Utah Women Leading Government Newsletter | April 2025

Meet the UTWLG Treasurer - Brooke Smith

Brooke Smith is the City Recorder for Murray City, Utah, with more than 20 years of experience in public administration, procurement, records management, and the practical use of AI in government processes. In her role, she has modernized municipal operations, updated procurement policies, and delivered AI-focused training for government professionals in the United States and abroad. Brooke currently serves as Treasurer for Utah Women Leading Government (UTWLG) and is committed to streamlining services, improving efficiency, and mentoring the next generation of public-sector leaders.

Women in Leadership Spring Summit Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended the Spring Summit last week! It was an amazing event. Check out the recap below!

March Poll Results

Thanks to those who participated in our March poll questions! Here are the results.

April Poll

Tell us how you feel about your current work-life balance by answering the questions below.

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = very poor, 5 = excellent), how would you rank your work-life balance?
1
2
3
4
5
When you take vacation time, how long is it typically?
1-3 days
4-7 days
Longer than a week
I rarely take vacation
Which of the following would be most helpful in improving your work-life balance?
Increased flexibility
More vacation time
More supportive work culture
Better workload management
Stress management resources
How often do you take a vacation that is longer than a weekend?
More than once a year
Once a year
Every 2-3 years
Rarely or never

What We're Reading

"Take Back Your Time" - Morgan Tyree


If you want a book to scare you into taking a vacation, this is it! The book "Take Back Your Time" edited by John de Graaf addresses the issue of time poverty in America, highlighting how the culture of overwork has led to a significant reduction in personal time for workers. It explores the negative impacts of this trend on family life, civil society, health, and the environment, while also providing historical and cultural perspectives on the shorter work-time movement. The book offers practical strategies for individuals to reclaim their time, workplace solutions to reduce overwork without sacrificing productivity, and policy recommendations inspired by European models. I learned so much from this book that I have carried through my career about ways to balance my workload with my life outside of work!


-Recommendation from Board Chair Mariah Hill

The Research Corner

Introducing our new monthly feature: The Research Corner! Here, we'll highlight a key article related to our work.


Work-Life Balance is a Cycle, Not an Achievement - Harvard Business Review


This article shares a really helpful perspective on something we all navigate daily: work-life balance. Instead of thinking of work-life balance as a destination you finally achieve, it's more like a continuous cycle.


The demands of our roles, combined with our personal lives, mean things won't always be perfectly balanced. There will be times when work takes center stage, and other times when family or personal needs require more focus. The key isn't to strive for a rigid 50/50 split every single day, but rather to make conscious choices and adjustments over time to find a comfortable rhythm.


It is critical to set priorities, manage our time effectively, and establish those crucial boundaries. Supportive workplaces play a big role in making this cycle more manageable.


Ultimately, this article is a reassuring reminder that the ebb and flow is normal, and the goal is to find a sustainable way to integrate our work and personal lives in a way that works for us in the long run. Definitely worth a quick read if you're looking for a fresh perspective on this ongoing balancing act!

Facebook Forum


Join our forum today to connect with other Utah women in government, share information and resources, and get feedback.

Utah Women Leading Government Facebook Forum

If you're on the hunt for a new job, be sure to check out the Utah League of Cities and Towns' Job Bank!


Here are some of the current openings around the state:


  • Engineer in Training - Eagle Mountain
  • Community Arts Assistant (Part-Time) - Sandy
  • Planner - Ogden
  • Accountant/Internal Auditor (Part-Time) - Pleasant Grove
  • Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor - Payson
  • Justice Court Clerk Supervisor - Roy
  • Human Resources Coordinator - St. George
  • Building Inspector - Holladay
ULCT Job Bank
 
 

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