Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the Office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more. Reply to this email with any questions or suggestions regarding the newsletter. And thank you for subscribing!

Wildfire Season is here

This week Utah experienced two record-setting temperatures, which means wildfire season is upon us. To help combat human-caused wildfires, we’re excited to join another year of the Fire Sense campaign! Utahns have done a fantastic job preventing human-caused wildfires since the beginning of this campaign. In fact, over the first two years, we reduced human-caused wildfires by 60%. Before you head out on your next summer adventure, be sure to do the following: 

• Check out Utahfireinfo.gov to stay updated on fire restrictions in the areas you visit. Also, check with the National Weather Service for any Red Flag Warnings. 

• If you're camping this summer, make sure you have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby to extinguish your campfire and check for heat before leaving. Please don’t leave your campfire until it is cool to the touch. 

• When target shooting, use safe ammunition and targets. Find a suitable backdrop without rocks and dry grass. Keep a shovel, water, or a fire extinguisher nearby. Remember, exploding targets are not allowed on public lands.

The summertime is also a great time to conserve water! Over the past three years, Utahns have put in the work to save and conserve water. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Going for Gold

It’s - almost - official! This week the International Olympic Committee formally recommended Salt Lake City to host the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The committee will take  a formal vote on July 24, 2024 in Paris, France at this summer’s Olympics. 

Thank you to the hard work of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games for all their hard work in getting us prepared. We’re ready to bring the Olympics back to the Beehive State! Read more about the IOC’s recommendations here.

Utah’s phone free summer

According to the National Institutes of Health, smartphone and internet addiction is a very real issue facing our society that can harm our relationships, mental health and creativity. Social media can be toxic and can lead to heightened anxiety, depression and disconnection from others. So this summer, we’re encouraging all young Utahns to commit to going phone-free every Friday, or at least one day a week, and we invite all Utahns to join us! Disconnect from your devices, so you can connect with the people around you.

The state of Utah is working hard to protect our kids, and adults, from the harms of social media. Learn more here and read the full Phone-Free Friday declaration here.

Supporting local business

Eagle Mountain is quickly changing from a rural area to one of our state’s fastest growing communities. We were excited to join the Eagle Mountain Chamber this week to celebrate the creation of the Launch Pad incubator -- a groundbreaking space for entrepreneurs and small businesses to take their business to the next level. There are over 900 businesses in Eagle Mountain, and 80% of those are home businesses, so this space will support these small home startups. 

Looking forward to hearing about the successes of Launch Pad! Learn more here.

Thanking school administrators

School is over and everyone is taking a break including the teachers and administrators. Lt. Gov. Henderson thanked school administrators in Utah for their hard work and dedication at the Utah Secondary School Principals conference. She praised their leadership and commitment to student success, especially during the challenges of the past year, and acknowledged the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Celebrating Bridgerland Technical College

It's been a few years in the making, but the newly built Frederick Quinney Lawson Health Sciences Building at Bridgerland Technical College in Logan officially opened this week. This new building represents a significant investment in Utah's workforce, helping reduce the shortage in the health care field by preparing more students.

Lt. Gov. Henderson attended the ribbon-cutting event and toured the state-of-the-art facility. This would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Utah State Legislature, the Utah Board of Higher Education, and our administration.

Traveling responsibly

Summer is finally here which means it’s one of the best seasons to get outdoors and explore our beautiful state! Before you head out on your summer adventure, think about what you can do to travel responsibly. You could leave no trace as you recreate, support local businesses or learn about the history of the areas you are visiting. 

Check out these tips from Visit Utah to learn more about how you can travel responsibly this summer.

ICYMI

• Last week we honored the 80th anniversary of the D-Day operation that was a pivotal turning point in WWII. D-Day serves as a reminder that freedom is precious, and we are free because of the brave men and women who serve.

• It’s Flag Day!

Coming up

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits to versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!