Monthly Newsletter - February 2025 | |
Executive Director's Corner | |
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February was a very busy month for MAG. As we near the end of another productive session of the Utah Legislature, I'd like to thank our elected leaders and partner organizations for the dedication and cooperative spirit that continue to help Utah grow and thrive.
I'd also like to thank our U.S. Congressional delegation for taking time to meet with us while our Metropolitan Planning Organization team recently visited Washington. Highlights of those office visits can be found in this newsletter. While in Washington, we also attended the annual conference of the National Association of Regional Councils. This was a great opportunity to get firsthand information about the changes occurring at the federal level and how they might impact us here in Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties.
I'm excited to announce our upcoming March for Meals Campaign, taking place during the entire month of March. This campaign benefits the Meals On Wheels Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties (MOWSUW) non-profit. MOWSUW seeks to improve the health and quality of life for our homebound Seniors while fostering independence and ensuring no one is left hungry or isolated. In our service area alone, we currently have over 500 qualified homebound Seniors waiting for nutritious hot meals and social interaction because of budget constraints. While state and federal funding are critical to our ability to meet program needs, this non-profit was established because the need continues to outpace funding. Please take a look at https://mowsuw.org/ and support in any way you can.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter!
-Michelle Carroll, MPA
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Single Family Home Repair Project Success | |
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The Single Family Repair Program was able to assist a single mother of 2 disabled children with siding on her home. Parts of her home did not have any siding, making her home cold and exposed to outside elements.
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 magutah.gov/housing-rehab
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Revolving Loan Fund Spotlight | |
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MAG’s Revolving Loan Fund aims to support small businesses that drive job creation and economic growth in the region. In November 2024, MAG closed a small business loan for Wenlock Talent LLC, a staffing firm specializing in contract and permanent placement services.
Founded by industry veterans, Wenlock Talent built a reputation for strong client relationships, deep industry knowledge, and expert leadership, offering placement services across fintech, accounting, and operations. However, like many growing businesses, Wenlock Talent needed additional working capital to expand operations and scale its services. These funds will help them create jobs, increase sales, invest in targeted marketing campaigns, and improve operational systems.
With these strategic investments, Wenlock Talent is positioned for long-term success, creating new opportunities for both job seekers and employers in the industries it serves.
We’re proud to support businesses like Wenlock Talent, helping them to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact. If your business is looking for financial support to scale operations, please reach out to us to learn more about our Small Business Loan Program.
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Weatherization Program Kudos | |
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MAG's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers assistance to income-qualified homeowners, renters and mobile home owners to improve the energy efficiency and safety of their homes so that they hold heat better in the winter and stay cooler in the summer.
The Weatherization Program recently received the following letter of thanks for services provided:
"I am writing this email regarding some of your employees. I wanted you to know just how wonderful these guys are! Burl came to my home and did an energy audit in 2024. He was respectful of my disabled sister's need for quiet. As a result of his very thorough audit I have been blessed to have some work done in my home. Anthony has been overseeing the work and had Carlos, Zion, and Seve with him. They not only worked around my schedule but were very conscientious of my privacy while they were here. They thoroughly cleaned up after themselves each day they have been here.
On the last day a heavy storm came in just as they were about to leave, not only did they take out garbage they had collected while working but they brought my garbage can in from the street AND shoveled my walking path! What more could a person ask for...kindness, cleanliness and courtesy! You have an amazing team!
I am truly grateful for all that they have done and for being awarded the services your office has provided. For what it is worth I have also sent this information to the Governor's Office.
In this mixed up world I believe it is important to share good experiences and recognize those who perform them."
To learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program, visit magutah.gov/weatherization
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Retirement of Shawn Eliot | |
It is with both excitement and trepidation that we announce the retirement of Shawn Eliot, our Transportation Manager, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service to the organization. Shawn has been an instrumental part of our team, overseeing transportation planning and programming and numerous key transportation projects across Utah County. While we will miss his knowledge, expertise, and presence at MAG, we are excited for him as he embarks on this well-deserved next chapter.
We are now looking for a Transportation Manager. We seek a leader that is collaborative, passionate about transportation, and who wants to help shape the future of our region. This is an exciting opportunity - please share with anyone that may be interested.
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NARC and U.S. Capitol Visits | |
Winter weather followed leadership and members of MAG's Metropolitan Planning Organization to D.C. for the annual conference of the National Association of Regional Councils. The conference gave the MPO team, along with our Board Chair, Mayor Wright of Payson, and Vice Chair, Mayor Frost of American Fork, an opportunity to hear about the potential impacts of the changes being implemented by officials at the national level.
We also we joined our partners at the Wasatch Front Regional Council to visit our Federal Delegation on the Hill. Thank you to Senator John Curtis, Senator Mike Lee's staff, Rep. Celeste Maloy, Rep. Burgess Owens, Rep. Mike Kennedy, and Rep. Blake Moore for making time to hear about the importance of investing in Utah's transportation system.
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MAG's Metropolitan Planning Organization staff joined other transportation organizations and partners at the 2025 Transit Day on the Hill at the State Capitol. The event showcased the vital role of organizations like ours in planning for Utah's future needs in transportation and transit.
To learn more about MAG's MPO and transportation plans, programs, and projects visit our website.
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Population Growth Continues | |
It’s no surprise - Utah County continues to grow. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute estimated that Utah County grew by around 22,000 people from 2023 to 2024.
MAG works with the Gardner Policy Institute to estimate population and employment growth in our counties. We’re working hard to keep up with the growth by incorporating the latest available housing and job data in our forecasts.
Click here to learn more about how population has changed in your area.
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The Annual March for Meals drive kicks off on March 3! Throughout March, Meals on Wheels programs across the country will rally together to raise awareness, recruit volunteers, and generate the resources needed to serve every senior in need. The annual March for Meals campaign commemorates the historic day in March 1972, when President Nixon signed into law a measure amending the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For over 50 years, this initiative has supported the growth of Meals on Wheels programs nationwide, ensuring older adults can age with dignity and independence at home.
The drive supports Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch (MOWSUW), a non-profit organization that generates donations to alleviate demand-to-funding shortfalls and provides a solution to address the escalating issues of senior hunger and isolation. Meals on Wheels serves more than 12,000 lunches each month to our homebound senior neighbors who are unable to shop for food or cook for themselves. These efforts are made possible by community donations, along with a dedicated staff and more than 350 volunteers. Learn more at www.mowsuw.org.
“We have seen an unprecedented increase in demand for our services over the past year, and this demand continues to outpace funding,” said Jimmy Golding, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch. “This event is a crucial opportunity to engage with our community, showcase the essential role we play in the lives of seniors, and inspire more people to volunteer and contribute. Food is medicine, and so is companionship. No senior should have to wait for a nutritious meal or a friendly visit.”
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MAG Aging & Family Services partnered with All Paws Count to support our most vulnerable seniors and their pets.
When our senior clients were asked what they needed most for Christmas, many didn’t request items for themselves but instead asked for pet food.
In response, All Paws Count is donating 400 lbs of cat food to ensure their companions are cared for.
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Local Warming Center Program Needs Volunteers, Blankets, and Supplies for Upcoming Winter Season
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!
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Community Action Services and Food Bank is seeking donations for new and CLEAN gently used blankets for warming centers for the homeless.
Blankets will be provided to those accessing the warming centers to help keep them warm. They should be adult sized, and not fleece.
Blankets can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, at Community Action Services and Food Bank (815 S Freedom Blvd, Provo) at the east door marked "Donations and Volunteers" and please let our staff know that it is for the Warming Center.
If you are interested in donating other items, https://a.co/euMb4Yr is our Amazon Wish List! For questions and more information regarding the drive, please contact Kena Mathews at kenam@casfb.org
| | For questions, concerns, or comments contact Johnathon Knapton, MAG Communications Manager, at jknapton@magutah.gov or (801)229-3836 | | | | |
