MAG NEWS & UPDATES - October 2026

Executive Director's Corner

I'm excited to share MAG's 2026 Annual Report, our second annual report highlighting the impact of our work across Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties.

From helping older adults remain independent and investing in local communities to supporting local governments and planning for our region's transportation future, MAG's work touches lives in more ways than many people realize. Our annual report brings that impact to life through some impressive accomplishments.

Over the past year, MAG helped deliver more than 255,000 meals to seniors, supported 23 Community Development Block Grant projects, engaged 702 volunteers who contributed more than 41,000 hours of service, and worked with local governments to develop 400 disaster mitigation strategies. And that's just a snapshot!

What makes these accomplishments meaningful isn't just the numbers. It's the older adult who can remain independent, the small community that gains access to resources, and the local leaders who have a stronger partner in addressing regional challenges.

I'm incredibly proud of our dedicated staff and grateful for the elected officials and community partners who make this work possible. I encourage you to explore the annual report and discover the many ways MAG is making a difference in our communities.

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Most people become caregivers without formal training. Tanya, our Community Education Coordinator, helps change that by making education and resources more accessible to families caring for older adults.

For the past three years, Tanya has led our dementia and caregiver education programs alongside a team of facilitators, helping hundreds of people build the knowledge and confidence to care for a loved one.

She has also helped expand these efforts by launching two additional learning opportunities:

• Dementia Live®: A hands-on experience that offers insight into what it may feel like to live with dementia.
• Senior Education Series: Monthly virtual sessions featuring guest speakers who cover topics such as Medicare, scam prevention, and planning for senior living.

Through these programs, Tanya helps caregivers feel better prepared for the challenges of caregiving and better equipped to support the people they love.

To learn more about the programs Tanya administers, visit magutah.gov/education or call 801-229-3818.

Live PC Give PC is Nov. 6th!

Join us for Park City's community-wide giving day, and help Meals on Wheels deliver nutritious meals and connection to seniors who are homebound.This year, our goal is $30,000 to help end the wait for the 320+ people on our waiting list.

Give on November 6th: https://www.livepcgivepc.org/organization/Mealsonwheels-Summit-Utah-Wasatch

Want to be part of the fun? Sign up to wave signs and cheer on donors in Park City: https://forms.gle/6KZymt5aoVrCXod36

Spread the Warmth this November: Support Socks for Seniors!

Help brighten the holidays for our homebound senior neighbors with Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch. We’re collecting new, cozy socks to provide warmth and comfort to seniors this winter, a simple yet meaningful way to show you care. We are collecting socks throughout the month of November.

How to Get Involved: mowsuw.org/socks

• Donate new socks to one of our drop-off locations
• Shop our Amazon Wish List for the most-needed items.
• Donate monetarily
• Host a Mini-Drive

AARP Andrus Community Volunteer Award

Three of our volunteers were honored at AARP's Andrus Award dinner last month!

Jeff Goodall has led a caregiver support group for three years, handles his own outreach to find isolated caregivers, and kept showing up while caring for his wife and after losing her. He also volunteers at the Caregiver Conference, Caregivers at the Movies, and the Summer Social.

Leanne Spencer has run a weekly caregiver support group for four years, teaches Dealing with Dementia and Stressbusting for Caregivers, and put 100+ hours into sponsorships so the Caregiver Conference could be free for caregivers.

Rudi has delivered Meals on Wheels for nearly 11 years. When we put out a call for help, he often texts back "Rudi can," and he regularly covers three or four routes in a day so no senior misses a meal.

We are truly honored to work with these incredible volunteers. 

21st Annual Caregiver Conference

Join us on Saturday, November 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the BYU Conference Center in Provo or online to discover real-life tips to empower you in your caregiving journey.  

If you care for an older loved one, this free conference is for you! Registration is required — call 801-229-3804 or visit magutah.gov/cg to sign up and learn more.

Weatherization Program

In Summit, Wasatch, and Utah counties, MAG Weatherization is helping homeowners and renters save on energy bills and make their homes safer. By repairing, replacing, or upgrading the things that cost the most energy, Weatherization can help reduce energy costs.

To learn more, click on the video below or visit magutah.gov/weatherization.

Regional Transportation Plan Update

We’re getting close to the finish line! MAG held a series of workshops with elected officials and city staff to share recommended project phasing for the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). We presented our data-driven, technical process that outlined how anticipated future funds should be strategically and responsibly used for transportation infrastructure. We had great turnout and especially appreciated the interest from our legislators!

The RTP is a fiscally constrained, multi-modal blueprint for the region’s transportation system including roadway, transit, and active transportation (pedestrian and bicycle) facilities through the year 2055. We expect it to be adopted in June 2027.

Stay connected with our RTP progress at our website: magutah.gov/2055rtp

Planning and Networking in Broward

The Broward MPO recently welcomed representatives from MAG MPO, along with staff from Wasatch Front Regional Council and the Federal Highway Administration for a two-day Tech Transfer exploring Roads for Families, SMART METRO and transportation improvements across Broward. 

MAG staff brought home best practices and insights that will help improve planning efforts in our own region. We'd like to extend a special "thank you" to the Broward staff for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise.

Submit Your TAG Program Concepts Now

Project concepts may now be submitted for Cycle V of the Technical Assistance to Governments (TAG) Program. Assistance is available to all local governments in the three-county MAG region for a broad range of plans and studies that address growth- and development-related challenges and opportunities. See the TAG Program webpage for additional details, including: 

• TAG Program Guidelines
• Project Concept Online Submittal Form
• Examples of previously awarded projects and deliverables

Final applications are due Dec 10, 2026.

To discuss projects ideas, please contact Dan Wayne, Community Planning & Economic Development Manager, at dan.wayne@magutah. 

The UVHBA’s SubContractors for Santa program connects volunteer contractors with Utah County homeowners needing minor home repairs, prioritizing seniors, people with disabilities, and households facing hardship.

Applications are due November 13, 2026. Projects must generally be completed in one day. Approved repairs will be completed by December 18.

Anyone can nominate a homeowner. Please share this opportunity and submit applications even if you’re unsure whether someone qualifies.

Email applications to events@uvhba.com or mail them to UVHBA, 707 E. Mill Road, Suite 201, Vineyard, UT 84059.

The Utah Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for the next funding cycle, (fiscal year 2028) for both SRTS infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.

All projects utilize federal funds and MUST follow the federal project delivery guidelines. There is a 6.77% local match for all projects. Work must be performed in the fiscal year the funding is available.

To apply, see the attached documents or go to https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/business/public-entities/safe-routes-to-school-srts-program/.

For more information or assistance, please contact:

Travis Evans at travispevans@utah.gov or 916-215-8722.

Join us at the Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit, where multiple sessions will be led by MAG staff:

Wasatch Choice Vision (Opening/General Session)

Presented by Michelle Carroll, MAG's Executive Director, and LaNiece Davenport, MAG Metropolitan Planning Organization Director

Transportation & Infrastructure Panel: Built to Move

Moderated by LaNiece Davenport

Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD) Panel

Introduced by Karol Patterson, MAG Economic Development Specialist with MEDD Chair Marlin Eldred as panelist

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