Welcoming Our Big 12 Visitors

As many of you might already know, as of July 1, Brigham Young University officially became a member of the Big 12 athletic conference. And this isn't just about sports; it's about community, connection, and growth.

In anticipation of BYU's participation, our city has been in the limelight with several other institutions gearing up for their journey with the Big 12. By 2024, the Big 12 will grow to an impressive league of 16 schools. While this presents world-class sports competitions right in our backyard, it also opens the doors for invaluable collaborations with other conference host cities.

To underline Provo’s commitment and warm welcome to the Big 12 community, we recently united with BYU, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Explore Utah Valley. Our mission was clear: give a heartfelt, memorable tour of BYU, Provo, and Utah County to government relations staff from fellow Big 12 universities.

I'm immensely proud to say our city put its best foot forward. Our visitors embarked on a journey, discovering the scenic beauty of Provo Canyon, indulging in a "Taste of Provo" at some of our finest eateries, and immersing themselves in our rich academic and cultural offerings.

The feedback has been overwhelming. Many were captivated by our valley's beauty, the genuine hospitality of our residents, and the strong bond between the city and the university. Several even voiced their plans to return, bringing friends and family to experience Provo's charm.

Joining a prominent athletic conference like the Big 12 isn't just a feather in BYU's cap. It elevates our entire community. With a larger stage for our athletes and a spotlight on our city, we have the chance to extend our famed Provo welcome to many more visitors.

I'm personally hoping this journey fosters tight-knit bonds with other conference cities, cultivating both healthy competition on the field and collaborative opportunities off it.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that when a community, its local government, and its university work hand in hand, the result is a world-class college town. I'm filled with gratitude for having BYU as our partner in this endeavor. Together, we're setting standards worthy of the honor.

Thank you, Provo, for continuously embracing growth and change. Here's to the exciting road ahead!

Celebrating a Century of Provo Golf Excellence

A hundred years ago, on September 13, 1923, a dedicated group of 34 Provo visionaries came together with a dream of crafting a unique golf experience in Utah. They founded the Timpanogos Golf Club, which has since been at the heart of Provo's rich golfing history.

Our very own Timpanogos Golf Club has not only hosted numerous prestigious tournaments like the Utah Opens and State Amateurs but has also become a breeding ground for talent, with Provo's high schools clinching over 20 State Championships in golf.

I'm filled with pride when I think of how our golf club transformed itself in 1986, adapting to the city's growing needs, and then rejuvenating its legacy in 2020. This resilience and adaptability signify what our community stands for—looking ahead while cherishing our roots.

As your mayor, it fills me with immense pride to say that Timpanogos Golf Club is not just a place to play golf—it's an institution that epitomizes fiscal responsibility. It not only sustains itself but gives back in immeasurable ways, notably by offering free play and discounts to over 20,000 members of Provo’s Recreation Center.

I wholeheartedly believe in the words of Scott Henderson, our Parks and Recreation Director, who said, "We are mainstreaming golf from young to old." Here, everyone, regardless of age or skill level, will find their own unique golf story waiting to be written.

And what awaits us in the future? Come 2024, we will have the addition of The Horseshoe, a vast 18-hole natural grass putting green. Then there’s The Pasture, a gem that lights up the night, becoming Utah’s only illuminated golf course, ideal for those new to the game, family outings, or romantic date nights. Not to forget our magnificent Championship 18, a course that showcases both our history and the challenges of modern golf.

As we look to the future, I share the sentiment of many in being eager to witness how this course will evolve over the next decade, combining its rich heritage with innovative features.

In closing, I invite each of you to visit, to play, and to become a part of this continuing legacy. Here's to another century of excellence, community, and shared stories at the Timpanogos Golf Club.

My New Role as ULCT President

As of the recent Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, I've been given the honor and responsibility of serving as the ULCT President for 2023-2024! This journey brings with it the hope of fostering improved communication, strengthened relationships, and proactive policy-making for all our Utah cities and towns.

Having served as the ULCT Legislative Policy Committee Chair, I've had the privilege of building bridges between our city's needs and the wider legislative community. From this experience, I've come to recognize an essential truth: it's imperative for cities to "Speak Up!" - both for themselves and for the collective good.

Each city in our beautiful state of Utah has a unique story to tell, distinct challenges to face, and unparalleled potential to reach. When we stand silent, our stories go unheard. But when we speak up, we contribute to the rich tapestry of our state, guiding policies that resonate with the lived experiences of our citizens. As I've often mentioned, many legislators might not have a municipal background, making our voice, our insights, and our experiences all the more vital.

This emphasis on speaking up isn't just a slogan. At the recent convention, each attendee received a megaphone as a symbol of this theme. It's a small reminder of our power and duty to maintain meaningful ties with those shaping policies that affect our daily lives. In the last legislative session, 240 bills directly impacted our local communities. This begs the question: were we active participants in shaping that policy? Regardless of our past efforts, I firmly believe we can always do better.

So, as I step into this new role, I carry with me not just the aspirations of Provo but of all 245 municipalities that the ULCT represents. Alone, we are merely names on a list, but united, our voice is a formidable force. Through this collective strength, we can continue to provide the best for our residents and set the stage for a brighter tomorrow.

Let us always remember that as cities, our engagement in state and federal policy isn’t just a task—it’s a commitment to better serve our citizens. And with your continued support, I am confident that Provo and Utah will rise to every challenge and seize every opportunity that comes our way.

Let's continue to make Provo proud and let's always "Speak Up!"