Provo City approves participation in Utah Valley Home Consortium for affordable housing

Provo City Council has taken significant steps to enhance community welfare and employee satisfaction during its recent meeting on June 17, 2025. The council unanimously approved a resolution to join the Utah Valley Home Consortium, a collaborative effort aimed at securing funding for affordable housing solutions through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This partnership includes Provo City, Utah County, Lehi City, and Eagle Mountain, with Provo designated as the lead entity responsible for compliance and reporting.

RDA Director Melissa McNally emphasized that this agreement allows Provo to allocate HUD funds not only within its own borders but also to neighboring cities, thereby broadening the impact of affordable housing initiatives across the region. The council's unanimous vote of 7-0 reflects a strong commitment to addressing housing needs in the community.

In addition to housing, the council also approved an ordinance amending Provo City code to enhance retirement benefits for employees who do not participate in Social Security, specifically sworn police officers and firefighters. Human Resources Director Daniel Softley explained that the proposed change would increase the city's matching contribution to employees' 401(k) plans from 2% to 4%. This adjustment aims to keep Provo competitive with similar agencies and retain skilled personnel, particularly in critical roles.

The meeting also included a public hearing regarding proposed salary increases for executive employees, which are budgeted at 2.5% for the upcoming fiscal year. Softley noted that these adjustments are essential for attracting and retaining qualified leaders in the city, especially in light of competitive job markets. The council's discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable and experienced workforce to ensure effective city management.

Overall, the decisions made during the meeting reflect Provo City Council's proactive approach to enhancing community resources and supporting its workforce, setting a positive trajectory for the city's future.