URLA Graduation


Last week, held in conjunction with the One Utah Summit, the Utah Rural Leadership Academy recognized its newest class of graduates. The year-long academy, a partnership between Southern Utah University, the Utah Association of Counties, and the State of Utah, provides elected and appointed leaders with training, relationship-building opportunities, and practical tools to strengthen rural communities. Several county officials were among those recognized for completing the program. The 2026 graduating class includes David Dodds, Deb Herron, Debra McKee, Donia Jessop, Keiren Chatterley, Melodie McCandless, Rachelle Custer, Raelene Blocker, Seth Marsing, Sheila Srivastava, Stacey Lyon, Steve O'Camb, Terri Hartle, and Tyson Huntington. Congratulations to our URLA Graduates! 

 
 

2026 UAC Annual Convention is in ONE MONTH!


The UAC Annual Convention in the fall is the largest meeting of county elected and appointed officials in the state of Utah. Participants from all counties are invited to come together to shape UAC's policy agenda, share proven practices and strengthen knowledge networks to help improve residents' lives and efficiency of county government.


Early bird pricing has officially ended, but tickets are still available for the 2026 UAC Annual Convention. We are so excited to meet with you next month in Utah County! Convention will be held at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, September 8-10. Click the link below for more information.

 
 

From Our Partners at UCIP


Providing Assistance to Out-of-State Entities - How Risky is it?


Counties are regularly asked to assist other government entities in emergency situations including fires, floods, medical emergencies, law enforcement emergencies and others. Cooperative assistance during emergencies is critical to counties, cities and states to protect the health and safety of the public. While the importance of responding to requests to aid other entities is understood and supported by UCIP, it is important for officials to understand the increased liability to the county when assistance is provided to entities outside of Utah.


Counties are protected under the Governmental Immunity Act (GIA) for governmental functions and particularly for public safety related functions. Those protections include immunity from claims arising from actions or failure to act in a governmental capacity as well as monetary limitations on judgements. These protections significantly limit county

liability for claims occurring in Utah.


Unfortunately, these protections are for the most part unavailable to counties for claims arising from activities in other states. The loss of these protections has the effect of the county’s liability increasing from no liability based on immunities or worst case a judgement limited to the current GIA tort caps to being liable for unlimited damages for injury, death or damage to property for claims occurring in other states.


Counties should look to agreements they may have in place with out-of-state entities to provide aid to determine if the county’s liability is or can be limited under those agreements. UCIP is happy to assist with review of aid agreements.

 
 

Flood Resource from the Utah Insurance Department


As flooding has begun to impact the counties in Utah this season, the Utah Insurance Department has prepared a document for our members to utilize with constituents who are facing this hardship. Take a look at the document below for answers to frequently asked questions!

 
 

UAC Members Gather at the 2026 One Utah Summit


UAC members joined state, local, and business leaders from across Utah for the 2026 One Utah Summit, held August 4-6 at Southern Utah University in Cedar City. The annual summit brought together public and private sector leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges affecting Utah’s economy and communities.


The program featured presentations on rural economic development, water, energy, infrastructure, transportation, artificial intelligence, tourism, health care, public lands, and preparations for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Speakers included Governor Spencer Cox, Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, First Lady Abby Cox, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, state agency leaders, local officials, and business representatives.


A highlight for UAC was a mainstage presentation featuring Beaver County Commissioner, Tammy Pearson, and USDA Rural Development State Director, Stan Summers. Together, they provided a congressional district-by-district overview of USDA Rural Development investments made throughout Utah during fiscal year 2025. The presentation showed how housing, community facilities, and business programs support essential infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life in rural communities.


Commissioner Pearson brought an important county perspective to the discussion. As a longtime advocate for rural Utah, public lands, agriculture, and responsible resource management, she understands firsthand how these investments help counties meet local needs and build sustainable communities.


Other sessions explored Utah’s role in nuclear innovation and critical-mineral development, Colorado River negotiations, permitting reform, rail expansion, early-childhood literacy, and strategies for helping rural communities prepare for growth.


The summit also provided valuable networking opportunities for county officials to connect with state and federal leaders, business representatives, and community partners. It was especially good to see so many UAC members in attendance and participating in conversations about Utah’s future. These relationships strengthen collaboration among Utah’s counties and help ensure local perspectives remain part of statewide discussions.


UAC appreciates the members who attended and represented county government. Their participation helps Utah’s counties continue to play a meaningful role in building prosperity and opportunity throughout the state.

 
 

Zions Bank


As Utah's oldest locally owned and operated bank, Zions Bank is proud to be the premier banking partner to counties across Utah. We haven't forgotten who keeps us in business.

Kofile


Kofile is a leading provider of Critical Records Management solutions for local, county, and state governments in North America. They help government agencies preserve, safeguard, and modernize access to history and public records. Kofile's solutions aim to empower government leaders to better serve their communities by enabling secure, efficient, and accessible records management, thereby modernizing government services.

Tyler Technologies


Tyler Technologies offers a comprehensive suite of industry-leading software solutions designed specifically for government, including counties. Our robust tools address your biggest challenges, modernize your public access to records and services, improve financial and personnel management, and enhance utility billing. Visit our booth to see how we can streamline processes and boost your county's efficiency. Trusted by over 102 government agencies, including 21 county departments in Utah, Tyler Technologies empowers organizations with cutting-edge public safety solutions and systems that enhance decision-making and service delivery. We pride ourselves on meeting the unique technology needs of your organization.

Utah State University Aspire


ASPIRE, the nation's leading research center on transportation and electrification, leads the Utah Electrification Initiative. Headquartered at Utah State University, ASPIRE works closely with state agencies, regional planners, utilities, and communities to align transportation and energy strategies, ensuring that electrification plans and investments complement Utah’s economic development and transportation priorities.