the event, visit jordanrivercommission.gov/golden-spoke-ride.

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