Thursday July 2, 2026

 

Celebrating America 250

July is always one of my favorite months to check in with each of the LAA cities and towns. It marks the start of a new fiscal year and this year, America's 250th. I'm looking forward to seeing how each community observes the milestone in their own unique way - like Senator Curtis and his 250-mile walk through Northern Utah communities! I hope everyone enjoys their local celebrations this weekend!


Fireworks Update - Read ULCT's Friday Facts for June 26 for Full Details

Due to the Governor's Executive Order, municipalities now have more flexibility around firework use this July 4th season. Mayors and fire chiefs may jointly choose to maintain the statewide ban, submit existing firework-restricted area maps to the State Forester, or designate new areas. For the full breakdown including FAQs, communication tips, relevant state code, and links to the Governor's Executive Order and State Forester's Order, please see ULCT's Friday Facts email that was sent on June 26, 2026.


2026 Legislative Effective Date Update

July 1 also marks the effective date of new legislative changes to construction code, ZAP/RAP tax adoptions, and moderate-income housing reporting. Take a look at the 2026 Implementation Calendar Poster published by ULCT for more information.



Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) Rural Employment Development Incentive (REDI) - Due August 15

If there are businesses within your community that are creating new employment positions, the REDI grant is designed to support the creation of those new roles in rural Utah. Local businesses may receive up to $6,000 for each new position created, so please pass along this opportunity to private entities in your community that may qualify.


Utah Department of Outdoor Recreation OHV Grant - Opens July 15, Due August 31

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation (OHVR) grant is for all things motorized! This grant offers six different categories: trail work, access protection, education, search and rescue, snowmobile and OHV tourism. View program details and the online application here.


Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program - Letter of Intent due August 15

The Leary Firefighters Foundation’s Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program offers between $5,000 and $25,000 to paid and volunteer fire departments nationwide for equipment, training, education, and technology that improves firefighter safety and operational readiness. Visit their website for more information and to submit a letter of intent online.


Get Healthy Utah Social Connection Learning Collaborative and Community Grant - Due August 14

This funding opportunity is for Utah cities, towns, and community organizations interested in implementing sustainable strategies that increase connection and belonging. Awarded communities will receive up to $2,500 of funding along with technical assistance from Get Healthy Utah and additional statewide partners. Communities will have flexibility to select strategies that best fit their local context, with an emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. Apply here!


 


2026 Rural Water Association of Utah Fall Conference - August 31-September 2

The Rural Water Association of Utah (RWAU) Fall Conference will provide Utah’s drinking water and wastewater professionals with high-quality training, industry resources, and opportunities to connect with peers from across the state. The conference will be held at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah. Visit the RWAU webpage for conference details, schedules, exhibitor information, activities, hotel accommodations, and more.


Utility Management Certification (UMC) - Virtual, July 29-30

The Utility Management Certification is an opportunity to become certified as a Utility Manager in the Water/Wastewater industry. This certification is similar to the water or wastewater operator certification, but for managers. For more information and to register online, visit the Rural Water Association of Utah's website here.



Data Governance Ordinance Template


The Utah Office of Data Privacy recently updated the Data Governance Ordinance Template to assist municipalities in creating their privacy practices. This customizable template provides a framework to help you formalize your privacy program. This resource serves as a foundational starting point meant to assist you in reaching Government Data Privacy Act compliance. Click here for access to the template and visit privacy.utah.gov for more resources.

Is your municipality hosting a summer event or celebration? Let me know so I can spotlight it in an upcoming edition of the LAA Connection! Just reply to this email with the details and I'll include it in the August or September edition.


Sincerely,


Madison Aviles

Local Administrative Advisor

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