Provology Enrollment is Now Open!

It’s back again! Enrollment is now open for our fall session of Provology 101. We invite you to join us behind the scenes at Provo City and experience this class for yourself. You can learn about how our city is run, discover where and how to find information, and meet some of the dedicated people who make it all work.

The class fills up quickly and seating is limited. When the class is full, registration will be closed until Spring of 2024. If you missed registration for Fall of 2023, please check back in early January 2024 for the Spring session, which will start February 7th.

Offerring: This is a 12-week program. In order to get the full benefit, please plan on attending the full 12 weeks. It’s a weekly commitment of about 2.5 hours.

Class Time: Generally from 6:30-9:00 PM every Wednesday during the session. A few sessions will commence at 6:00 PM to accommodate for daylight hours. Please plan on attending each session to maximize the user experience.

When: The first Fall Provology class will be held on Wednesday, September 20th and continue thereafter every Wednesday, except for the week of Thanksgiving, no class that week. The final class presentation will be Wednesday November 29th.

Many of the classes are offered at the new City Hall, but many are at locations like – the airport, library, fire station #2, public works, etc. Some Provology sessions will include a brief tour – both indoors and outdoors and possible construction sites – good walking shoes and a coat are recommended.

Where: Most of the classes are offered at the new City Hall, but many are at locations like – the airport, library, fire station #2, public works, etc. Some Provology sessions will include a brief tour – both indoors and outdoors and possible construction sites – good walking shoes and a coat are recommended.

Graduation/Recognition: Tuesday, December 12th at a Provo City Municipal Council meeting to be followed by a dinner and final wrap-up.

Each night you’ll learn about different departments in the city and what they do. You’ll tour facilities, participate in activities, and watch demonstrations. We guarantee you’ll know more about Provo when we’re done than you did when you started. We’ll help you increase your ability to understand what’s happening in our city and find your own way to participate in the decision-making process. When we’re through, you will be invited to join our alumni network and meet others who want to serve in the community.

Sign up today for the chance to experience Provology 101 for yourself! Enrollment in this free program is only open to adult Provo residents and class size is limited.

Questions? Contact Dixon Holmes at dholmes@provo.org.

Register Now!

Welcome Our New Fire Chief Jeremy Headman

Welcome our new Fire Chief Jeremy Headman, sworn in today! Firefighting is in his blood - following in the Provo firefighting footsteps of his father and brother, Chief Headman is ready to take the helm after serving six years as Provo’s deputy fire chief.

Having seen Jeremy lead as Provo's Deputy Fire Chief for a commendable six years and later as the Interim Chief, I've observed his depth of experience firsthand. His multifaceted roles ranging from paramedic, engineer, Station Captain, to Battalion Chief have equipped him with insights that few possess.

But what truly warms my heart is Jeremy's genuine connection with his team. In my interactions with our 81 full-time firefighters, one sentiment stands out – their deep respect and admiration for Jeremy. It's not just about his impressive 28-year tenure but the person he is – someone who truly cares.

Jeremy recently shared, “Provo City and its Fire Department are dear to me. Thanks to our collective efforts, including your unwavering support, we have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. This empowers us to give our best to the community we cherish.”

Looking ahead, I am excited to share that our commitment to safety remains robust. Many of you will recall the inauguration of Fire Station 22 in September 2020, a milestone after two decades. Building on that promise, we're now rejuvenating Fire Station 21, anticipating its unveiling by late Fall 2024.

Making Center Street Safer for Pedestrians

I'm thrilled to share with you some significant updates to our beloved Center Street. Our City's continuous efforts to prioritize pedestrian safety, particularly in the heart of Provo, have led us to this crucial project. Starting on Sunday, August 20, we are introducing significant safety improvements on Center Street.

Why the Upgrade?

Center Street, as many of you may know, is termed an ‘Enhanced Pedestrian Connection’ but still permits vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, the average speed has been recorded at a whopping 35 mph, way above the posted 15 mph. Such speeds are not just dangerous for our pedestrians, but also pose challenges for cars backing out of parking stalls.

Gordon Haight, our City Engineer, highlighted the collective efforts of the City Council and our administration to bring cost-effective upgrades, ensuring the street matches its intended use while ensuring pedestrian safety.

What's Changing?

1. Resurfacing: We'll be focusing on the roadway stretch between Freedom Blvd and University Ave, addressing the deterioration and potholes.

2. Raised Crosswalks: An innovative safety measure, these will be set up at mid-block crossings at 50 West and 450 West. Not only will these crosswalks calm traffic, but they also increase pedestrian visibility. Plus, they offer a clear indication to drivers that they're entering a pedestrian-friendly zone.

3. Enhanced Lighting: This feature will greatly benefit both businesses and pedestrians alike, especially during night hours.

4. Shared Lane Markings: Commonly known as sharrows, these markings will be freshly painted to indicate shared lanes for bicycles, scooters, and vehicles.

5. Outdoor Dining: We're carving out special areas for outdoor dining at the northeast corner of 200 W and 100 W intersections to uplift the downtown experience.

Construction & Closure Timelines

• Sunday Aug 20 – Full Closure – Utility Lowering

• Sunday Aug 27 – Full Closure – Mill Travel Lanes

• Mon–Tues Aug 28-29 – One Lane Open – Mill Parking

• Sunday Sept 10 – Eastbound Open – Pave North Side

• Monday Sept 11 – Westbound Open – Pave South Side

• Sunday Sept 17 – Full Closure – Raise Utilities

Raised Crosswalk Timelines

• August 21 – September 1 – Full Closure – 450 W Crosswalk

• September 25 – October 9 – Full Closure – 50 W Crosswalk

All construction is expected to wrap up by October 9, 2023, depending on weather conditions and unforeseen events. Don't worry - all lanes and parking will remain accessible outside construction hours.

Support Local Businesses

While these improvements are immensely exciting, I acknowledge the challenges they present during the construction phase. Keith Morey, Provo City Economic Director, urges everyone to support local businesses during this transition period. As a token of our support, free parking will be made available at the former Provo City Hall site at 351 W. Center Street (but no overnight parking, please).

With these upgrades, we're not just ensuring a safer environment but also enriching our city's vibrant tapestry. Let's embrace these changes together, supporting our local businesses, and looking forward to an even more beautiful Provo.