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!

Housing Matters

Housing affordability is a top priority for Utahns, and a top priority for our administration. This week, we attended the Utah Housing Matters conference and met with hundreds of attendees who are on the frontlines of combatting our housing crisis. In the 2024 General Legislative Session, we recommended, and the Legislature funded, more than $360 million for homelessness and attainable housing. We are focused on lowering costs and developing all types of housing to help Utahns of all income levels afford their own home.

Our administration has brought together builders, local elected officials, legislators, and more to develop innovative solutions to one of our state’s most critical issues. We are confident that together, we will be able to provide all of our residents with the opportunity to own their home.

Celebrating Utah centenarians  

Every year I look forward to spending time with our centenarians - Utahns who have reached their 100th birthday and beyond. This exclusive club is full of individuals who have lived through historic times in our country, through the ups and downs that the past century has brought, and we are grateful for their legacy, knowledge, and impact on our state. 

Utah is ranked as the healthiest state for older adults and we want to keep it that way. We’re focusing on four specific areas to support our aging and elderly: we want to help them retain more of their hard earned income, help them age in place — in their homes if they choose to — ensure they stay connected and engaged in their community, and protect them from harm and predatory practices.

Research in Utah

This week we had the opportunity to connect with some of the faculty from our two public research universities, the University of Utah and Utah State University. These universities are helping to address critical challenges in our state from air quality to energy consumption and manufacturing, and so much more. 

Grateful for the opportunity to learn from these impressive researchers. We appreciate all their contributions to our state!

Visit from an Indonesian Delegation

Lt. Gov. Henderson welcomed Minister Ida Bagus “Sade” Bimantara, Chargé d'Affaires from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Utah. Indonesia is a key trade partner and the world’s third most populous democracy. We were honored to host the delegation and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come.

Preserving historic main streets

Utah Main Street, a program of the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, has been awarded $749,160 from the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant. The grant is designed to preserve historic buildings and promote rural economic growth, and is funded through the Historic Preservation Fund. The grant will provide resources to designated Utah communities with populations less than 50,000, supporting the restoration of historic buildings essential to local character and economic viability.

Fall colors in the Beehive State

Fall is around the corner, and with it, some of the most stunning views our state has to offer. Drive up the canyons to view the changing colors, hit the trails to walk among the falling leaves, or, check out the largest living organism in the world, the aspen grove on the Fishlake Loop. Click here for more details on the fall leaves and the best places to go.

ICYMI

• This week we welcomed our fall 2024 fellows to the Office of the Governor! We offer  fellowship opportunities twice a year to college students or young professionals to learn about state government, policy, and more. Applications for the spring 2025 fellowship will open on October 1.

• Last week we were honored to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. Check out photos here.

• September is Suicide Prevention Month in Utah. If you or a loved one is struggling, dial 988 or use the SafeUT app. Visit liveonutah.org to learn more. 

• The Utah Department of Commerce's Division of Corporations and Commercial Code is moving to a new system for online business registrations next week! Learn more here.

Coming up

• Sept. 16: Looking forward to attending our State Employee Wellness event!

• Sept. 17: Lt. Gov. Henderson will speak at the Salt Lake County Council American Founders and Constitution Month event.

• Sept. 18: We will be attending the Dominion Energy Annual Consumer Meeting. 

• Sept. 19: We’re headed down to Green River for the Green River groundbreaking!

• Sept. 20: Excited to welcome Utah Olympians back home!

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!