MAG NEWS & UPDATES - June 2026

Community Profiles Data Update

We’ve updated our Community Profiles dashboard to include recent data from our partners! This tool now includes city/town population estimates just released by the Gardner Policy Institute and categorized land use from recent Utah County parcel data.

This tool has been a great resource for understanding community trends since we launched it three years ago. See what your community looks like!

Rural Communities Invited to Apply for New UDOT Active Transportation Grants

Utah is investing in healthier, safer communities through a new Rural Health Transportation Program administered by UDOT. The program aims to improve walkability, biking, recreation access, and overall physical safety in rural areas by funding practical infrastructure projects that support active transportation and regular physical activity.

UDOT received $55 million over five years, including $11 million available in the first year. Year-one projects must be completed by September 30, 2027. Eligible communities include all Utah counties except Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties.

Funding can support projects such as bike lane improvements, sidewalk repairs, crosswalk enhancements, trail resurfacing, bike parking, repair stations, signage, landscaping, and other minor amenities that make walking and biking safer and more accessible. The program may also cover design, surveying, permitting, minor right-of-

way acquisition, construction labor and materials, and construction oversight.

Projects involving major construction or sidewalk gaps longer than a quarter mile are not eligible. The program is intended to encourage innovative local partnerships and help rural Utahns enjoy safer opportunities for everyday walking, biking, and recreation.

Communities interested in applying or learning more about eligible projects are encouraged to contact Jeffrey Huffman at jeffreyhuffman@utah.gov or consult with their regional planning partners.

Transit Day on the Hill

On June 17, MAG staff were at the Capitol at “Transit Day on the Hill.” This annual event highlights the good work of transit providers across the state. This year featured several speakers who shared statistics and anecdotes about the impact of transit in Utah.

Our partners at UTA, UDOT, and the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) joined us in sharing information about how transit improves regional travel options today and in the future. Matthew Silski from MAG’s Planning Department presented a poster map of draft transit projects that may be included in the 2055 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).

Thank you to all the elected officials, partners, and staff who stopped by our booth and engaged with us!

Did Someone Say Pickleball?!

Rally to support Meals on Wheels for our first ever pickleball tournament fundraiser! 

We'll have competitive play at the intermediate and advanced levels, plus an hour of instruction by Junior Pros for those who are new to the game or looking to sharpen their skills before stepping on the court. 

All funds raised go directly toward supporting our mission, delivering meals and connection to seniors and homebound neighbors across Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties. So every game you play makes a real difference. 

Registration is now open at https://mowsuw.org/pickleball.

Meals, Wheels & Paddles

Pickleball Tournament

Saturday, August 22 | 11 a.m.

Club Pickleball USA: 1300 Sandhill Rd, Orem

Caregiver Summer Social

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Caregiver Summer Social, an afternoon of community, much-deserved respite, and an unforgettable, electrifying performance by Utah Elvis Glen Barker!

As the iconic King of Rock and Roll once said, “I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs." We want to make sure you know you belong and are supported in your journey.

Find more caregiver resources at magutah.gov/caregiver.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed

Volunteers needed for just one hour, once a week to deliver meals to homebound seniors. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sign up: magutah.gov/volunteermow

Elk's Lodge Donation

A huge thank you to Park City Elks Lodge 734 for their generous $10,000 donation from this year's annual event and silent auction. The donation provides 900 meals to our homebound senior neighbors. We're grateful for their continued support, year after year.  

Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD)

The Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD) advances economic growth and opportunity by fostering regional collaboration, preparing regional plans, and facilitating federal investments in our communities.

The work of the MEDD is guided by a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a regional plan for economic prosperity and resiliency. This plan identifies four regional development priorities:

1. Transportation: Provide a safe, connected, and accessible regional transportation network to meet current and future needs.
2. Natural Resources: Balance regional growth, tourism development, and the protection of natural resources.
3. Livability: Improve quality of life to support the region’s workforce and communities.
4. Regional Collaboration: Accelerate problem-solving and build economic resiliency through increased collaboration.

Visit our website to learn more about the CEDS.

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