Leading the Charge in Digital Inclusion for the Fourth Year Running!

I'm thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all. For the fourth year running, Provo City has been named a 'Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer,' a title that fills me with immense pride.

Our city's dedication to digital inclusion is unwavering, as evident by the recent graduation of 46 adults from our ten-week computer class, a part of the 20-year-strong Digital Inclusion Program. This program, a collaborative effort supported by United Way of Utah County, Provo City, Google Fiber, Comcast, Provo School District, Head Start, Intuitive IT and community volunteers, is making a real difference in the lives of our residents.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has recognized our efforts alongside a record number of trailblazers, acknowledging the essential role of local governments in fostering digitally inclusive communities.

In Provo, we don't just dream of a connected community; we build it. Our vision of a digitally equitable city is about providing each resident the means to access and utilize technology in ways that best serve their individual needs. It's how we strengthen the fabric of our community.

The 'Digital Divide' has long been a barrier, but our Digital Inclusion program is bridging this gap. Even beyond the pandemic, we have not slowed down our efforts; our 20-year commitment has only grown stronger, continuing to reach out to those in need.

From competitive internet service offerings and free Wi-Fi spots to no-cost digital literacy classes and a variety of educational opportunities, we are dedicated to ensuring everyone has the tools they need to succeed. The success stories are countless, with thousands benefiting from our services, inclusive of all ages, backgrounds, and residences in and around Provo.

The journey doesn't end with access. It's about using these tools to unlock opportunities and potential, to bolster self-reliance, and to enhance the economic vibrancy of Provo. Our high level of internet connectivity isn't just a statistic; it's a gateway to a brighter future for every citizen.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Let's continue to make strides in technology skills and use them to empower our families and strengthen our economy. Together, we are not just participants but leaders in the digital age.

Thank you for your support and belief in Provo's potential.

Welcoming Doug Robins as Provo's New Parks & Rec Director

It's with great pleasure that I announce the unanimous approval of Doug Robins as Provo City's new Parks and Recreation Director. Many of you already know Doug from his eight years of dedicated service as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, and I am confident that his leadership will continue to enhance our award-winning Parks and Recreation Department.

Doug's journey with Provo City is a story of commitment and passion. With his diverse background in utility forestry, city forestry, and park management, Doug has been instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones for our community. His efforts have led to significant reductions in operational subsidies, securing over $25M in grants for city projects, and the expansion of our city cemetery, among many other achievements.

I am particularly proud of the collaboration between Doug and Scott Henderson, our former Parks and Recreation Director. Their partnership has been transformative, driving our community health paradigm to national recognition. Their commitment to Provo has earned our city a rare accreditation, placing us in the top 2% of parks and recreation agencies across the country, and bringing home the National Gold Medal of Excellence.

As I reflect on Doug's contributions, I am reminded of the vibrant and healthy Provo that we all cherish. This city's beauty and the well-being of its residents are woven into the fabric of who we are, and Doug's passion is a testament to that. Our Parks and Recreation Department is indeed in capable hands, and under Doug's direction, I am confident we will continue to operate at the highest levels in the industry.

Doug is thrilled about this new opportunity to lead our team of professionals, and he brings with him the winning formula that our citizens deserve the best in facilities and service. His commitment to delivering world-class recreation facilities and services is unwavering, and I share his enthusiasm for our city's future.

As we look ahead, we can all be excited about the new amenities and the preservation of our existing facilities. Doug's 'New Forever' maintenance attitude ensures that our investment in health and recreation will continue to enrich our lives.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Doug Robins on his new role. His vision for Provo's future is one that aligns with our community's values, and together, we will continue to build upon our city's legacy as a place of beauty, health, and recreation.

Provo is a Hub for Startups

Provo has always been and continues to be a technology innovation hub for Utah. Technology pioneers such as WordPerfect and Novell spawned many innovative iterations, ultimately creating Provo’s rich technology setting of today. In this fertile soil a multitude of startup companies thrive. Provo has earned its reputation as a dynamic breeding ground for startup companies.

Join Keith Morey, Provo's Economic Development Director, as we explore the vibrant startup culture and creative spirit that make Provo a hub of new ideas and groundbreaking enterprises. From the grand opening of Kiln headquarters to the influential role of universities and tech developers, discover why Provo is not just a city, but a birthplace of the future.

As Provo’s early technology companies faded into history, their impact remained. The intellectual capital stayed local and blossomed into numerous new startup companies. See what startup visionary Arian Lewis has to say –

With the environment to encourage innovation, the culture to nurture that innovation, and the infrastructure to bring those ideas to market, Provo truly is the hub for startup companies.

The startup genealogy for Provo goes as far back as Provo’s date of incorporation. The Startup Building was built in 1898 as home to one of our first startups, Startup Candy Co. In this historic building, anchored in the fertile soil of innovation, dozens and dozens of new companies have found their home. See our interview with owners Tom and Anders Taylor.

Ryan Smith is one of the most widely recognized tech entrepreneurs and he is determined to make Provo a technology incubator for startups from around the world.

Arian Lewis is the visionary behind the Kiln coworking communities. As a Provo native, Arian provides insight into why Provo continues to generate new companies year after year. Watch our interview with him to learn why.

Discover the Heart of Innovation in Provo: The Startup Building! Once a candy factory, now a vibrant hub for local entrepreneurs and artists. This iconic space, with its rich history and community spirit, is driving Provo's entrepreneurial journey forward. Dive into The Daily Universe story of its transformation and see how it's shaping our city's future.

Finally, the deep dive on why Provo continues to be the seedbed for technology and software development in Utah, read our now famous Provo Advantage White Paper.

Download White Paper