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** Letter from Gov. Cox: Introducing the BUILD Coordinating Council
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Utahns care deeply about this place we call home: our neighborhoods, our natural beauty, and our shared way of life. As demands on our infrastructure, land, and resources evolve, it is more important than ever to plan wisely for the future.

That’s why I signed an executive order ([link removed]) creating the BUILD Coordinating Council ([link removed]) — a Blueprint for Utah’s Infrastructure, Land, and Development. This council brings together leaders from across state and local governments, research institutions, and community organizations to improve coordination and make smarter, more forward-thinking decisions. It’s about better alignment, not bigger bureaucracy.

With thoughtful planning and strong partnerships, we can ensure Utah remains a place where families flourish, businesses succeed, and the outdoors are never far away. This work is about preserving what matters and building a future worthy of the state we love.

Sincerely,


** Built here: Housing
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Last week, Gov. Cox brought together leaders from more than 40 Utah cities for the Built Here: Housing Summit, ([link removed]) focused on building 35,000 starter homes and making housing more attainable.

With 5,100 homes already built, cities like Clearfield, Herriman, Spanish Fork, and others are leading efforts to cut red tape and speed up approvals. During the summit, local leaders shared challenges and successes, highlighting the need for continued collaboration.

Gov. Cox also announced a new statewide housing dashboard ([link removed]) to track progress, identify gaps, and support smarter, data-driven policy.

Read more here ([link removed]) , here ([link removed]) , and here ([link removed]) .


** The Other Side Village
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During a visit to The Other Side Village, one villager shared, “My future is really bright now.” That kind of hope doesn’t come from housing alone — it comes from accountability, community, and purpose. Built on the self-reliance model pioneered by The Other Side Academy ([link removed]) , the village offers a new approach to helping people out of homelessness with dignity, structure, and lasting support. As the village grows, so does its impact.
See photos > ([link removed])


** Progress at Riverside Park and Beyond

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Gov. Cox recently joined Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd for a ride-along to see firsthand how officers are working to address public safety challenges in Utah’s capital.

The visit included stops in areas impacted by illegal camping, drug activity, and other safety concerns. Riverside Park was an encouraging highlight, as collaborative efforts between law enforcement and city leaders are driving visible improvements.

We are thankful for the Salt Lake City Police Department’s ongoing work to protect communities and serve Utahns with dedication.


** Instilling Service in Youth
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Over the past few weeks, Lt. Gov. Henderson has met with Sevier and Granite school districts and Mountain Heights Academy to review how schools are implementing the new Volunteer for Good initiative.The program began in July 2024 to measure students' academics, social connections, civic engagement, and mental well-being through service.

Now implemented across 17 schools, the initiative has engaged more than 5,900 students in over 14,000 hours of service. This allows students and schools to focus on academic outlook while strengthening personal and community connections. Learn more here ([link removed]) .


** Tour of Dugway Proving Ground

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Lt. Gov. Henderson recently visited Dugway Proving Ground, where she met with Commander Col. James Harwell and other leaders to tour the facilities with a focus on scientific and testing capabilities.

Established in 1942, Dugway is one of the largest U.S. military installations and plays a vital role in national security. The site supports research, development, and training to help ensure military readiness against emerging threats.

We’re grateful to the service members and civilians at Dugway who work every day to keep our troops safe. Learn more here ([link removed]) .


** State agency updates
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Over Memorial Day weekend, Utah Department of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife Resources staff inspected nearly 11,000 boats ([link removed]) to prevent the spread of invasive species like quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.

Utah businesses: share your input on U.S. tariffs and trade in a quick 10-minute survey. GOEO, the Salt Lake Chamber, EDCUtah, and WTC Utah are gathering feedback to better support Utah companies. Take the survey > ([link removed])

Twenty artists have been named 2025 Utah Artist Fellows ([link removed]) by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. Each will receive $5,000 in recognition of their work in design, literary, performing, or visual arts.

Each year, the Central Utah Correctional Facility partners with Gunnison City to prepare the community cemetery for Memorial Day. The project helps beautify a local landmark and gives incarcerated individuals a meaningful way to give back through service.

Celebrate World Refugee Day on Friday, June 20, from 4–10 p.m. at Big Cottonwood Regional Park. Enjoy music, food, and culture as we honor the traditions that enrich Utah’s communities. Details at refugee.utah.gov.

Explore Utah’s history through the new Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail. Join launch events June 6–7 in Salt Lake City, Vernal, and Price, hosted by the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program. Register here ([link removed]) and listen to the audiobook ([link removed]) narrated by Doug Wright.

Uintah High School, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and partners launched an in-class hatchery to support endangered fish recovery. Last week, students released nearly 140 razorback suckers ([link removed]) into the Colorado River as part of the effort.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity celebrated Utah’s top innovators at theGovernor’s Medals for Science and Technology ([link removed]) . Congratulations to Dr. M. Denise Dearing, Sidney J. Green, and Dr. Nicola Hack for their contributions to research, education, and industry.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s Small Business Credit Initiative will use $1.2 million ([link removed]) in new federal funding to help Utah’s small and socially disadvantaged businesses access legal, financial, and accounting services.

Incarcerated individuals at the Utah State Correctional Facility joined the One Kind Act a Day initiative, supported by the Semnani Family Foundation. Their film, A Bridge to Freedom, created with the SOLID program, earned three Telly Awards for its message of kindness and change.

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and Department of Natural Resources launched Adopt the Outdoors ([link removed]) , a program inviting individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to maintain trails and recreation sites through volunteering or donations.

In Utah, service rocks! This month, Gov. Cox will honor 619 One Utah Service Fellows who completed 254,000 service hours through UServeUtah, part of Cultural & Community Engagement.
Learn more > ([link removed])


** 🗞️ ICYMI
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💡 Gov. Cox announces advanced nuclear reactor partnership between Valar Atomics and the State of Utah. See more > ([link removed])

📚 Gov. Cox joins Junior Achievement of Utah to support childhood financial literacy, leadership development, confidence building, and connection.
Discover more > ([link removed])

📶 Fiber and 5G will now be available for a greater number of neighborhoods, improving technological accessibility for all Utahns. Learn more > ([link removed])

🚗 The redesigned DMV website makes it easier to access registration, titles, and other services from a mobile device, thanks to feedback compiled through the GRIT initiative. Check it out > ([link removed])

🇺🇸 The White House looks to Utah as an example of promoting trade jobs! Read more > ([link removed])

⚛️ Gov. Cox praises President Trump’s executive order to overhaul the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and speed reactor deployment. Discover more > ([link removed])

🛤️ The Supreme Court ruling on the Uinta Basin Railway will strengthen Utah’s energy independence and create lasting jobs. Learn more > ([link removed])

🕵️ Gov. Cox encourages local and state governments to build and maintain the public’s trust by protecting privacy and increasing technological transparency. See more > ([link removed])

💹 The Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement is cutting costs, allowing staff to focus on more program initiatives. Find out more > ([link removed])


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