[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6189058,"mediaKeyId","5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1","parentId",5058785,"title","ULCT board ratifies federal positions on 'big' housing bill, urges local coordination on public‑land proposals","audioSeconds",1024,"startMs",3358000,"endMs",4382000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1&start=3358&end=4382","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1/thumbnail_3358000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6189058/Utah/ULCT-board-ratifies-federal-positions-on-big-housing-bill-urges-local-coordination-on-publicland-proposals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189058-223c4c025744f99dd887bc4fdd3a381d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522365&Signature=MZnN1G-q8MadLymDJQ9TKlYipRtotG7~Nj2V5ZbRfjLIub5d~yG1qr2rSgJw-mJ3U8u~BKLUrKqysZyxWSDbaA6BdHBhRXnOuEco4wol~xzcSduzeo2v-hNrqBgh7hqZcdJ9aoj86Q5XNeLNkjUvgQChReTDTXLYKBJ8WCOmGIK8rjjPK-4pZaIIPwQoiGF6vXovMlcV1DS7JFvERoJYTeKMI07l~A-DMUR7HrIWqFST7p9aCZdD~Q7LpKLoFcx-xng7L9u7QgGxyQSjbwiaFQ0xmYNjrBdQPK8LAJZjPxbi0pd3QPKYvFg1jrIsV4ZKhgoIBMQCnxlAI3w80WS5Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-24T15:03:35Z","article","The Utah League of Cities and Towns board ratified a set of federal positions related to the so‑called “Big Beautiful Bill” and directed staff to press for coordination with local governments on any federal proposal to repurpose public lands.

Cameron Deal, ULCT executive director, briefed the board on five items National League of Cities had highlighted in the House bill and proposals under consideration in the Senate. The board’s list included thanking Congress for not repealing the tax‑exempt status of municipal bonds (a win ULCT staff said appears to be sustained in the House text), urging the Senate to remove a provision that would preempt state and local artificial‑intelligence regulation, encouraging clear communication about unused or unencumbered federal funds so localities are not caught unaware, and monitoring a Senate proposal from Senator Mike Lee to identify federally owned parcels for potential development.

Board members repeatedly told staff any federal effort to identify and repurpose federally owned land must proceed as a partnership with local governments and avoid sweeping maps that include recreation areas, watersheds, or other sensitive public lands. A motion to ratify the five positions — with a staff direction to craft additional language under item 3 emphasizing local coordination and partnership rather than preemption — passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The federal bill would touch municipal tools and land use policy. Participants said the municipal bond exemption’s preservation protects a financing tool for local infrastructure. Members also flagged the potential for federal land‑repurposing proposals to affect city infrastructure planning and open‑space protections and asked ULCT staff to work with counties and other partners to refine any recommendations before they reach the delegation.

Supporting details: Staff recommended acting “at the right time” on the Senator Lee map proposal and warned that some illustrative maps circulating privately include sensitive outdoor recreation and watershed areas. Angela Price, Salt Lake City’s legislative affairs director, told the board that the U.S. Conference of Mayors had passed a separate resolution defending public lands; she said Salt Lake City and other large cities would be sharing that resolution with Utah’s federal delegation.

Decision and next steps: The board approved the staff recommendation with the addition of a new subpoint asking ULCT staff to craft language that stresses partnership with local governments in any federal public‑land repurposing effort. Staff said they will follow up with Utah’s congressional delegation, particularly senators, as the Senate version of the bill is developed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Director's Meeting June 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Utah League of Cities and Towns board voted to ratify federal positions on several provisions under consideration in a large federal housing and infrastructure bill and asked staff to press for local coordination on any proposals to repurpose federal land.","taxTitle","Utah League of Cities and Towns, Utah Lobbyist / NGO, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",76712,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6189062,"ULCT board adopts fiscal 2026 budget after technical-assistance adjustments",274,920000,1194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1&start=920&end=1194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1/thumbnail_920000.jpg","/articles/6189062/Utah/ULCT-board-adopts-fiscal-2026-budget-after-technical-assistance-adjustments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189062-d83e784949cd3b898116d39e9159fdad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522366&Signature=oLoriyyF0vWC0JM44dumBir0kWD-bntSd9Xmyuqi55x3ck9j4oeTGelFdgrzsXwRDl6ED85c-5v32a7LnmrSqAKdv5-7Y6H7R~1EZx~MIH7rC-Co5f~6z3fWbruDakWB4BCZXmyI5OH6iXGVRhkc0ndz9BDaHIUjPQoTf6Ayc8njPGF2Slpre6RFZbilSsvnHJIc1ML~j~vZitDCV9dlux5WHOoqjWRFrgi0YgoMOahivIuyk9x2JmWQmWrsEq-P5M4vztiyfL~QZgOdJNJM6StwckGjau3flaDoWJex8HwB0uIEkovYc9mdtxmWQ4j0-yMQ99Z0D9I1oh-lNQNkEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah League of Cities and Towns board held a public hearing and unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget after staff outlined small changes to technical‑assistance funding and reserve use.

The change stemmed from a reduction in a Department of Workforce Services (DWS) technical‑assistance grant from $800,000 to $700,000 over two years and limits on applying the 10 percent indirect (administrative) cost to that grant, Nick, a ULCT finance staff member, told the board during the meeting. To absorb the change, staff increased planned use of unrestricted reserves from $270,000 to $293,000 and lowered some restricted fund expense lines tied to the DWS funding. Nick said the final budget is roughly $90,000 lower than the tentative budget adopted in May.

The board opened a public hearing, received no public comment, and then voted to approve the tentative budget and to adopt the FY2026 budget resolution as presented. Mayor Troy Walker presided over the meeting. The motions to adopt the tentative budget and the resolution passed unanimously.

Why it matters: ULCT operates programs that include technical assistance to local governments; changes to those revenue assumptions can affect how much direct assistance staff anticipate delivering next year. Nick told the board the league’s self‑imposed reserves policy targets unrestricted reserves between 25 and 50 percent of prior‑year general revenue; under the revised plan the league expects reserves to fall to about 47–48 percent, down from roughly 50 percent.

Supporting details: Staff said the DWS grant reduction required reworking line items tied to how the league may apply indirect costs. Restricted reserve revenue usage was trimmed by about $13,000. Nick and other staff told the board those changes should not materially change the league’s overall reserve posture but will reduce the final total by approximately $90,000.

Decision and next steps: The board voted unanimously to adopt the FY2026 budget and the accompanying resolution. Staff will implement the revised spending plan and proceed into the new fiscal year under the adjusted revenue assumptions.

Acknowledgments and logistics: The board conducted the hearing in Draper, Utah, with no public speakers during the hearing. Staff said they will monitor year‑end results and brought the changes as an update to the tentative budget the board approved in May.","The Utah League of Cities and Towns board held a public hearing and unanimously adopted a revised fiscal year 2026 budget that reduces projected technical‑assistance revenue and increases planned use of unrestricted reserves by roughly $23,000, resulting in a final budget $90,000 lower than the tentative plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6189042,"ULCT board opens path forward on ADU guardrails and agrees to 'active listening' on infrastructure standards",846,5074000,5920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1&start=5074&end=5920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1/thumbnail_5074000.jpg","/articles/6189042/Utah/ULCT-board-opens-path-forward-on-ADU-guardrails-and-agrees-to-active-listening-on-infrastructure-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189042-22d3ac4e34c68d5379b7b44d02b54da1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522366&Signature=bXz3XJz7r2HpGSFnoBAboLIv7G7v9iAvskzpuIpn7k~78eiPPyaNXJ0zmKu9hRDuIr~VnvD5CLNzUoTu9VNazgypOabHMMTa1Ejivl-PVuRWgZMIpdZtRQWRARcSkHN45~gExi-5XpF~T3yRKW6sUTjg25jKLntTgJ6rGV8MlRm5Zk-uMirmzm3MQau2Ca~3NdNLHSmeZFJE5gajUGIiKq3aQIuMCEA45ETQk2nIhsBODU0k6ujDRIVNlJ-HuZoiAh5qCvbICUBiddEm-PkeiJRmJAYcWJieL9g2n3dwFOTQK4jSqrnZNGZI2ahKSrKpDS95Zk5oLjZQlp6MFNktHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah League of Cities and Towns board agreed to explore a path toward state‑level guidance for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — especially detached ADUs — and approved a staff‑led listening process on potential infrastructure standardization.

Carson, ULCT’s data lead, presented a recent review showing roughly 70 percent of MIHP (moderate‑income housing plan) cities currently allow detached ADUs in some form. Board members debated whether the league should resist state prescriptive standards or instead attempt to develop a set of guardrails or best practices that most cities could accept. Several mayors said internal ADUs (within a single house) are easier to finance and less visible in neighborhoods, while detached or subdivided ADUs raise concerns about neighborhood character, infrastructure capacity, and financing.

On ADUs the board asked staff to pursue a “path forward” — not a final bill — focused on guardrails and options that could include requiring every city to adopt some ADU policy (with local flexibility). That motion passed by voice vote.

On infrastructure standards — topics raised earlier in other task forces and the governor’s housing plan — the board approved a motion to “actively listen” to developers and stakeholders about potential standardization (examples given included road widths and pipe sizing) but cautioned staff to guard against proposals that would lower standards or shift costs to cities and taxpayers. Members emphasized the need to weigh system‑level consequences (for example, how pipe sizing affects downstream sewer and treatment capacity and whether a narrower standard simply defers costs).

Why it matters: ADUs and infrastructure standards are front‑and‑center in state housing work groups. The board’s guidance sets a course for ULCT staff to collect data, share best practices, and engage member cities in designing workable approaches that preserve local control while responding to statewide housing needs.

Supporting details: Mayor Matt Packard of Springville summarized staff findings that internal ADUs generally have clearer private financing options, while detached and subdivided ADUs face greater financing hurdles. Municipal leaders noted examples where cities already permit detached ADUs via subdivision and said a statutorily mandated one‑size‑fits‑all approach would meet resistance.

Decision and next steps: Staff (Carson and ULCT policy leads) will circulate a summer land‑use/housing survey and follow up with the board and member cities; staff will also convene listening sessions on infrastructure standards and report results to the board at its August meeting.","The board agreed to pursue a path forward to develop guardrails or a policy expectation that cities have ADU rules, and to engage in active listening with developers and stakeholders on possible statewide infrastructure standards while cautioning against lowest‑common‑denominator outcomes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6189046,"ULCT board weighs expanding technical assistance role; staff and mayors caution on capacity and funding",265,2212000,2477000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1&start=2212&end=2477","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1/thumbnail_2212000.jpg","/articles/6189046/Utah/ULCT-board-weighs-expanding-technical-assistance-role-staff-and-mayors-caution-on-capacity-and-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189046-f9926a8eca700085c9ecc0cf7f10fd0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522366&Signature=FHwyVYzQF0lEFT4TQadP5q12VQ7AHSvEYlcF06Bxs~rpEeT1uYHHkWeL53w3GYLrQVFnIuErm2dYAj3V-EpbCn8JYp-fr~uNFLBLOWqHMcuxOPDZXMzcTBnxq8HlhCk-DBUDShVUpM2APBHCqO9in0RRiAt-md2Kfem-Zs2KV5lWXwiF5hN0WP8Q70IBGjdYX8UdflS5Q~eNm4lKir4TyUhhXzez4h-VkmUzw5rvKV2b06EqiVVFCsx~6ZQhKQeasz817Pwz7aplI4~rgCPhRJ77HU70yUk1jQkLZpIy-5moPiEqwV9hokT18oYdFsPCiA1rsdwVQ5nlxlDidF0bKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah League of Cities and Towns board discussed whether the organization should formally expand its role providing hands‑on technical assistance to smaller and transitioning communities, a topic that has gained urgency amid statewide housing‑planning work groups.

Molly, a ULCT staff member who has met with Association of Governments directors and LAA staff, summarized feedback that smaller communities place a high value on education and hands‑on assistance and that the league’s existing Local Administrative Adviser (LAA) work has been instrumental. At the same time she told the board ULCT has limited full‑time staff and has been stretched by LAA and related work, which has required extra time from league staff.

Board members voiced support for the concept of expanding technical assistance but emphasized the need for dedicated funding and structural safeguards. Several mayors said a state‑funded staffing model — similar to the existing state‑funded LAA positions — would be preferable so assistance does not draw down the league’s core advocacy budget or create perceived conflicts. One mayor suggested hiring a dedicated staff person focused solely on technical assistance. Others emphasized creating a firewall so state funding and programs remain distinct from the league’s core policy and advocacy functions.

Why it matters: State housing work groups identified local technical assistance as a pressing need for communities on the urban edge. Board members said that without adequate staff and funding the league would risk overcommitting to service delivery it cannot sustain.

Supporting details: Staff flagged that four of five state housing plan work groups had identified a need for additional local technical assistance. The board asked staff to continue exploring a “seventh objective” for the league’s strategic plan that could clarify roles and funding, and to return with more concrete proposal options later this summer.

Decision and next steps: No vote was taken; board members provided direction to staff to continue evaluating funding models and to return with options that preserve a firewall between advocacy and state‑funded technical assistance.","Board members discussed whether the Utah League should take a larger role delivering technical assistance to small and transitioning communities — a potential new strategic objective — but noted staffing limits and recommended state funding with a clear firewall between advocacy and service delivery.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6189052,"ULCT reports ARPA compliance push saved Utah more than $36 million from federal recoupment",137,3545000,3682000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1&start=3545&end=3682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5058785-4dd58419ad00e2b0e6caced707fc3eb1/thumbnail_3545000.jpg","/articles/6189052/Utah/ULCT-reports-ARPA-compliance-push-saved-Utah-more-than-36-million-from-federal-recoupment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6189052-e8431202c60bbd8d9aeac2fb70c1e483/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522366&Signature=L~lrbAASRSxS1FIDXlH0K7n~mBKvZ2qGWRJJaGZ~aNjDCANAjfW9kJzIP57EAqBjUVl1DXtj7ruyfWeALS~zk4smhv-BKUTrH1Vn8AHhcGUP6Yn6Dhp4OGHWkfesZsikStimOyOxceVx9cifw-XD8ilhXWYBK5mCVGXzjTyKrYhO-wKCrN0yJ443UDL0Goy8mL6WYqRXKUVZRhF8pirbYEEaiQ1lvm8ayQMgYNabsm056UzZWZcrlfaH8mA~h0Q559OFbhh3vsT~A3ihjck1ZukWy3Q6I-l9g2Kpu3y2p33vs-AiWzYLkjxSA0VUPRupmYKZXc3YMvPhrq~9G0uWBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","ULCT staff told the board that coordinated outreach and technical assistance to local governments significantly reduced federal recoupment risk tied to American Rescue Plan Act reporting.

McKenna Marchant, a ULCT staff member working with Local Administrative Advisers (LAAs), briefed the board: two months ago, about $36 million in ARPA funds across 68 Utah municipalities was at risk of being clawed back because those localities had not filed required 2025 reports. Through a joint effort with the governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and ULCT LAAs, nearly all communities have filed required reports. As of the latest update, three communities remained outstanding with about $54,000 at risk; two of those were being assisted directly and expected to submit reports this week, while one community indicated it intends to return $13,000 to the federal government.

Why it matters: Federal recoupment would have removed millions from local budgets. Board members and staff cited the episode as an example of where technical assistance and on‑the‑ground help from LAAs, backed by state coordination, preserved federal funding for local governments.

Supporting details: Molly, a ULCT staffer who coordinates outreach and technical assistance activity, and Cam, the executive director, credited a state $2.5 million investment in the program and the LAA network for helping municipalities comply. The board heard that one LAA personally assisted two remaining communities by walking them through the submission process and clicking the submit button.

Decision and next steps: Staff will continue monitoring final submissions and report back when the remaining two communities file. Board members said the ARPA example illustrates the potential value — and resource requirement — for expanding technical assistance work in other policy areas.

Context: Board members referenced this compliance push during a larger discussion about the ULCT’s role in delivering technical assistance to small or transitioning communities.","ULCT staff and Local Administrative Advisers helped municipalities file delayed ARPA reports, cutting the at‑risk amount from $36 million to roughly $54,000 outstanding and expecting nearly full compliance by the end of the week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

ULCT board ratifies federal positions on 'big' housing bill, urges local coordination on public‑land proposals

ULCT board adopts fiscal 2026 budget after technical-assistance adjustments

ULCT board opens path forward on ADU guardrails and agrees to 'active listening' on infrastructure standards

ULCT board weighs expanding technical assistance role; staff and mayors caution on capacity and funding

ULCT reports ARPA compliance push saved Utah more than $36 million from federal recoupment