CitiesWork

Does the flag flying above your town hall represent you as a resident? The state of Utah has embarked on an outreach campaign to consider what images should be depicted on the state flag. In this podcast, vexillologist Ted Kaye, asks some important questions for your organization about designing an effective flag. To see several flags representing the cities and towns of Utah, check out https://www.fotw.info/flags/us-utmun.html.

For more information about the Utah flag redesign effort, including how you can submit your ideas, check out www.flag.Utah.gov.

Special thanks to Y2 Analytics for sponsoring ULCT programs.

When you think of the flags that represent countries around the world and states across the US, which are the first to come to mind?

Chances are the flags you think of follow the principles of good flag design. As the state of Utah embarks on an outreach campaign for a possible flag redesign, we speak to the man who wrote the book about good flags and bad flags, vexillologist Ted Kaye. What symbols and design elements should we consider in the process?

For more information about the Utah flag redesign effort, including how you can submit your ideas, check out Flag.Utah.gov.

How does a community leader tackle priority issues while addressing the concerns of opposing viewpoints among residents? How does an aspiring local leader deal with incoming darts flying during controversy... or campaigns? Those are just a couple of questions addressed by outgoing Utah local leaders Stan Smith of Springdale, Jim Talbot of Farmington, and Len Arave from North Salt Lake. Each mayor is retiring after sharing years of dedicated service to their communities. Hear their reflections in this edition of the #CitiesWork podcast, brought to you by the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Most Mayors in Utah technically serve part-time, but their commitment to their respective communities is definately full-time. As three mayors from Cache County prepare to leave their roles as mayor at the end of the year, we'll hear their insights from more than 42 years of combined service to the cities of Hyde Park, North Logan, and Richmond. Hear from Mayors Charles Wheeler, Damon Cann, and Jeff Young on this episode of CitiesWork, hosted by ULCT's Susan Wood.

From maintaining the tradition of the rodeo to the folksy feel of a historic midtown city-the character of our communities is preserved by good leaders. Two of Utah's outgoing mayors share their insights from their service for the cities of Spanish Fork and Murray, Utah. Hear what Mayors Steve Leifson and Blair Camp say about their time in office, addressing conflict and criticism, and the future city leadership in this episode of #CitiesWork, brought to you by the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Utah state and local leaders are sharing the message with residents- we are in the midst of a severe drought. Conserve water! In this podcast, we'll hear water conservation experts evaluate the present resources available, new ideas for cities to consider to help in the conservation effort, and address the effectiveness of outreach to residents. Guests include CEO and General Manager of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Bart Forsyth and Herriman City Public Works Director Justun Edwards. This episode of #CitiesWork is hosted by Susan Wood and made possible by our ULCT sponsors, including Prepare 60.

For more great water conservation ideas check out www.watersavers.com.

Knowing what your residents think is incredibly helpful for local leaders as we try to meet their needs. Now, learn how people in your community feel about their overall wellbeing and how well their community supports it. The Utah Wellbeing Project, conducted by the Utah State University Extension, surveyed residents in several communities and has prepared an assessment on their scores. Hear from Dr. Courtney Flint, who led this project, in this episode of #CitiesWork, hosted by Susan Wood of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Special thanks to ULCT sponsor, Strata Networks.

Survey results and further information about the Utah Wellbeing Project can be found at https://extension.usu.edu/business-and-community/utah-wellbeing-project/index. The next survey is anticipated for 2022 and new Utah city partners are welcome.

How would a city function if it weren't for clerks and recorders? They keep us informed about city business, they run our local elections, they keep our community history, and the list goes on. As part of National Municipal Recorders Week, we speak to the president of the Utah Municipal Clerks Association and a former president, a newly retired long-serving city recorder.

Special thanks to Y2 Analytics, a valued sponsor of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, for supporting programs like this.

In March, Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions in the state. As you'll hear in this podcast, he addressed the critical water shortage in a PBS Utah news briefing. Now is the time to get agressive about water conservation in our communities. Learn what local leaders can do to prevent a dire situation later by implementing conservation programs now.

ULCT host Susan Wood speaks to Candice Hasenyager and Laura Haskell from the Division of Water Quality and Jordan Allen of South Jordan City.

Thanks to ULCT sponsor Prepare 60 for its support of the League and water conservation in Utah.

Learn more about rebates available to residents: UtahWaterSavers.org

Track drought conditions, get tips and tricks: drought.utah.gov

Read about South Jordan's water conservation efforts: watersmartsojo.org

A year ago, the earth started shaking in the Salt Lake Valley. It was the strongest quake to hit the area since 1962. But the 5.7 quake in Magna, considered "moderate", wasn't "the big one" that is expected one day along the Wasatch Front. Emergency managers are encouraging local leaders throughout the state to prepare their community for the next Utah earthquake, and one way is to get involved in the Great Utah ShakeOut on April 15, 2021. Learn how your community can benefit from this training in this podcast and at ShakeOut.org/Utah.

Also, the newly released Wasatch Front Unreinforced Masonry Risk Reduction Strategy is now available at www.fema.gov.

And for more information on Salt Lake City's "Fix the Bricks" program, go to https://www.slc.gov/em/fix-the-bricks/.

Thanks to Utah Risk Management Mutual Association, sponsor of ULCT, who helps the League provide educational programs like this podcast.