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. Thank you for subscribing!

Go Team USA!

This week we welcomed Utah athletes that competed in the Summer 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games to the Utah State Capitol! We’re proud of their work and how they represented our state and nation. Looking forward to bringing the Olympics back to the Beehive State in 2034!

The Utah Model of Care

This week we joined the One Utah Health Collaborative in formally launching the Utah Model of Care. We extend our thanks to health care leaders, legislative partners, and community innovators for their commitment to the Collaborative's vision for an affordable, high-quality, and trusted health care system. Over the past year, Utahns have emphasized the need for a system that is accessible, efficient, transparent, person-centered and prevention-oriented. With a culture of collaboration and innovation, Utah is well positioned to make this happen. This model serves as a guiding compass for a unified approach, and we encourage all leaders to champion its progress, ensuring that our efforts benefit all Utahns for generations to come. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.

Governor’s Award for Excellence

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence! We’re grateful to the department directors and family members who joined us in honoring these outstanding individuals. Representing 25 state agencies, this year’s winners have been recognized for their exceptional contributions in areas such as Peer Leadership, Embracing Innovation, Heroism, Humanitarianism, and Outstanding Public Service.

These public servants’ commitment to serving the people of Utah, often at personal sacrifice, is deeply appreciated. They are the top 25 out of more than 23,000 state employees, and these awards reflect just a fraction of our gratitude for your hard work and dedication. Learn more about the Governor’s Awards for Excellence here!

Visit from Sierra Leone’s First Lady

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson had the honor of welcoming First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, of the Republic of Sierra Leone, this week. They had a productive discussion about the strides the First Lady has made in advocating for women's and girls' rights in Sierra Leone, including her "Hands Off Our Girls" campaign and efforts to provide free sanitary products in schools. The lieutenant governor also discussed the Period Project here in Utah and shared how proud she is that the state is leading the way in ensuring access to period products. It is truly inspiring to hear what the First Lady has been able to achieve for her people.

Keys to Leadership

Lt. Gov. Henderson recently spoke at a Ken Garff Leadership Training Day. The event, held for new and emerging leaders within the company, focused on leadership, communication, and collaboration. The lieutenant governor shared her journey and experience in politics, and how she became the lieutenant governor. She offered insights on some key leadership skills on navigating difficult conversations and situations and of course how to #DisagreeBetter.

Building a future for Utah’s Families

As Utah continues to grow, ensuring our children can thrive close to home becomes increasingly crucial. The state’s housing affordability crisis threatens to push our younger generation away, risking the loss of our cherished culture and values. To combat this, we must prioritize the development of mixed-income communities that include starter homes. By viewing housing as part of our interconnected infrastructure—much like transportation and utilities—we can promote a collaborative approach among cities, developers, and financial partners to enhance density and affordability in our neighborhoods.

As Utah joins the National Housing Crisis Task Force to develop effective housing solutions, it’s clear that a collective effort is essential for ensuring our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to live and prosper in their home state. Together, we can secure a brighter future for Utah. Thank you to the Utah Land Institute for having us this week!

ICYMI

• Our goal with Operation Gigawatt isn’t just a policy change, it’s a challenge to rethink what’s possible for Utah. Read more here.

   

• Oct. 28: Lt. Gov. Henderson will be speaking at the UVU Elections Forum.

• Oct. 29: We will be attending the Renewable Diesel Press Conference. 

• Oct. 29: Looking forward to presenting the third annual Governor’s Spirit of Service Awards!

• Oct. 30: We will be attending the AI Summit. 

• Oct. 30: Lt. Gov. Henderson will be going to Kanab for the All Women Town Council Monument Dedication.

• Oct. 31: Looking forward to a groundbreaking ceremony for 275 starter homes in Utah!

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? With great employee benefits and versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly rewarding. 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!