Friday April 3, 2026

Planning Commission Handbooks Available

The Land Use Academy of Utah and the Utah League of Cities and Towns offer two must-have resources for planning commissioners: The Handbook for Planning Commissions and Land Use Authorities and The Handbook for Appeal Authorities. These guides are ideal for newly appointed members and experienced officials alike who want to sharpen their understanding of the planning process. If you want additional on-demand training, visit luau.utah.gov for a library of planning and land use resources.

2026 TLC Awards Announced

We're excited to share that the Transportation and Land Use Connection (TLC) program partners have completed their review of 2026 applications, and we're proud to be supporting a new cohort of communities this funding cycle! WFRC is looking forward to partnering with these communities to support stronger connections between transportation and land use across the region. Several LAA cities and towns are award recipients for this funding cycle, including: Copperton, Farr West, Ogden Valley, and Rush Valley. You may view the full list of TLC awarded projects here. Congratulations!

Utah Pollinator Habitat Program - Due April 15, 2026

The 2026 application period is now open through April 15, 2026 for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food's Pollinator Habitat Program. The program distributes pollinator-friendly native flowering plants and seeds to enhance or expand habitat, awarding recipients "habitat kits" of around 30 native plants suited to their region. Governmental agencies and residents are eligible to apply. Visit the Pollinator Habitat Program page to apply.

UCAIR Grant Program - Due April 12, 2026

The Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) is accepting applications for its 2026 Grant Program, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 across five categories: electric lawn equipment replacement, education and outreach, building and home energy efficiency, transportation and mobility, and innovation. Applications are open to any Utah-based private, public, or nonprofit organization, with priority given to projects that benefit underserved or disproportionately impacted communities. Apply at ucair.org/grants.

The Skatepark Project Community Activation Grant - Rolling

The Skatepark Project will provide up to $5,000 to nonprofits and municipalities to support skateboarding programs that build youth skills, leadership, and community connection. For more information, visit the Skatepark Project's website here.

ULCT Spring Training Series - April 6th and April 8th

The Utah League of Cities and Towns holds Spring Training after each legislative session to help municipalities start the process of updating their code and administrative practices to match changes that were made in recent legislative sessions. Visit the Spring Training page to view all of the recorded webinars that you may have missed, and to register for the final two legislative recaps on April 6th and 8th.

Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) On-Demand Training

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is offering a new video series to walk elected officials, preparers, and staff through the highlights of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), which presents the financial statements for a local government. This is an excellent way to brush up on GASB standards in preparation for the upcoming budget and audit cycle.

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