WFRC releases draft FY26 goals, budget and Unified Planning Work Program for public comment; approves administrative and personnel policy updates
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Summary
The council authorized release of the draft FY26 goals, budget and Unified Planning Work Program for public comment and approved administrative/accounting and personnel policy updates including a whistleblower provision and federal uniform guidance alignment.
At the March 27 meeting the Wasatch Front Regional Council voted to release the draft FY26 WFRC goals, budget and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for public comment and approved two internal policy updates.
Draft goals and budget
Council member Amy Winder Newton summarized the three proposed FY26 goals: (1) collaboratively advance the Wasatch Choice vision; (2) provide subject matter expertise to officials and policymakers; and (3) pursue organizational excellence and accountability. Andrew Gruber noted the goals reflect continuity with prior years and are focused on implementation and stakeholder engagement.
Marianne (WFRC finance staff) presented the draft budget summary. She said the draft budget is conservative and relatively flat (a roughly 3% increase compared to the prior year), with most changes tied to salary and benefits to retain staff and to fund ongoing program work. The draft UPWP and budget materials will be released for public comment; staff plan to return to the council in May with final recommendations following the comment period.
Policy updates
The council also approved updates to the WFRC administrative and accounting policy and to the personnel policy. Changes align the administrative/accounting policy with federal uniform guidance for grants and clarify internal controls for bank deposits. The personnel policy updates include an updated education assistance allowance (following IRS allowable amounts guidance) and a whistleblower provision clarifying employee reporting protections.
Actions
The council voted to release the FY26 draft goals, budget and UPWP for public comment and adopted the amended administrative/accounting and personnel policies by voice vote.
Quotations
"We need to make sure our policies are reflecting best practices and updates to state or federal fiscal guidance," Council member Amy Winder Newton said.
Ending
Staff will publish the draft materials for public comment and return with responses to comments and a proposed final budget at a future meeting.