Tuesday December 2, 2025

As the year comes to a close, I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to sharing more updates and resources in the new year. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance in the meantime.

Infrastructure Planning and RFP Resources

This past month, Utah State University's Gateway and Natural Amenity Resource Academy (GNAR) shared an excellent resource on infrastructure planning and the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Luke Thompson, PE, shares his experience as an engineer who has helped small gateway communities navigate installing and/or upgrading infrastructure. He created a short best practices guide to help community leaders maximize their Infrastructure Planning RFP process. Take a look to learn more about how your municipality could optimize its RFP process as well.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Requirements

HB 48 (2025) placed new requirements on municipalities to adopt a WUI code and high-risk boundary map to help mitigate wildfire risk in areas where development meets, or intermingles with, undeveloped wildland. If you need assistance adopting the provisions of HB 48 or would like to review a resolution template, please reach out to me.

Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program - Due December 31

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development provides $35 million to nonprofits for assistance that helps rural communities address water and waste challenges, improve systems, and prepare loan or grant applications. For more information and to access the online application, visit the grant opportunity page.

Community Foundation of Utah "Your Land Your Plan" Fund - Opens January 15

Intermountain Health and Zions Bank has partnered with the Utah League of Cities and Towns to provide one-time grants for planning projects, community engagement initiatives, and educational programs to build healthier economies and communities. For more information and to view where the online application will be available starting in January, visit the Community Foundation of Utah's grant website.

The CHS Foundation - Ongoing Applications Accepted

Grants range from $1,000 to $1.43 million and support agricultural education, leadership training, and career development programs for young people in rural communities. Learn more here.

Utah League of Cities and Towns Elected Officials Essentials

ULCT is hosting the Newly Elected Officials training on December 6 (in-person in North Salt Lake), or December 13 (online). If your city or town cannot attend the full virtual or in-person training, you can still attend the “Running a Small Community” virtual session on December 6. Reach out to me and I will send you a webinar link even if you are not registered. Find more information and a link to register online here.

ULCT Land Use 101 Webinar - December 16 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Building on foundational land use concepts covered in Local Government 101, this session dives deeper into zoning, planning tools, and development review processes. ULCT Senior Land Use Manager Meg Ryan will explore common land use challenges, statutory considerations, and best practices for decision-making.

WFRC 101 Webinar - February 26, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars to join Wasatch Front Regional Council for our introductory '101' webinar to learn what WFRC does and how our work supports transportation planning, land-use coordination, and economic development throughout the region. This session is perfect for new local officials, partner agencies, community organizations, and anyone interested in how regional planning decisions are made. Find a registration link here.

Don't forget! Your annual privacy report must be completed before December 31, 2025. This report is a protected record, and does not need to be submitted to any agency. Keep it on file in the event it is requested by the Office of Data Privacy.

And a brief message from ULCT: "We love celebrating with Utah’s cities and towns as new officials take office. While we can’t attend every ceremony, we make every effort to be present when possible. Please let us know the date, time, and location of your swearing-in or inauguration ceremony by filling out this quick form."

If you have any questions about any of the opportunities in this edition of the LAA Connection, please feel free to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Madison Aviles

Local Administrative Advisor