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It has been an unforgettable week or so in Utah and around the country. While we mourn with those who are hurting, we also recognize the need to love more and listen better as we lead our communities. As your correspondent explains in June’s Director’s Message , Utahns trust city leaders during challenging times. ULCT leaders met this week with leaders from the Utah Chiefs of Police Association and other stakeholders to lay the foundation for important work ahead.
ULCT President and Spanish Fork Council Member Mike Mendenhall has this message for league members:
Our willingness to serve was born out of love for our communities. We promised to listen to concerns. We said we would lead our communities to better places. Let’s be the elected officials that we campaigned to be. One of my mentors often tells me “Together we serve. Now go make a difference.” Her words inspire me to be better. Let’s get to work and make a difference with compassion. We’ll be better together for it.”
ULCT leaders also want to hear from you about how George Floyd’s death and related events have impacted you as a city leader and what, if anything, your city plans to do. Please take a moment to share your thoughts HERE by Tuesday, June 9 which we will then summarize for the ULCT Board of Directors.
This week’s email will update you on the CARES Act state distribution, preview the June special session and Tuesday’s town hall about it (with Lt. Governor Spencer Cox and legislative leaders), request your feedback about the Annual Convention in September and in this UCAIR survey, and spotlight innovative community connections in Eagle Mountain.
Yes, we have three requests for you--your thoughts about George Floyd’s death and related events, your input about the Annual Convention, and data about telecommuting--so thanks in advance!
Legislative Advocacy
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CARES Act funding for cities, towns and counties outside of Salt Lake and Utah County is now available. You can access the funds by completing the agreement on the GOMB website located here. The State is encouraging an electronic signature to speed up the process. To see an example of the reporting requirements, click here. |
Salt Lake County distribution please refer to the letter issued by Mayor Jenny Wilson by clicking here.
Utah County distribution is anticipated to come in two forms for cities and towns. Utah County has agreed to allocate $40 million to economic recovery efforts in the County. Cities and towns will also receive a one-time direct allocation based on population sometime this month. To see the distribution table please click here. For more information please contact Peter Brown at PeterB@utahcounty.gov.
Important Guidance:
The U.S. Treasury Department issued guidance and FAQs clarifying that medical, public health, payroll for employees dedicated to COVID-19 management, compliance costs, and economic support and revitalization are all allowable expenses for CARES Act funds. Funds cannot cover lost revenue, budget shortfalls, damages, payroll (for employees not dedicated to COVID-19), severance pay, or workforce bonuses (some exceptions).
For the full guidance please visit here.
For the most recent FAQs please visit here.
To understand how the State is currently appropriating its CARES Act funds please visit here.
The League held a town hall on Monday, June 1st, with officials from the Governor's Office of Management and Budget and State Auditor's Office explained how our cities will be able to apply for funds, as well as which COVID-related costs will qualify. Salt Lake and Utah County officials also shared the criteria for accessing funds to help cover COVID costs in our cities and towns. If you missed that discussion, we encourage you to review it. If can be seen here.
To see our full communication sent on June 4, 2020 click here.
June Special Session
The week of June 15 the legislature will hold interim committees and a special session for budget adjustments. It’s your correspondent’s understanding that there may also be some policy issues addressed in the special session and we will watch the session call closely. Policymakers have been meeting in appropriations committees through the month to examine programs and anticipated revenues in preparation for difficult cuts.
June Director's Message
Love- Listen- and Lead
Never before have we faced the challenges we are now experiencing, and with challenges come opportunities. This month's message is one of trust and respect as leaders of Utah's cities and towns work together to help our residents feel safe and respected. Cities can and should work together to build better communities.
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ULCT Annual Convention
As the League moves forward with planning the 2020 Annual Convention, we would like to hear from our members on attending the convention. League staff is currently working through plans for an in-person event Sept. 22-24, a hybrid event (virtual streaming/in-person) on the same dates, or a virtual event. Our hope is to hold an in-person event while following the phased guidelines and Salt Palace requirements, and we'd like to hear your thoughts. Would you be likely to attend a September convention? Let us know by taking this survey.
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Spotlight- Community Connections
Social distancing made it next to impossible for Eagle Mountain to hold its traditional Pony Express Days celebration this year, so the city staff came up with some fun alternatives! See how residents are coming together "virtually" for horse and buggy rides, pancake breakfasts, movie nights, and more. Eagle Mountain is just one of Utah's 249 cities and towns working creatively for their residents! We want to share what your city or town is doing during the pandemic to celebrate the summer and maintain those valuable community connections!
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Resources and Training
Tuesday, June 9, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
ULCT Town Hall for Local Leaders
COVID-19 Impacts on State Budget and Briefing with Lt. Governor Spencer Cox
Sen. Jerry Stevenson, Senate Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Jefferson Moss, House Vice-chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee will join us Tuesday to discuss COVID-19 impacts on the state budget and legislative plans to adjust and cut expenditures when it meets in special session this month. Lt. Governor Spencer Cox will also update us on the state COVID-19 task force efforts.
Please submit questions through the League's question tab on our website or in the chat room during the town hall.
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ULCT's "Throwback Thursday" training series
Thursday, June 11
12:00 - 1:15 pm
During the month of June, ULCT will provide an opportunity to learn the latest about the basic essentials in managing municipal government. Our second session, on June 11, will be Land Use 101- General Plans and Zoning Codes.
"What are they, what are the state rules and how do they work together," hosted by ULCT Land Use Expert Meg Ryan.
Topics covered in this training session include:
- Statutory Review of General Plan and Zoning Code requirements
- How the ordinances work together and best practices
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Click the link if you would like to participate.
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Teleworking and Air Quality- UCAIR Survey
Utah has participated in what has amounted to a large-scale telework period during the pandemic. What have we learned from this that will help us move toward the "new normal?"
UCAIR would like you to participate in a brief Teleworking survey to get a cross-section of input from throughout our cities and towns. It should take about 3-5 minutes to complete. The survey will be available until 10 p.m. on June 12. The results will shape important conversations around the future of work and quality of life in our communities.
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Water Now Alliance Project Accelerator
The Water Now Alliance is announcing 5th Round of the Project Accelerator program. Selected applicants receive up to 250 hours of free WaterNow project support to advance a sustainable water project in their community! The deadline to apply in June 19th. The Alliance is particularly interested in selecting a city in Utah that's interested in integrated water and land use planning goals. For more info click here.
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