The Strength of our Pillars

As we continue to celebrate and uplift our beloved city, I am excited to unveil a special initiative that puts a spotlight on the very essence of what makes Provo unique, dynamic, and truly wonderful. I am referring to our Provo Pillars: Safe & Sound, Welcoming, Economically Vibrant, and Forward-Looking. Each of these Pillars epitomizes our collective values and the qualities that set Provo apart.

Every month, we'll take a deep dive into one of these Pillars. Through a series of content, stories, interviews, and more, we aim to showcase the soul of our city, reminding us all why we love calling Provo home.

This month, we're turning our focus towards Safe & Sound.

Safety and security are the bedrock of any thriving community. In Provo, we prioritize the well-being of our residents, ensuring our neighborhoods are not only safe but also conducive to nurturing a high quality of life. Stay tuned throughout this month to discover just how we're continually working, adapting, and innovating to make Provo a community where every individual feels safe and sound.

Now, here's where you come in!

We value the feedback of every resident, as it helps us understand your perspective, needs, and aspirations better. I invite each of you to participate in our Provo Pillar Survey. Your insights will aid us in steering Provo's future in a direction that aligns with our shared vision. Please take the survey here.

To give you a bit more context: among the roughly 20,000 incorporated cities in the United States, Provo stands out, not just for its growth but for the heart with which our community beats. Our city's trajectory, grounded in our citizen priorities - public safety, economic development, quality of life, and visionary planning - has set us on a path to success. These priorities converge into our brand promise, encapsulated by the Provo Pillars. They not only serve as our promise to you, our dear residents but also as the foundation that makes our community nationally honored and locally adored.

So, keep an eye out for the exciting content coming your way, delve into the rich narratives of our city, and participate actively in our survey. Together, let’s continue building a Provo that is safe and sound, welcoming, economically vibrant, and always forward-looking.

Welcoming Our Big 12 Visitors

As many of you might already know, as of July 1, Brigham Young University officially became a member of the Big 12 athletic conference. And this isn't just about sports; it's about community, connection, and growth.

In anticipation of BYU's participation, our city has been in the limelight with several other institutions gearing up for their journey with the Big 12. By 2024, the Big 12 will grow to an impressive league of 16 schools. While this presents world-class sports competitions right in our backyard, it also opens the doors for invaluable collaborations with other conference host cities.

To underline Provo’s commitment and warm welcome to the Big 12 community, we recently united with BYU, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Explore Utah Valley. Our mission was clear: give a heartfelt, memorable tour of BYU, Provo, and Utah County to government relations staff from fellow Big 12 universities.

I'm immensely proud to say our city put its best foot forward. Our visitors embarked on a journey, discovering the scenic beauty of Provo Canyon, indulging in a "Taste of Provo" at some of our finest eateries, and immersing themselves in our rich academic and cultural offerings.

The feedback has been overwhelming. Many were captivated by our valley's beauty, the genuine hospitality of our residents, and the strong bond between the city and the university. Several even voiced their plans to return, bringing friends and family to experience Provo's charm.

Joining a prominent athletic conference like the Big 12 isn't just a feather in BYU's cap. It elevates our entire community. With a larger stage for our athletes and a spotlight on our city, we have the chance to extend our famed Provo welcome to many more visitors.

I'm personally hoping this journey fosters tight-knit bonds with other conference cities, cultivating both healthy competition on the field and collaborative opportunities off it.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that when a community, its local government, and its university work hand in hand, the result is a world-class college town. I'm filled with gratitude for having BYU as our partner in this endeavor. Together, we're setting standards worthy of the honor.

Thank you, Provo, for continuously embracing growth and change. Here's to the exciting road ahead!

Celebrating a Century of Provo Golf Excellence

A hundred years ago, on September 13, 1923, a dedicated group of 34 Provo visionaries came together with a dream of crafting a unique golf experience in Utah. They founded the Timpanogos Golf Club, which has since been at the heart of Provo's rich golfing history.

Our very own Timpanogos Golf Club has not only hosted numerous prestigious tournaments like the Utah Opens and State Amateurs but has also become a breeding ground for talent, with Provo's high schools clinching over 20 State Championships in golf.

I'm filled with pride when I think of how our golf club transformed itself in 1986, adapting to the city's growing needs, and then rejuvenating its legacy in 2020. This resilience and adaptability signify what our community stands for—looking ahead while cherishing our roots.

As your mayor, it fills me with immense pride to say that Timpanogos Golf Club is not just a place to play golf—it's an institution that epitomizes fiscal responsibility. It not only sustains itself but gives back in immeasurable ways, notably by offering free play and discounts to over 20,000 members of Provo’s Recreation Center.

I wholeheartedly believe in the words of Scott Henderson, our Parks and Recreation Director, who said, "We are mainstreaming golf from young to old." Here, everyone, regardless of age or skill level, will find their own unique golf story waiting to be written.

And what awaits us in the future? Come 2024, we will have the addition of The Horseshoe, a vast 18-hole natural grass putting green. Then there’s The Pasture, a gem that lights up the night, becoming Utah’s only illuminated golf course, ideal for those new to the game, family outings, or romantic date nights. Not to forget our magnificent Championship 18, a course that showcases both our history and the challenges of modern golf.

As we look to the future, I share the sentiment of many in being eager to witness how this course will evolve over the next decade, combining its rich heritage with innovative features.

In closing, I invite each of you to visit, to play, and to become a part of this continuing legacy. Here's to another century of excellence, community, and shared stories at the Timpanogos Golf Club.