CitiesWork

Does the flag flying above your town hall represent you as a resident? The state of Utah has embarked on an outreach campaign to consider what images should be depicted on the state flag. In this podcast, vexillologist Ted Kaye, asks some important questions for your organization about designing an effective flag. To see several flags representing the cities and towns of Utah, check out https://www.fotw.info/flags/us-utmun.html. For more information about the Utah flag redesign effort, including how you can submit your ideas, check out www.flag.Utah.gov. Special thanks to Y2 Analytics for sponsoring ULCT programs.

When you think of the flags that represent countries around the world and states across the US, which are the first to come to mind? Chances are the flags you think of follow the principles of good flag design. As the state of Utah embarks on an outreach campaign for a possible flag redesign, we speak to the man who wrote the book about good flags and bad flags, vexillologist Ted Kaye. What symbols and design elements should we consider in the process? For more information about the Utah flag redesign effort, including how you can submit your ideas, check out Flag.Utah.gov.

How does a community leader tackle priority issues while addressing the concerns of opposing viewpoints among residents? How does an aspiring local leader deal with incoming darts flying during controversy... or campaigns? Those are just a couple of questions addressed by outgoing Utah local leaders Stan Smith of Springdale, Jim Talbot of Farmington, and Len Arave from North Salt Lake. Each mayor is retiring after sharing years of dedicated service to their communities. Hear their reflections in this edition of the #CitiesWork podcast, brought to you by the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Most Mayors in Utah technically serve part-time, but their commitment to their respective communities is definately full-time. As three mayors from Cache County prepare to leave their roles as mayor at the end of the year, we'll hear their insights from more than 42 years of combined service to the cities of Hyde Park, North Logan, and Richmond. Hear from Mayors Charles Wheeler, Damon Cann, and Jeff Young on this episode of CitiesWork, hosted by ULCT's Susan Wood.

From maintaining the tradition of the rodeo to the folksy feel of a historic midtown city-the character of our communities is preserved by good leaders. Two of Utah's outgoing mayors share their insights from their service for the cities of Spanish Fork and Murray, Utah. Hear what Mayors Steve Leifson and Blair Camp say about their time in office, addressing conflict and criticism, and the future city leadership in this episode of #CitiesWork, brought to you by the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Utah state and local leaders are sharing the message with residents- we are in the midst of a severe drought. Conserve water! In this podcast, we'll hear water conservation experts evaluate the present resources available, new ideas for cities to consider to help in the conservation effort, and address the effectiveness of outreach to residents. Guests include CEO and General Manager of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Bart Forsyth and Herriman City Public Works Director Justun Edwards. This episode of #CitiesWork is hosted by Susan Wood and made possible by our ULCT sponsors, including Prepare 60. For more great water conservation ideas check out www.watersavers.com.

Knowing what your residents think is incredibly helpful for local leaders as we try to meet their needs. Now, learn how people in your community feel about their overall wellbeing and how well their community supports it. The Utah Wellbeing Project, conducted by the Utah State University Extension, surveyed residents in several communities and has prepared an assessment on their scores. Hear from Dr. Courtney Flint, who led this project, in this episode of #CitiesWork, hosted by Susan Wood of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Special thanks to ULCT sponsor, Strata Networks. Survey results and further information about the Utah Wellbeing Project can be found at https://extension.usu.edu/business-and-community/utah-wellbeing-project/index. The next survey is anticipated for 2022 and new Utah city partners are welcome.

How would a city function if it weren't for clerks and recorders? They keep us informed about city business, they run our local elections, they keep our community history, and the list goes on. As part of National Municipal Recorders Week, we speak to the president of the Utah Municipal Clerks Association and a former president, a newly retired long-serving city recorder. Special thanks to ULCT sponsor Y2 Analytics for supporting programs like this.

In March, Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions in the state. As you'll hear in this podcast, he addressed the critical water shortage in a PBS Utah news briefing. Now is the time to get agressive about water conservation in our communities. Learn what local leaders can do to prevent a dire situation later by implementing conservation programs now. ULCT host Susan Wood speaks to Candice Hasenyager and Laura Haskell from the Division of Water Quality and Jordan Allen of South Jordan City. Thanks to ULCT sponsor Prepare 60 for its support of the League and water conservation in Utah. Learn more about rebates available to residents: UtahWaterSavers.org Track drought conditions, get tips and tricks: drought.utah.gov Read about South Jordan's water conservation efforts: watersmartsojo.org

A year ago, the earth started shaking in the Salt Lake Valley. It was the strongest quake to hit the area since 1962. But the 5.7 quake in Magna, considered "moderate", wasn't "the big one" that is expected one day along the Wasatch Front. Emergency managers are encouraging local leaders throughout the state to prepare their community for the next Utah earthquake, and one way is to get involved in the Great Utah ShakeOut on April 15, 2021. Learn how your community can benefit from this training in this podcast and at ShakeOut.org/Utah. Also, the newly released Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy is now available at www.fema.gov. And for more information on Salt Lake City's "Fix the Bricks" program, go to https://www.slc.gov/em/fix-the-bricks/. Thanks to Utah Risk Management Mutual Association, sponsor of ULCT, who helps the League provide educational programs like this podcast.

As Utah local leaders plan for growth, positive dialogue with our residents is vital. Yet sometimes the vision of managing growth while enhancing quality of life is challenging to communicate. Learn about the new Wasatch Choice resources available through Wasatch Front Regional Council to address growth and engage residents. This episode of the #CitiesWork podcast, hosted by ULCT's Susan Wood, includes guests Katie Gerard, Wasatch Front Regional Council; Beth Holbrook, Utah Transit Authority trustee; and Eileen Barron, Utah Department of Transportation strategic communications manager. Find the Policy Engagement Guidebook and other resources by copying and pasting these links in your browser: Public Engagement Guidebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/108RaSLOdxvIfh16PFi61rQcXaMnugnd6/view Technical Assistance Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CvvsfPA4H0VUClj8Fxl2dNfQkIuo01EIe5DfBMDLp00/edit#gid=1553943007 Special thanks to ULCT sponsor Prepare 60 for their support of League programs.

Do you, as a municipal leader, know how your residents assess their personal wellbeing and how the resources offered by your city are impacting their assessment? Now is a great time to find out! Utah State University is inviting Utah cities and towns to participate in a survey to gather data that may enhance the way local leaders plan for the future. Learn more about the project from Dr. Courtney Flint, USU Professor of Natural Resource Sociology, and hear how the information gathered is a wonderful tool for community leaders from Susan Petherham, a municipal planning consultant with FFKR, and Mayor Damon Cann of North Logan. Learn how to participate in the survey here: https://extension.usu.edu/business-and-community/utah-wellbeing-project Local leaders are also invited to take a brief survey about the impact of COVID-19 on your community by clicking here: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mtUClIP2BCVhjv. Special thanks to Utah Local Governments Trust, a ULCT sponsor, for their help in funding League programs like this podcast.

September 7, 2020. A storm blew into northern Utah with hurricane-force gusts. Over 2 days, 100 year old trees were ripped from the ground. Power lines were sheared arcing, rooftops were torn and debris was swirling in the streets. How did crews in Salt Lake City, perhaps the hardest hit, deal with the initial impact and how are they planting the seeds to regrow and restore one of the most beautiful elements of Utah's capital city? Hear Salt Lake City's Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Director of Public Services Lorna Vogt, and Urban Forestry Division Director Tony Gliot talk about the ongoing the work resulting from the big winds. You can help with the efforts to restore the urban forest through ReTreeSLC.com. Thanks to ULCT sponsor, Rocky Mountain Power, for their assistance in the repair and recovery.

When men and women work together in leadership positions, organizations increasingly thrive. That's the finding of Utah's Women & Leadership Project. So how often are men and women working together in Utah municipal government? In this episode of the #CitiesWork podcast, ULCT host Susan Wood speaks to Utah State Representative Candice Pierucci and Brooke Smith, who works with Murray City. They've both been deeply involved in a study to assess the numbers of women in leadership positions in Utah's cities and towns. Hear their findings in this podcast and learn more at https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/blog/2020/the-status-of-women-leaders-in-government-utah-cities-and-towns.

Local leaders in Utah's communities can help connect residents to valuable services they need through the 2-1-1 network. CitiesWork podcast host Susan Wood speaks with Amy Ahrens Terpstra, Vice President of Collective Impact at United Way of Salt Lake, about what 2-1-1 means to our cities and towns. She also highlights a new program that helps connect students to educational resources. "Stay Safe, Stay Connected" is helping students access tools and internet connections during the pandemic so that they can stay safe while participating in educational programs. To learn more, visit 211utah.org or https://uw.org/211/stay-safe-stay-connected/. This podcast was sponsored by Comcast, who is also partnering with the "Stay Safe, Stay Connected" program.

ULCT's 2020 Annual Convention, scheduled for Sept. 21-25, offers a full week of opportunities for Utah's municipal leaders to learn about managing local government and preparing for growth in an innovative way. It's a reimagined convention! Find conference details and registration information at www.ulct.org.

COVID has had an interesting effect on our roads and the quality of our air. Freeway volumes dropped and the quality of the air improved as people began teleworking instead of reporting to the office. What does this trend mean for long-term planning in our communities? It could be time for a "re-direct." Hear from Ted Knowlton of the Wasatch Front Regional Council and UCAIR's Thom Carter as they discuss what teleworking could mean as we plan for growth in Utah's cities and towns. Special thanks to ULCT sponsor, Utopia, for sponsoring this podcast.

The outbreak of COVID forced many workers to move from the desk in their office to a desk at home. Our business is now done, in large part, virtually. Fewer cars on the road has made a huge improvement in our air, especially in valleys where ozone and inversion are typical seasonal problems. What do managers and staff think of the new "work from home" concept? Hear from UCAIR's Executive Director Thom Carter about details from a recent survey. He also explains grants and other opportunities to use what we've learned to make positive, permanent changes. For complete survey results and grant opportunities, contact UCAIR's Thom Carter at thom@ucair.org.

Outdoor festivals and fun in the sun is a tradition in Utah's cities and towns. But this year, we've had to rethink those community connections. Learn about new guidelines during the pandemic for live events and festivals and hear what some city leaders have come up with as they've reimagined summer.

Who knew life would change so much so quickly as a pandemic swept through our communities? No one expected this and no one expected the many emergencies faced across our cities and towns. 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 #CitiesWork.

As Utah's congressional delegation began addressing the novel coronavirus, one member learned first-hand the basis for the concern. Congressman Ben McAdams traveled from DC back to Utah when he contracted the disease. Days later, hospitalized, he says it was like having a belt strapped around his chest. Hear about his experience and an insider's perspective on the actions in Washington to address the critical effects of COVID-19.

You've probably received it in the mail- an invitation to login to take the census. We'll it's not only important that you respond, but that your residents respond! In this edition of the #CitiesWork podcast, ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl speaks with Census experts, both national and local, who share important information for communities.

We are fortunate Utah has not yet seen a community spread of the Coronavirus. But with the high level of transmission worldwide, we need to do our very best to prepare. The best way to fight an enemy is to be ready for it. So, does that mean it’s appropriate to declare a state of emergency in your city or town? Today in our #CitiesWork podcast we address that question with Ron Gordon, general counsel to Gov. Gary Herbert, Joe Dougherty, PIO for the Utah Division of Emergency Management, and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who declared a state of emergency for the city earlier this week.

The well-being of a city goes beyond dollars and cents. It includes the health and safety of its residents. Learn how the city of Spanish Fork, in it's quest to become a "Fit City," is also addressing mental health. The city has a program to bring down the rates of depression and suicide with a simple "QPR" tool. QPR stands for question, pursuade, refer. Council Member/ ULCT 1st Vice President Mike Mendenhall and health expert Susan Chapman speak to ULCT's Susan Wood about how all cities and towns can use these wellness tools.

150 years ago, Utah women were finally able to "cast off the shackles" and vote! When school teacher Seraph Young became the first woman to cast a ballot in a municipal election, it represented years of work by both women and men hoping to give an equal voice to those who'd become Utah's citizens. Hear more about the history of women's suffrage as well as what cities and towns are doing to celebrate Utah's HERitage. Seraph Young art illustrator: Brooke Smart

You don't have to be a certain age to be a leader. In communities throughout Utah, students involved in youth city councils are learning about government, service, and overall leadership. They have a unique, inside experience with municipal government and make a big difference in building better places to live. Learn more about youth city councils from Taylorsville, a Utah city that incorporated 23 years ago. To establish a youth city council of your own, check out: https://uayc.wordpress.com/about/contact/?fbclid=IwAR3tyAd2_ncqfQD3M9xOolSvDX5lJDD_fsGsQb_ucSkd2xx9ps7RozQKsgw

You've heard of the Mighty 5, but realistically there are probably a mighty 5 million places to enjoy the Utah outdoors! In the backyards of homes in every community around Utah, there are places to hike, bike, ski, run, and climb. Hear the former Director of Outdoor Recreation of Utah, rock climber Tom Adams, discuss ways to access funding for projects to enhance outdoor opportunities in your own community. To apply for a grant from the Department, visit the website https://business.utah.gov/outdoor/uorg/.

From rural Colorado to metro Maryland, there are many differences in local landscapes across the nation. Yet, more often than not, local leaders wrestle with similar issues. Special guest host, ULCT President Mike Mendenhall, speaks with presidents of Leagues from four states about housing, infrastructure, water, and more. Hear the perspectives of Presidents Ryan Spiegel of Maryland's League, Greg Evans, president of the Oregon League, Colorado Municipal League President Liz Hensley, and Christian Price, president of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.

Whether it's infrastructure or workforce, there are certain issues that are community priorities across the nation. ULCT's Executive Director Cameron Diehl and other members of the National League of Cities' Presidential Platform Task Force discuss an evaluation process for each of the candidates. This is a non-partisan effort. After all, there's no Democratic or Republican way to fill a pothole.

An important deadline is rapidly approaching for Utah communities. A chance to get in on a collaborative effort to buy and use renewable energy through Rocky Mountain Power expires at the years' end. Learn how simple the first step is as our state works together to explore cleaner forms of energy and what affect the collaboration will have on communities' collective buying power.

Do you know what your community is actually worth? That information would likely influence the decisions you make as a municipal leader. Urban3's Joe Minicozzi explains to host Cameron Diehl how he uses technology to perform a metaphorical MRI on a city to find resources that may be hiding in plain sight. Cam is also joined by UTA's Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Carlton Christensen, who has spent many years working for city and county government. Taking an inventory will not only help guide future decisions, but lead to new partnerships. For more information, visit Urban3's website: Urban3- http://www.urban-three.com/our-firm-1

With new council members coming on board and the year drawing to an end, 55 years of institutional knowledge will soon depart the halls of Sandy City. Council Members Steve Fairbanks, Linda Martinez Saville, and Chris McCandless did not seek additional terms. In this podcast, the three reflect together on the changes in the city over their years of service as well as their hopes for their city in the years ahead.

Nearly 40 years and you haven't changed a bit- NOT! After putting in a collective 36 years of service, the makeup of the Provo City Council is changing dramatically in January. 4 council members will be retiring from office: Gary Winterton, Kay Van Buren, Dave Knecht, and George Stewart. Hear their perspective on how the city HAS changed, and their thoughts on what they've worked to bring to their community over the years as they speak with host and ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl.

Engaged residents are great in a community, but they don't always see eye-to-eye. What are the factors that create misunderstandings and how can we, as municipal leaders, work to foster positive, productive dialogue? ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl speaks to the Chief Engagement Officer of MetroQuest, Dave Biggs, who also spoke at the ULCT Annual Convention, about strategies that will help us all come together.

Andrew Card served as Secretary of State for President George W. Bush on a pivotal day in US history- 9/11/2001. He recalls the events of that day and shares a strong reminder of why we, as Americans, must never forget the lives lost and the service rendered after the terrorist attack 18 years ago. Hear his conversation with ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl on 9/11/2019, during the ULCT Annual Convention.

A quake hits, a fire rages, a mudslide blocks off a main thoroughfare. Who do residents depend on when disaster hits their community? A large amount of trust is placed in city leaders based on a ULCT/Y2 Analytics survey. ULCT's Cameron Diehl speaks with Y2's Kyrene Gibb about resident's expectations when there's a community call for help.

What does a baseball game have to do with marijuana production? Besides the fast that they both involve grass, it's a simple way to explain how far Utah has come in implementing the new medical marijuana use law. ULCT's Cameron Diehl and Utah Department of Ag and Food's Andrew Rigby take the discussion out to the ball game, metaphorically, and look at licensing, zoning, and public safety.

Whether it's that subtle smile on a painting you see, the up-beat pace of a tune that moves you, or a story that enhances your perspective, art is an element that elevates the quality of a community. Learn how it can affect your city or town in this edition of #CitiesWork featuring ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl and Crystal Young Otterstrom, Executive Director of the Utah Cultural Alliance.

Green, white, or orange, there's a spectrum of e-scooters on a growing number of Utah city streets. Who's riding them and what impact are they having on our cities? Cameron Diehl takes his first ride on an e-scooter along with ULCT Board Member and Salt Lake Council Member Erin Mendenhall. They meet up with Jon Larsen, the city's director of transportation to talk about this growing trend in transportation.

The Tax Task Force is on the road taking input from Utahns on possible reform. The ULCT Legislative Team is along for the ride! ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl and ULCT Senior Policy Analyst Roger Tew check in with ULCT's Rachel Otto during stop one on the multi-city tour. Hear how communities throughout the state need to be aware of the potential ripple effect as residents consider change.

Are you ready for it? That's what community leaders may ask themselves after hearing about the 2018 Utah wildfires and how Woodland Hills' mayor and council members reacted when the flames were spreading into their community. Hear why the color green was a critical cue, along with other tips on preparing for wildfire. Cameron Diehl speaks with Mayor Wendy Pray and council members Larry Henry, and Kari Malkovich.

City leaders and constituents from throughout the 3rd Congressional District join Cameron Diehl and US Rep. John Curtis to chat about the issues related to their communities. Congressman Curtis is a former Provo mayor who has a unique perspective now that he represents the state in Washington, DC. Hear this conversation as it was recorded live during our ULCT Midyear Conference in St. George, Utah.

September 2018. ULCT members gathered for the Annual Convention in Salt Lake City when mayors and council members started getting the word- their communities were burning. As wildfire spread through the hills of central Utah, city leaders stepped into action. Learn from the Mayor Wendy Pray and Council Member Kari Malkovich how they dealt with the Pole Creek and Bald Mountain fire- including what worked and what didn't.

Former FEMA Administrator Brock Long and ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl discuss disaster preparation in our communities. All disasters begin and end at the local level, so our cities and towns need to have a plan in place to manage during times of crisis.

The first week is complete for the 2019 Utah legislative session. In this podcast, ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl and ULCT Director of Government Relations, Rachel Otto discuss some of the major items under discussion that would affect cities and towns.

It’s a tale of two sessions! ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl is joined by Director of Government Relations Rachel Otto and Senior Policy Analyst Roger Tew to talk about tax revenue distribution, referendum, and gravel pits, as well as the other issues that are likely to emerge AFTER medicaid expansion discussions end.

ULCT Executive Director Cameron Diehl and Director of Government Relations Rachel Otto explain what’s being discussed behind closed doors as the debate over SB34 moves over to the House. And, for the first time, the two hosts welcome a guest to the podcast, Sandy Deputy Mayor Evelyn Everton shares the city’s view on gravel pits and what options cities have to deal with them.

The Politics of Preemption by ULCT

Policy Ideas Meet Financial Realities by ULCT

Is it an amusement park ride or a trivia game? This week’s podcast, featuring Cameron Diehl and Rachel Otto, features legislative twists and turns straight from the Utah State Capitol. We’ll share a lot of facts- those you’ll find useful and those you never knew you needed! It’s week 7 of the session and our Cities Work podcast!

Memories of the Session by ULCT