Monthly Newsletter - May 2025

Executive Director's Corner

Let's get moving! As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, there’s no better time to get outside and explore Utah’s beautiful trails. May is National Bike Month, and it’s the ideal opportunity to embrace active transportation—whether you’re walking, jogging, or biking—there are countless opportunities to connect with nature and your community.

Over the last 20 years, through strong collaboration with our partners, the MAG region has seen a 20-fold increase in built active transportation facilities—growing from just 47 miles in 2000 to more than 800 miles today. This incredible progress reflects not just infrastructure, but a cultural shift that increasingly values and supports active transportation.

And we’re not slowing down. By 2050, Utah County could see over 1,500 miles of active transportation facilities, creating more safe, connected, and accessible options for everyone.

So lace up your shoes, hop on your bike and enjoy the journey. To learn more about Utah’s active transportation system, visit magutah.gov/at/.

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Housing Roundtable

Nearly 80 stakeholders gathered recently for a Housing Roundtable featuring Steve Waldrip, the Governor’s Senior Housing Policy Advisor. Waldrip provided an overview of Utah’s housing crisis, citing a shortage of 40,000 units and a median home price of $560,000—making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many residents.

Utah’s fiscal strength, natural beauty, and family-oriented communities continue to attract growth, but supply hasn’t kept pace. Waldrip outlined key solutions including regional planning, state-funded infrastructure, and increased development of condos and smaller units to improve affordability.

The discussion also centered on the Utah State Housing Plan, now in Phase One, focused on setting goals and metrics. Working groups are addressing topics like homelessness, subsidized housing, and consistent state standards. A draft of the plan is expected in August for city input. The aim is to replace the moderate income housing plan with a clearer, more unified statewide approach.

Waldrip stressed the need for strong local leadership, community engagement, and continued collaboration. Opportunities for involvement through upcoming workshops and working groups were shared, along with contact information for follow-up.

Unified Planning Work Program

Each year, the MAG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) prepares a budget and work plan known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The UPWP outlines all planning activities conducted by the MAG MPO and its transportation partner agencies, including UDOT and UTA, within the Provo-Orem Urbanized Area, covering most of Utah County. This document illustrates how our regional transportation planning process and activities fulfill federal requirements.

The FY26 plan includes a list of over 130 tasks and accomplishments we achieved from the prior year, which can be found toward the beginning of the plan, as well as the goals and major tasks anticipated to occur next year.

As part of the process to update the FY26 UPWP, the MPO has released the final draft for public comment from May 8, 2025, to June 7, 2025. Feedback and comments can be submitted at magutah.gov/workprogram.

Inspiring Donations

Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch is part of Smith’s Inspiring Donations program. By linking your Smith’s Food and Drug rewards card to Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch, we receive 0.5% of your purchases! Please share with friends who shop at Smith's! 

Instructions for enrolling:

1. Visit SmithsFoodandDrug.com/inspire. 
2. Sign in to your Online Account, or create an account.
3. Find Inspiring Donations and search for Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch or Code RM292 and click Enroll.
4. That’s it! Smith’s donates 0.5% of your purchases to MOWSUW each time you shop.

Education Volunteer Spotlight

For the past 1.5 years, Leanne has generously shared her time and expertise with our caregiver community. She leads a 9-week Stress-Busting class, facilitates an online support group, and actively contributes to our Caregiver Coalition. Her calm presence and steady support have made a meaningful impact.

Leanne’s lived experience as a caregiver resonates deeply with participants. As one shared, “Leanne was especially helpful because she is/was a caregiver herself, so she could share from her experiences.” Another added, “Leanne and Fayleen did an amazing job. They listened to us all. It helped to know they went through similar situations in their lives.”

“After grad school, I wanted to give back,” Leanne says. “MAG was a perfect fit. Volunteering has helped me build new skills, make lasting friendships, and fit service into my schedule. I just wish more people would offer an hour of their time to volunteer.”

We’re deeply grateful for the difference Leanne continues to make.

Friendly Callers Program

Friendly Callers matches seniors in Summit, Utah and Wasatch counties with a volunteer for one-on-one weekly phone conversations. Volunteers are local from your community and together you can decide how long and how often you talk each week. Callers are matched by gender, schedule availability and where possible, by interest, veteran status, etc.

Seniors who stay socially connected have:

• Increased health
• Better intellectual stimulation and condition
• Reduced emotional & physical pain

Sign up at magutah.gov/friend or call 801-229-3820 or email fc@magutah.gov.

“I really like both of my volunteers… Both of my volunteers just let me talk and talk and it helps my anxiety. My family talks to me but I don't think I could make it through the week without the ladies that call me.”

-Friendly Callers Client

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