Stepping Up Our Game

In sports, you sometimes hear about once-in-a-generation players. Well, effective July 1, 2023, BYU sports has experienced a once-in-a-generation transition, to becoming a member of a power 5 athletic conference, namely the Big 12. I know, you may not be a sports fan. The truth is that I’m not much of one either, which is pathetic because my husband and all five of my kids were college athletes. But hear me out on why this is relevant to all of us in this community.

First a little background: football is the king of college sports, bringing more attention and revenue than any other sport by a long shot, and in college football, membership in a power 5 conference is more than a badge of honor; it brings an additional pathway to elite bowl games and enhances a school’s national profile and recruiting. For decades, cougar fans have awaited this day, and finally it has arrived.

As you know, Provo is a college town, and although we love all our institutions of higher education, BYU is clearly the dominant force, with about 34,000 students and 2400 full-time employees, on a 560-acres campus. And it is much more than an educational center; it provides jobs, culture (think of its museums and performing arts), and countless other benefits to our community.

With membership in a power 5 conference will come new visitors. Fans of teams in the Big 12 are known to travel well, and many of them will be coming to experience a game at LaVell Edwards stadium.

With this influx of guests and exposure, it’s my hope that we will each recognize this as an opportunity to put our best foot forward. In my mind, there is no good reason why Provo shouldn’t secure a reputation as the best place in the nation to attend an away game. The setting of the stadium, flanked by mountains, is spectacular. Our players and fans should display the highest levels of sportsmanship and hospitality. And I would love if we, as residents of this community would even use this as an opportunity to spruce up our yards and otherwise enhance the beauty of our beloved city. It’s like we’ve learned that guests are coming to our home: let’s straighten the pillows and hide the junk!

When you see a visiting fan, even just a gas station, please treat them the way I loved to be treated at away games: with warmth and friendship. In sum, let’s all lean into the excitement of this moment. Let’s use it as an opportunity to feel a shared sense of community pride. And let’s step up our hospitality and friendliness to visitors. Thank you for being a part of this incredible place we get to call home—and for anything you can do to help us capitalize on this opportunity as a community.

Don’t Make Provo Fire Department Rain on Your Parade

Remember, fireworks season doesn’t start until SUNDAY, JULY 2! With high wildfire risk conditions, Provo City Fire Department is issuing this strong, but light-hearted word of caution to citizens: Fireworks are illegal until July 2.

Our Fire Marshal, Lynn Schofield, emphasizes each person's critical role in safeguarding our community during this vibrant yet potentially hazardous period. "Restrictions are in place to protect individuals and our community. There is zero room to compromise on safety precautions," Schofield asserts. We are incredibly proud that our citizens have proven time and again to be part of the solution rather than contributing to any problems.

This year, Utah State Law stipulates that the legal dates for Fourth of July fireworks are from Sunday, July 2 through Wednesday, July 5. For Pioneer Day, the dates extend from Saturday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 25. Please note that any violation of these guidelines is an infraction that carries a hefty $1,000 fine. We share this not to scare but to remind everyone that safety measures and legal dates are essential for ensuring a joyful and accident-free celebration.

On July 1st, you may notice fireworks lighting up the Provo sky as part of the short Big 12 announcement and the annual Stadium of Fire show. However, these are approved, permitted displays, distinct from individual, unauthorized firework usage.

Play it Safe at the Park

Many of you are familiar with and enthusiastic supporters of our Play it Safe at the Park program. Launched in response to extreme drought conditions in 2021, this initiative encourages citizens to discharge their consumer-grade fireworks at approved parks for safe community celebrations. We are elated to see this program grow year after year, enhancing both the safety and enjoyment of our fireworks festivities.

Please refer to the map to see where fireworks are banned in Provo City and the list of approved parks. Discharging fireworks in the restricted discharge area is a Class B Misdemeanor and carries a $1000 fine. Please use one of our approved city parks to do fireworks.

As we approach this exciting season, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all residents who conscientiously do the right thing. Although we, as a city, provide the tools for safety, the ultimate responsibility for our community's wellbeing rests with the person lighting the fuse. It's up to all of us to prioritize safety—because our beloved community's safety truly depends on it.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that our fireworks celebrations are full of joy, unity, and, above all, safety. Here's to a festive and secure fireworks season in Provo!

Provo is #5 Best-Run City in America

Provo has been recognized as the #5 Best-Run City in America by WalletHub! This ranking comes as a result of WalletHub’s extensive study of 149 of the largest U.S. cities, comparing their operating efficiency. Essentially, this is a measure of how well a city manages and spends public funds to provide quality services to its residents.

Making it to the top five is no small feat. It is an affirmation of our collective hard work, resilience, and commitment to making Provo not just an efficient and well-managed city, but also a wonderful place that we are proud to call home.

This recognition is particularly significant considering the challenges of the past year, during which we grappled with high inflation and other difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these trials, we managed to persevere and even excel, all thanks to the tenacity and spirit of our community.

I want to emphasize that this achievement is not mine alone, or that of the city leadership. It is YOUR achievement too. You, the residents of Provo, are the heart of our city. Your unwavering support and active participation in our community are vital factors that helped us secure this esteemed position.

I am incredibly proud to serve as your mayor, and I look forward to all that we can achieve together in the future. Let's keep up the great work and continue to make Provo a city that is not just efficient and well-run, but also filled with warmth, community spirit, and shared prosperity.