Friday Facts for May 22, 2020
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As we enter the memorial day weekend, we honor the memory of Jerry Sloan, who passed away today after extended health battles. The former Utah Jazz Coach was a no-nonsense coach, beloved by his players and respected by the community. He twice led the Jazz to the finals, with 15 playoff appearances, and was the 4th winningest coach in NBA History with more than 1000 victories. Our thoughts are with the family, and extended family of Coach Jerry Sloan.
We also pay tribute to the many men and women who've given their lives in the service of our country to defend our freedom and preserve the wonderful lifestyle our families enjoy. Of course, one such individual was our former ULCT Board Member and North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor. We were privileged to speak with his wife, Jennie Taylor following his passing, and now have created the "Brent and Jennie Taylor Award" to honor their sacrifice. You'll be hearing more about that soon.
In today's email,
- we'll share the Governor's order transitioning two more counties to low risk,
- discuss economic impacts of COVID as well as potential state and federal measures to help municipalities,
- tell you about some innovative ideas coming to life in Utah communities to help residents connect during these challenging times,
- and give you details about next week's Town Hall for Local Leaders.
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COVID News and Resources for Local Leaders
Governor Issues Executive Order Transitioning Summit and Wasatch Counties to Yellow Health Risk Status, Moves Designation for Two Cities Back to Orange
In consultation with the Utah Department of Health and the Summit and Wasatch County Health Departments, Gov. Gary R. Herbert has issued an Executive Order moving Summit County and Wasatch County to Low Health Risk Status, or Yellow. The order, which you can see here, is effective immediately.
Meanwhile, the Governor has modified the risk status for two small cities in San Juan County due to concerning COVID data. The town of Bluff and the census area Mexican Hat will move back to the orange category for now. You can see that order from the Governor here.
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Legislative Advocacy
On the federal and state level, ULCT is working with policymakers to address municipal challenges as the economic impacts of COVID-19 come into focus.
Federal
Late last Friday, the U.S. House passed the HEROES Act, a $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill that included a $375 billion revenue relief package for local governments. No member of Utah’s House delegation voted for the bill. U.S. Senate leaders have indicated the bill in its current form will not pass but there are ongoing discussions about a modified, data-driven stimulus package that may include revenue replacement for local government. The ULCT Board voted to not take a position on the HEROES Act, but directed staff to continue working with the federal delegation on viable solutions to help with the significant budgetary challenges Utah’s cities are facing. We encourage city leaders to reach out to their congressional delegation and provide them with specific information about the budgetary challenges unique to their cities.
State
Your correspondents are hearing rumblings of more special sessions as the Utah Legislature tackles declining state revenues and related policy issues. The week of June 15, interim committees will meet and presumably focus on the COVID-19 ripple effect. There will also likely be a special session that week to amend the state budget before the new fiscal year. The legislature may also call another special session in mid July to address other policy concerns.
On Monday, the ULCT Board voted to co-sign a letter to state leaders with our partners at the Utah Association of Counties, Wasatch Front Regional Council, and the Mountainland Association of Counties. With automobile travel down approximately 40% due to COVID-19, we are anticipating a corresponding reduction in motor fuel tax receipts, which will decimate local efforts to maintain and improve local road networks. The letter invites state and local leaders to partner to come up with plans to keep existing transportation projects “funded” and the work scheduled for this construction season.
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#CitiesWork Podcast
Crisis Management- The Four I's Leaders Should Utilize
Who knew life would change so much so quickly as a pandemic swept through our communities? No one expected this and no one expected many of the emergencies we've faced across the nation. But there are skills leaders can learn about crisis management that will help prepare to make quick, educated decisions when they need to be made. Hear from two management and leadership experts, adjunct BYU professor Barry Rellaford and municipal consultant John Park, about the skills to employ and the pitfalls to avoid while managing a crisis in this edition of the ULCT podcast #CitiesWork.
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Spotlight- Creative
Community Connections
Highland: Parading Past Care Centers
May 13- Highland City residents came together to support residents of Highland Glen Assisted Living Center, the Utah State Developmental Center and their caregivers and support staff. They organized a parade including the youth city council, mayor, city council members, families of Highland Glen residents, classic car owners, and other community members. Participants drove by both centers in vehicles decorated with balloons, flags, streamers and signs with messages of love. Families expressed gratitude that their loved ones were not forgotten in this time of isolation. To see photos of the event, click the tab below.
American Fork City: Seniors Drag Main
Saturday night, May 23, American Fork is having a "Drag Main Street" event for the citizens to honor the graduating seniors. The entire city is asked to come out to the local theatre and repeatedly travel the 2¼ mile route, then turn around and do it again. Seniors in caps and gowns will be honored and given free gifts.
South Ogden: Chalk Art Contest
Residents were invited to express themselves with chalk on their driveways or sidewalks, then send in the pictures to qualify for prizes given away from the city. They also promoted local restaurants with prize drawings for Facebook "likes."
Share Your Creative Community Connections
We'd like to hear the creative community connections you're implementing in your city or town. We'll highlight many of these events or programs in our Friday Facts spotlight and share your good ideas with other local leaders. Just contact any ULCT staff member to tell us what innovative ideas are being implementing during the pandemic in your community.
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ULCT Upcoming Events
ULCT's Town Hall for Local Leaders
Thursday, 2:30 - 3:15 pm
With the weather heating up and public health and safety in mind, communities wrestle with some tough decisions about when and how to open recreation facilities. Do we hold off a few weeks to assure safety... or do we move ahead and implement all the social distancing measures we can? When faced with that choice, some cities may be questioning whether their original move was the proper one.
On Thursday, we'll host a webinar with the Parks and Rec Director and the Recreation Center Manager from Provo along with the Recreation Director from American Fork and City Manager from South Ogden about opening pools and splash pads. You'll hear how they planned their COVID safety measures and what happened once they put up the "Open" sign.
Watch your inbox for a webinar link next week and join us on Thursday with your questions.
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Resources and Training
Dr. Susan Madsen and her team from the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) are conducting two studies related to women in Utah government and would love to have our help.
They are conducting a survey to better understand the leadership advancement experiences of women who are non-elected government employees in our Utah cities. Please invite women in leadership roles in your cities (at any level) to take the 15-30 minute survey using this link.
UWLP is also collecting data from cities, counties, and state government to identify the percentages of women who work in leadership roles within the state, and will compare it to nation numbers. If you represent a 4th-5th class city please email Candicepierucci@gmail.com the following:
- A list of leadership positions for the city (e.g., assistant manager, manager, associate director, director)
- Position status (whether the position is appointed, merit, provisional, temporary)
- The gender of the person currently in each leadership position
- The total number of employees for the city
If you are a town and would like to share, they would welcome that data as well. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Madsen at madsensu@uvu.edu.
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