MAG NEWS & UPDATES - May 2026 | | Executive Director's Corner | | |
Our region is in the midst of tremendous change. Across Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties, communities are growing, economies are evolving, transportation needs are expanding, and residents’ expectations shift. While each community has its own identity and priorities, the challenges and opportunities we face are increasingly connected. That is why regional collaboration matters more today than ever before.
At MAG, our role is to bring people together. We work to convene local governments, state partners, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to build consensus around shared goals and practical solutions. Growth and change can create pressure, but they also create opportunity when communities work together with a common purpose.
Whether the conversation is about long-range planning, transportation, economic development, aging services, or land-use and housing, meaningful progress happens when organizations coordinate efforts and communicate openly. No single agency or community can address every challenge alone, but together we can move our region in a positive direction that strengthens quality of life for current and future generations.
The strength of our region is rooted in partnership. As our communities continue to evolve, MAG remains committed to fostering collaboration, encouraging thoughtful planning, and helping our region navigate change with a shared vision for the future.
-Michelle Carroll, MPA
| | Governor Cox Launches new "Utah Elevated" Strategic Economic Plan | |
On May 21, Utah's Governor Cox joined business leaders and economic development professionals from around the state at a ceremony to sign related legislation that establishes a new statewide Economic Development Council that is central to the Utah Elevated plan.
The plan marks a shift to a more coordinated, outbound economic development posture for Utah and GOED. At its heart is the premise that GOED will take a central role in coordinating statewide economic development projects
“Utah’s economic story over the past three decades has been remarkable. This plan clarifies how we protect what makes Utah special while preparing wisely for the opportunities ahead. By aligning our economic development, housing, workforce and infrastructure efforts, we can strengthen Utah as a place of unmatched opportunity and quality of life.”
-Governor Spencer Cox
To learn more about the "Utah Elevated" Strategic Economic Plan, visit the Governor's Office of Economic Development website news release at business.utah.gov.
| Single Family Home Repair | | |
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!
| | New Transit Commission is Taking Shape | | |
As Utah continues to grow, especially in Utah County and along the Wasatch Front, regional transit planning is becoming more important than ever. To help prepare for that future, Utah lawmakers approved Utah Senate Bill 197, which changes the governance structure of the Utah Transit Authority.
The legislation replaces UTA’s Board of Trustees with a new Transit Commission modeled after the Utah Transportation Commission. The goal is to strengthen long-range planning, improve coordination, and better position UTA to meet the transportation needs of a rapidly growing state.
Governor Spencer Cox has appointed former Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini as the Salt Lake County representative, former Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell as the Davis County and Weber County representative, and Muriel Xochimitl as the Utah County representative. While each member represents a specific region, commissioners are expected to maintain a broad regional perspective when addressing transit priorities across the UTA service area. All three appointments run through June 30, 2030.
Four additional appointments, two by the President of the Utah Senate and two by the Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, are still pending and are expected to be finalized by July 1.
We look forward to working with Transit Commissioner Xochimitl and the rest of the Commission in preparing UTA for Utah’s next era of growth and ensuring the region’s transit system can continue to support residents, businesses, and communities for years to come.
| | 2055 RTP Update: Priorities and Next Steps | | |
As part of the ongoing development of the 2027–2055 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), a draft project prioritization list that reflects regional goals, technical analysis, and key stakeholder input has been developed by The Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) and its partners. Input from recent MAG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board discussions and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) workshops has played a major role in shaping this list.
MAG has developed a comment map for the public to provide feedback on the draft project prioritization list. The public comment period is open now through June 3, 2026. We want to hear from you!
Leave your comments on the draft prioritization list for the 2055 RTP update by visiting our website at https://magutah.gov/2055rtp/
*Please note that the RTP project prioritization list is subject to change.
With continued input from the TAC and MAG MPO Board, next steps for the 2055 RTP update process include determining criteria for future project phasing, continuing public outreach, gathering feedback, and determining potential funding sources.
Have questions? Contact us at k.feldt@magutah.gov, kwillardson@magutah.gov or visit our website at website: https://magutah.gov/2055rtp/
| | 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
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Caregivers who are caring for a senior loved one are invited to join us for our Caregiver Summer Social. Enjoy free lunch, live music from Utah Elvis, and time to connect with other caregivers and recharge.
RSVP at magutah.gov/picnic or call 801-229-3804 ext 5.
Thursday, June 18, Noon - 2 p.m.
Grove Station Event Venue
273 N County Blvd, Pleasant Grove
| |
Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan Phase 1 Workshop | |
Hosted by the Utah Lake Authority in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources and Envision Utah
Please join the Utah Lake Authority for a planning workshop supporting the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan (GSLBIP).
Thu 5/28/2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Provo City Hall 445 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601
Zoom option:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86080831777?pwd=9vNrrmH5cVmjYJa8BhEtmEUHye1vqT.1
Meeting ID: 860 8083 1777
Passcode: utahlake
The GSLBIP, led by the Utah Division of Water Resources, will serve as a long-term roadmap for managing water across the Great Salt Lake Basin. The goal is to maintain a resilient water supply, promote a healthy lake, and support the economy and quality of life that depend on both.
| | For questions, concerns, or comments contact Johnathon Knapton, MAG Communications Manager, at jknapton@magutah.gov or (801)229-3836 | | | | |
