Provo is the Best Performing City in the Nation!

For an unprecedented third year in a row, Provo City has been recognized by the prestigious Milken Institute as the Best Performing City in the Country! An honor that truly highlights our community's outstanding achievements and ongoing commitment to excellence.

No other city has been recognized more than once by Milken for this award and Provo drove the point home by claiming this title not once, not twice but for the years 2021, 2022, 2023! Watch this video to see how Provo has defied all odds, securing this notable title.

Best Performing City Reel

It’s been a busy and productive three years for Provo City, but we’re going to give you a quick overview with a reel highlighting why Milken named Provo the best in the nation!

The significance of Provo being named the Best Performing City becomes clear when looking at the other heavy hitters who were in the running, but fell short: Miami, Denver, Phoenix, Raleigh, Austin, just to name a few. Our graphic below outlines the criteria to be named the nation’s ‘Best Performing City.’

What Business Leaders Say

We’re honored to be recognized nationally, but we are even more proud of Provo’s many influential community leaders who also recognize that Provo is the Best Performing City in the Country. Check out this video to see what they said and why they are high on Provo.

We all know what a great place Provo is—but it’s reassuring that our successes are being seen locally and nationally. While the Milken recognition is impressive, it is one of many awards Provo receives highlighting the high quality of services for which we have become known.

Best Performing City White Paper

For a more detailed look on the foundation of excellence that Provo has in a wide range of areas check out our deep dive White Paper.

Download White Paper

Celebrating the Crystal Clear Quality of Provo's Drinking Water

I am delighted to share with you that, according to a recent study conducted by WaterFilterGuru, Provo has been ranked as the third-best city in the nation for drinking water!

Provo received funding of $50 million for an aquifer storage recharge system, a project that will help maintain an adequate level of clean drinking water for the community.

This comprehensive study examined the pH levels of water across the U.S. using data from the Environmental Working Group and SimpleLab. Water quality standards were based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria, which consider pH, alkalinity, hardness, and total dissolved solids among other things. These standards are designed to protect our health from contaminants that may be found in drinking water.

It gives me immense pleasure to say that our water supply has passed with flying colors. With this ranking, it's clear that Provo's drinking water is not only safe and clean, but it's also some of the least contaminated in the entire United States.

In addition to this incredible ranking, our city has also been recognized for having the fourth-lowest levels of chloroform and the fifth-lowest levels of bromodichloromethane among cities across the nation. This means that our residents are drinking some of the purest, healthiest water available.

This achievement didn't occur by chance. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our city's Public Works Department and the ongoing investments we've made in our water infrastructure. They have truly shown their commitment to maintaining the highest standards and ensuring the health and safety of our community.

However, let's not rest on our laurels. We will continue our rigorous efforts to keep the quality of our drinking water at its best, always ensuring it remains a source of pride for all of us.

For those interested in a more detailed analysis of our water quality, you can visit the WaterFilterGuru website for an in-depth water review. I encourage you to take a look, not just for the great news about Provo, but to understand the complexities of maintaining such high standards.

As your Mayor, my aim is to create an environment where every resident is safe and healthy. The quality of our drinking water is a significant part of that commitment, and this ranking underscores our success. Thank you for your trust and for being part of this wonderful community.

Congratulations, Provo, and here's to our clean, delicious water!

Your Guide to Provo's Fourth of July Festivities 🇺🇸

Provo City will once again host the renowned Freedom Festival, packed with a remarkable lineup of events. I Invite each and every one of you to come and experience the patriotic spirit that fills our city during the Freedom Festival. It is a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors, friends, and family, and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy in our beautiful nation.

Stadium of Fire

Kick off the long weekend with an electrifying night as the legendary rock group, Journey, returns to Provo to mark their 50 years of chart-topping music. Join us at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, July 1 at 8:00 pm for the USA’s premier independence celebration, which will include a thrilling F-35 jet flyover from Utah’s Hill Air Force Base and conclude with the nation’s BIGGEST stadium fireworks spectacle.

Ride UVX Don't miss the FREE UVX ride to the ultimate Fourth of July celebration at LaVell Edwards Stadium! Avoid the hassle of traffic and parking. Let the UVX take you to the Stadium of Fire for an electrifying evening of fireworks and entertainment! Bus Schedule: Return Time: Last UVX buses 12:29 a.m. (to Provo) and 12:35 a.m. (to Orem) - Last FrontRunner Train headed north at 12:23 a.m. Learn more: https://www.rideuta.com/sof

Firework Reminder Remember, fireworks season doesn’t start until SUNDAY, JULY 2! Citizens WILL see fireworks on July 1 during a short Big 12 announcement and the annual Stadium of Fire show—but they are approved, permitted displays. Let's all do our part and adhere strictly to this date, not just for the letter of the law, but for the safety, peace, and harmony of our community.

Road Closure Heads-up

Please take note of the road closures around Lavell Edwards Stadium on Friday and Saturday. Pay attention to changes in traffic patterns, as well as following instructions from traffic control officers. Be safe, take your time, and plan ahead as you travel this weekend.

Grand Parade

Start your Fourth of July morning with the largest parade of its kind in the Western United States. Join us at 9:00 am for a vibrant celebration of God, freedom, family, and country, showcasing marching bands, professionally crafted floats, giant helium balloons, equestrian entries, and performances by local and national talent. We will be honoring our military and first responders with special parade entries.

Please remember that spectators may stake out their claim to a spot along University Avenue no earlier than July 3, at 3:00 PM per Provo City Ordinance. All other portions of the parade route can not be claimed or reserved until July 4, at 5:00 AM. This includes trying to “reserve or occupy, or attempt to claim, reserve or occupy, either in person or by the placement of ropes, tents, chairs, sleeping bags, blankets, or other devices or barriers, any public property as a position for observing [the] public parade” (SECTION 9.14.220).

All motor vehicles located on the parade route must be moved prior to 8:00 PM on July 3, 2023 or “shall be considered a public nuisance and may be towed from the public street”. Please note that in order to reserve a spot on the parade route at least one person must be present. Any items left unattended may be moved. Portable toilets will be located every other block along the parade route.

Balloon Fest

Experience the beauty and majesty of hot air balloons at our ever-popular Balloon Fest. Each morning on July 1st, 3rd, and 4th, from 6:00 am to 8:00 am, you can witness around 25 of these enchanting giants take to the skies. Be sure to arrive at Fox Field by 6:00 am to watch the balloons inflate!

Don't miss the "Balloon Glow" on July 3rd from 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Here, you'll see top pilots from around the nation competing in the thrilling Hare and Hound competition and unique jousting events.

Freedom Days

On Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, Downtown Provo will be buzzing with Freedom Days, a 2-day event filled with mouth-watering treats from our food vendors and unique items from local craftsmen. There will also be a wide selection of musical genres to enjoy live. The booths will be open at different times each day:

• July 3 – 10am-11pm

• July 4 – 11am-7pm

For more information about these events, please visit freedomfestival.org.