Monthly Newsletter - June 2025

Executive Director's Corner

We are excited to announce that Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi has been selected to join the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) Board of Directors as the Region XIII Director. NARC serves as the national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. As NARC's governing body, the Board of Directors is composed of municipal and county elected officials that serve on the boards of member regional organizations.

NARC identified Mayor Kaufusi as an excellent candidate for this position due to her expertise and advocacy as a member of our own Utah County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). As a previous MPO Chair, Mayor Kaufusi has worked tirelessly to bring attention to Utah County's rapid growth and our crucial need to work together as a region while partnering with organizations at all levels to ensure the implementation of responsible transit planning and strategies. 

Having worked closely with Mayor Kaufusi for a number of years, I'm thrilled to have her working on our behalf, advocating for our region, as part of this important national-level organization.

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Presentation to the State Legislature

The Utah State Legislature's Transportation Interim Committee invited MAG, Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), and Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to give a presentation on Utah's Transportation Planning at their June meeting. LaNiece Davenport, MPO Director for MAG, and Andrew Gruber, Executive Director of WFRC presented on topics including the purpose of Utah's Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Utah's Unified Transportation Plan, the Wasatch Choice Vision, and process and key goals of the transportation planning process. 

MAG appreciates the opportunity to present to Utah's Legislators to provide regular updates, ensure transparency, share progress, and align and support state and regional priorities.

Ombudsmen: Advocates and Champions

Long-term care Ombudsmen are champions for the rights of individuals in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Certified by the state, they are trained to investigate complaints, resolve issues, and provide valuable information about long-term care options.

The Ombudsman team continues to make a meaningful impact in long-term care facilities across our region. Here are a few recent examples:

• Fostering Better Community Relations: In response to Governor Cox’s Disagree Better initiative, the Ombudsman created a presentation for residents on resolving conflict respectfully. Staff reported noticeable improvements in community interactions afterward.
• Supporting Residents’ Wishes: The Ombudsman successfully advocated for two residents who wished to return home, helping them navigate the necessary steps to do so safely.
• Responding to Winter Concerns: After learning that residents in two facilities were cold during the winter months, the Ombudsman visited each site. Both facilities acted quickly by providing space heaters and warm blankets.
• Honoring a Veteran’s Final Wishes: The Ombudsman assisted a veteran in appealing a discharge related to safety concerns. Although his appeal was ultimately denied and his health declined during the process, the facility compassionately allowed him to remain and pass away in the home he had known for years.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about long-term care, call 801-229-3809. Services are free and confidential.

Volunteer Spotlight: Erin Kern

I volunteer because it’s an easy and meaningful way to give back to the community. I love that my kids often join me, learning firsthand the joy of serving others. I’ll never forget one gentleman early on who told me, “I wish my day was going as good as you look”—it reminded me how much connection matters and how much joy a simple visit can bring. I feel so grateful to be part of something that not only feeds the body, but the spirit as well- through kindness and connection.

Single Family Home Repair- Plenty of Funds Available!

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.

Eligible Repairs:

• Roof replacement
• Update plumbing, heating, and cooling
• Electrical Systems
• Replace Siding
• Replace Broken or Inefficient Windows
• Eliminate Health and Safety Hazards
• Reduce Overcrowding
• Add Accessibility Features
• And more

Eligible Participants

• Own the land and dwelling unit and occupy the unit as a primary residence
• Earn less than 80% of the county AMI
• Have current homeowners insurance 
• Be up to date on property taxes
• Live in Summit, Wasatch, or Utah Counties

Visit https://magutah.gov/sfhrp-questionnaire/ to inquire!

Weatherization Kudos

The Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-qualified individuals and families reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

"Your staff is incredibly caring and extremely professional. They made the process of weatherizing my home very easy. They respected my home and me. Had it not been for the HEAT/Weatherization Program I would have have been able to afford weatherizing my 25+ year old home. It has always been a drafty cold home... only when the heat was cranked up was it even close to being cozy. My utility bills were off the charts. Now in a short period of time my utilities have dropped. I sincerely hope that other people can benefit as I have from this great program."

To learn more about the Weatherization Program, visit magutah.gov/weatherization.

Because of UTA's innovation, service and ridership growth, and commitment to customer experience and continuous improvement, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has named UTA the 2025 Outstanding Public Transportation System in the system size category of 15 million to 50 million annual passenger trips. This is the top award in the North American transit industry. 

“This achievement is shared by each employee, our customers, our partners, our contractors, and our supporters and taxpayer investors in this innovative state, who recognize the investment and value of having a world-class regional transportation system,” said UTA Executive Director Jay Fox. “To be recognized for UTA’s resilience and growth in service and ridership is something the whole state can be proud of.”

The Utah Lake Authority wants to hear from you! We're gathering feedback to enhance Utah Lake recreational facilities and amenities.

Scan the QR codes posted on signs at all 35 Utah Lake public access points to give your input. Each access point has a unique QR code to ensure your input is tied directly to your portion of the lake.

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