September 2023

Mayor's Message: September 2023

This month's message from Mayor Young explains how Family City USA is more than a catchy city slogan but the benchmark for all decision making in Orem. Strong families will lead to a strong Orem.

You can read the full message here.

City Council Message

from Councilmember Jeff Lambson

September could very well be the best month to be an Orem resident. We enjoy near perfect weather, plenty of great high school and college football, tons of fun city events, and now for the first time, a month-long celebration of the U.S. Constitution. 

At our last City Council meeting, Mayor Young, with the full and unanimous support of the council, proclaimed September as “Constitution Month” in the City of Orem. This is a time when we come together to celebrate the fundamental document that has been the bedrock of our nation for over two centuries.

Our Constitution is not just a piece of paper; it's a testament to the enduring values that have made our nation strong and resilient. I have deep love and admiration for this remarkable document, which has successfully guided our great nation through countless challenges and triumphs.

You may wonder, "What does the U.S. Constitution have to do with our city?" The answer is quite simple: it is the very foundation upon which our system of local governance is built. It outlines the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights - all of which are at the heart of our city's mission and purpose. Our Constitution empowers us to shape our local communities, make decisions that matter to us, and ensure that the voices of our residents are heard.

In celebration of Constitution Month, I invite you to explore the incredible resources available on whyiloveamerica.com. This website offers a treasure trove of ideas and materials to help you and your family learn more about our Constitution and its significance. 

As we celebrate Constitution Month, let us remember the timeless principles that have united us for over 200 years. It is our duty and privilege to uphold its ideals and to ensure that its promise of a more perfect union endures for generations to come.

Thank you for being active, engaged citizens, and for contributing to the strength and vitality of our wonderful city. 

-Councilman Jeff Lambson

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September has officially been declared "Constitution Month" in Orem by Mayor Young with unanimous support from the City Council. Orem is participating in the Why I Love America program which will help us all learn, appreciate, and celebrate the U.S. Constitution.

There are free booklets in the Orem Public Library which are great for teaching young people about the importance and brilliance of our Constitution.

We are also holding an essay contest and art contest which include cash prizes. Check it all out on our website orem.org/constitution.

The annual Orem Fall Clean-Up is back for the next two weeks and there will be FREE dumpsters to help you get your property lookin' pretty. You can see the full program details and rules online.

The Primary Election results have been posted on the county's website. Here are the upcoming important election dates:



• Sept. 19th – Canvass of Primary Election
• Oct. 31st – Ballots mailed for general election
• Nov. 10th Voter registration due
• Nov. 20th – Mailed ballots must be postmarked by this date
• Nov. 21st – Election Day

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Orem Harvest Festival: Sep 25th, 4-7:30 pm | Orem Community Hospital

Orem Fire Safety Night: Oct 9th, 4-7 pm | Orem City Center Park

Truck-or-Treat: Oct. 21st, 11 am-3 pm | University Place

Orem Farmers Market: Every Wednesday in City Center Park from 5-9 pm

The recent string of natural disasters that have hit American cities has emphasized the importance of being ready for anything as a city. Each year, our Emergency Management team organizes the Orem City Drill to practice our emergency response systems and protocols. We ask for your participation to help us all be prepared.

Orem Gives You More

One of the top priorities of the Orem Mayor and City Council is to give you more value for your city tax dollars. Over the summer, they passed a balanced budget which included investments in public safety, parks, city facilities and more but at the same time, included NO NEW TAXES and even a reduction in some fees. They accomplished this through a twofold focus on living within our means and increased efficiencies in city operations. Over the course of 2023, the city has saved over $1.1 million in operational costs that can now be put towards important projects and improvements to build a better Orem. If you add this to the fact that Orem has the lowest utility rates and some of the lowest property taxes in Utah County, it's clear that Orem gives you more!

Every three years the State of Utah Health Department performs a Sanitary Survey on public drinking water systems. This inspection covers all drinking water facilities, tanks, spring boxes, air vacs, screens, vents, gaskets, chlorinators... etc. The list of inspection points is over 100 pages long! Another part of the survey is a review of the sampling plan, cross connection plan, emergency response plan and any other plan or component that ensures the drinking water system is clean, up-to-date and compliant.

The Orem Water team passed this year with a perfect score! They work around the clock to make sure Orem's water is fresh, clean, and safe.

Anyone who has ever lived in a cul-de-sac will tell you that they are special places. It's almost like a mini neighborhood inside the neighborhood.

Cul-de-sacs also have special rules about parking which help maintain the functionality and safety of the area. Proper parking is important for garbage bins getting picked up in a timely and regular manner.

Parking the right way is also a matter of public safety as emergency vehicles need to be able to completely turn around inside the cul-de-sac. If cars are parked improperly, that can cause extra problems and cost our first responders crucial minutes in the case of an emergency.

Orem's most popular playground, the All-Together Playground, is currently being resurfaced. Built in 2016 as Utah County's first accessible playground, the ATP has welcomed tens of thousands of families and is ready for a major overhaul. The ATP will be closed most of September but we expect it to open near the end of the month or early October.

Gold Star Families Project

Orem is building Utah County's first Gold Star Families monument and you can be part of this historic effort to honor the families in our community who have lost a loved one in the service of our country. The monument will be located between the new Orem City Center and Library Hall. You can learn more about this project and make a tax-deductible donation at orem.org/star.

Accessory Apartments: 

This month, we're highlighting how Accessory Apartments contribute to building a strong community in Orem. These additional dwelling units foster intergenerational living, provide affordability for new home buyers, and allow residents an opportunity to age in place. Contact Development Services to learn more about the requirements for accessory apartments! 

Affordable Senior Housing:

It's no secret that housing affordability is a challenge right now. Especially for those in our community who are in certain stages of life or varied circumstances. The Affordable Senior Housing overlay zone is a vital tool in promoting the development of affordable senior housing and ensuring that our seniors have access to suitable living options. This zone creates opportunities for developers, encourages the construction of senior-friendly housing, and promotes inclusive communities. Contact Development Services if you have more questions about affordable housing for seniors!