MAG NEWS & UPDATES - March 2026 | | Executive Director's Corner | | |
March is always one of the busiest and most meaningful months for MAG. With the conclusion of the 2026 Utah State Legislative Session, we’ve spent the past several weeks working closely with our partners to track key issues, advocate for our region, and help ensure our communities are well represented at the Capitol. We appreciate the engagement of our local leaders throughout the session and look forward to continuing that collaboration in the months ahead.
March also brings one of the most impactful efforts of our year: March for Meals. This annual campaign supports our Meals on Wheels program and helps raise both awareness and critical funding for the seniors we serve. One of the highlights is the opportunity for elected officials to join our volunteers in delivering meals to homebound seniors across Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties. These visits provide nourishment and connection. They’re also a great reminder of the importance of the work being done every day.
Please help us to “End the Wait” by eliminating the waiting lists for seniors in need of meals and companionship. Learn more about how your donations can make a difference by visiting our nonprofit’s website at mowsuw.org.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and commitment to serving our communities.
-Michelle Carroll, MPA
| | Cycle IV TAG Awards Announced | | |
MAG is pleased to announce seven new projects receiving technical assistance through the TAG Program! A total of $665,000 in awards were made, with $156,200 in local government match contributions.
Each project improves coordination between land use and transportation planning and advances the Wasatch Choice Vision.
| For more information, visit the TAG Program webpage at magutah.gov/tag. | | Regional Transportation Plan | | |
Have you ever wondered why some roadway, transit, and active transportation projects are prioritized over others?
The short answer is Regional Transportation Plans (RTPs). RTPs are 30-year, federally required blueprints for each region’s future transportation systems. RTPs define which projects will receive state and federal funding and use data-backed growth statistics to anticipate future mobility needs.
We are currently in the process of drafting our 2055 RTP. This plan will affect not only your future but also the future of your family, your friends, and your community. Learn about our planning process by visiting our website, magutah.gov/rtp.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to provide feedback on the 2055 RTP in the coming months.
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The Transit Fresh Look identifies a shared vision for the future of transit in Southwest Salt Lake County and Northwest Utah County and the steps needed to work toward that vision. Over the past two years, we have partnered as local communities, key stakeholders, and transportation agencies on this effort.
At the updated Transit Fresh Look webpage, you’ll find the full Action Plan, as well as the Corridor Profiles, which provide a corridor-by-corridor look at what type of transit the Partnership envisions for the corridor, outline the potential phasing-in of improvements, and list the variety of actions needed for implementation. This webpage also includes the Vision Map, which represents the priority corridors and envisioned modes identified through the Transit Fresh Look process.
MAG is incorporating Transit Fresh Look concepts into our 2027-2055 Regional Transportation Plans.
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In March, 23 local mayors and community leaders joined Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors across Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties as part of Community Champions Week, a highlight of the 16th annual March for Meals campaign.
The deliveries gave elected officials a firsthand look at the more than 600 seniors served each weekday by the program, administered by the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG). Among the volunteers this year were Cosmo the Cougar, Willy the Wolverine, and Miss Utah, who joined drivers on select routes.
The visits underscored a growing need. Nearly 300 seniors remain on a waiting list for the program, which has relied on community and government support since a waitlist was established for the first time in a decade in 2022.
To learn more or get involved, contact mowsuw.org or 801-229-3806.
To see a full list of participating Community Champions, visit magutah.gov/m4m/
| Sweetheart Lunch at the Veterans Home | Staff joined fellow senior service professionals to deliver roses and assist with room-to-room meal delivery during the Sweetheart Lunch at the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, a long-term care facility serving Utah's veteran community. | | |
The Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD), which serves as the strategic economic development lead for MAG, is announcing the first of a three-part webinar series focused on expanding homeownership. This session is being held in coordination with the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Wasatch Front Regional Council.
Cities across Utah are looking for new ways to expand homeownership opportunities, especially as land, construction costs, and housing demand continue to rise. Additionally, this effort is critical as communities work to meet state requirements for MIHP. While single-family homes remain important, many communities are finding success with townhomes, condos, and other “missing middle” housing types that offer attainable, for-sale options in neighborhood and city centers.
We value your unique perspective as we explore practical tools and strategies to meet the housing needs of our region.
Meeting Details:
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To register, click here: Registration Link
- Date/Time: March 26, 2026 at noon (remote only)
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Free Support for Utah Small Businesses
Utah small business owners can access no-cost, workshops and one-on-one support through the Utah Small Business Credit Initiative (USBCI).
This program can help you:
- Identify what is holding your business back and actionable next steps
- Review and organize your finances so you understand your cash flow and financial reports.
- If you’re interested in funding learn what lenders or funding partners look for and get support preparing your documents before you apply
- Get one on one guidance from experienced advisors who work with small businesses every day.
- If you’re starting, growing, or preparing to access capital, this structured support is designed to help you move forward with confidence and it is completely free.
Get started: Complete the short intake form at www.utssbci.com
Upcoming Free Webinar: Get Bank Ready
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual
“Get Bank Ready” is an introductory workshop that helps business owners understand:
- What lenders expect to see
- Which documents matter most
- How to prepare before applying
- How Utah Small Business Credit Initiative (USBCI) support can help you take the next step
This is a great starting point if you’re unsure whether you’re ready for funding. Attendees from the State of Utah are also eligible for free one on one support from a business advisor to answer additional questions or assist with capital preparation.
Registration Here
| | For questions, concerns, or comments contact Johnathon Knapton, MAG Communications Manager, at jknapton@magutah.gov or (801)229-3836 | | | | |
