MAG NEWS & UPDATES - September 2026

Executive Director's Corner

This fall , MAG has several great opportunities to connect with partners from across the region and the state. Events such as the Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference, the annual Utah Transportation Conference, and the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Growth and Prosperity Summit bring together many of the leaders and organizations working to shape Utah’s future.

For MAG, these events are about more than networking. They provide an opportunity to listen, share ideas, and advocate for the needs of the municipalities and counties we serve. Our partnerships with organizations such as UDOT, UTA, ULCT, local chambers of commerce and others are essential to finding regional solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.

Our region continues to experience significant growth and change, making collaboration more important than ever. By staying engaged with our partners and bringing the perspectives of our local governments to the table, MAG can help ensure that local priorities remain part of the conversation.

I look forward to the conversations and partnerships that will come from this conference season and to the work we will continue to accomplish together.

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Funding Opportunity

Applications for this new State Housing program are open now! To learn more, visit https://governor.utah.gov/housing/

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. 

Disaster Mitigation Plan Updates

At the request of the mayors of Utah an Wasatch Counties, MAG is currently updating the FEMA-required Disaster Mitigation Plan. This effort works with city staff and other experts to identify natural hazards, assess community risks, and develop strategies to reduce future impacts and improve regional resilience. 

Natural disasters can have significant impacts on communities, infrastructure, and local economies. Mitigation measures protect lives, safeguard property, and strengthen community resilience. They are also a financial investment; every $1 invested in hazard mitigation saves an average of $6 in future disaster costs. 

Visit our magutah.gov/hazard to learn more about the plan and share your mitigation ideas.

QTS Data Center Visit

Thank you to QTS Data Center and Eagle Mountain team for hosting our Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD) Board. 

As we gather baseline data to inform our upcoming Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) update, this site tour provided a first hand look at how rapid tech expansion intersects with two core regional priorities: balancing growth with resource protection and diversifying our economy.

Key focus areas from our visit:

• New Technologies: Advancements driving modern data center operations.
• Infrastructure: A new look at energy and water management strategies.
• Land Use: How large footprints fit into local zoning and master plans.
• Community Impact: Evaluating job creation, local tax base expansion, and potential community investments that support regional infrastructure

Our goal is to equip our member cities across Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties with the data they need to decide if high-tech infrastructure is the right fit for their communities.

Governor's Centenarian Luncheon

Last month, we were honored to join the Governor's Centenarian Luncheon to celebrate one of the most exclusive clubs in Utah: the Centenarian Club!

In MAG's region (Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties), there are 22 centenarians, with the oldest at 110 years old.

What an incredible milestone, and an inspiring reminder of the rich lives and stories in our community.

9/11 Day of Service

MAG employees rallied together for a day of services to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Staff packaged and delivered 600 emergency and 72-hour kits to homebound seniors in our community. This is the 3rd year that MAG has participated in the 9/11 Day of Service, which is small way to turn remembrance into action.

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.

HEAT Helps!

The Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program assists income-qualified households with energy costs. Households may apply for a one-time benefit per year.

The CRISIS Program can provide additional assistance with your utility bills if you have a shut-off notice and meet State & Federal CRISIS guidelines. 

Visit our HEAT website at magutah.gov/heat/

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