‘Beyond our boundaries': Provo mayor focuses on lifting others in State of the City address
Mayor Michelle Kaufusi spoke on the city's recent accomplishments of acquiring American Airlines flights for the Provo Airport, making progress on a new water treatment plant, building a 100-acre sports complex, improving the Rock Canyon Trailhead, a city hall that is all-electric and net zero on emissions and BYU becoming a part of the Big 12 conference.
Kaufusi emphasized the city's focus on public safety and emergency preparedness and how the city utilizes productive partnerships to obtain external funding for city projects rather than increase property taxes.
"As amazing as all this news is, the condition of a city is about more than milestones," she said Wednesday night at the Covey Center.
The mayor detailed the impact of Amelia Earhart, who broke boundaries and opened doors for women in male-dominated fields. She said the drive and spirit of Earhart lives in Provo, where the focus isn't just to make life comfortable but also to impact others.
"From our oldest and largest institution, BYU … to our Olympic venue, the Peaks Ice Arena, Provo proudly focuses and faces and embraces the world beyond our boundaries," she said.
From WordPerfect, which revolutionized word processing on computers and Qualtrics gaining recognition worldwide, to Nu Skin and Angel Studios, which have brought products to people in dozens of countries, Provo is "an exceptional place" for people who want to bless others, the mayor said.
"We see that the world beyond our boundaries could use some lifting up, and Provo embraces that lift," she said.
Four residents received a Mayor's Award for "embracing the lift" and blessing others.
The first was Analane Powel, who through her business Angel Gowns transforms donated bridal dresses into funeral gowns for children who have died. She has "humbly and quietly" blessed families by donating them to hospitals and lifting those going through tragedy, the mayor said as she gave Powel the award.
Also recognized was Nu Skin founder Blake Roney for the charity work his company has provided around the world; Don Jarvis for his work on sustainability in the city that led to "forward-looking" city policies; and 100-year-old veteran Col. Amos Wright, who fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
"My purpose, our purpose, isn't just to enjoy our outstanding quality of life. I am driven — we are driven — to make an impact. Because of that, my vision for Provo is that we will only rise in our ability to touch and lift the world," the mayor said, with emotion in her voice.
Olympic silver medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace spoke at the event, touching on how the Olympics are a symbol of unity for the world, and everyone should strive to carry the torch.
"It's a reminder the flame of unity is alive even in times when the world feels dark," she said. "The things that connect us will always outweigh the things that separate us."
During the event, the mayor talked about the city's plans for an airport expansion. She said the Utah County Commission on Wednesday approved the expansion to build a full terminal with 10 gates, committing $78 million to the project. Now, the city can now review the expansion proposal from the Tourism Tax Advisory Board to move forward.
"It's not a done deal, but how do you not celebrate an unprecedented offer of $78 million in outside funding?" she said.
Utah County's contribution includes $19.5 million in up-front funding from the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, and Convention Tax revenue and Transient Room Tax revenue. Additionally, the county will contribute $3.9 million annually over the next 15 years to ensure sustained support for the airport's expansion, according to a county statement Wednesday.
"Expanding the airport is a win-win," said Utah County Commission vice chair Skyler Beltran. "Not only will it boost tourism and visitor-generated revenues that can help benefit our citizens and reduce their tax burden for years to come, but it will also provide increased convenience and travel opportunities for Utah County residents.
The mayor also announced a complete redesign of the city website that is "dynamic and user friendly" and "reflects the vibrant spirit of our community." In addition to the new website, the city debuted it's first ever mobile app, that aims to foster greater connection between the residents and government.
'Together, we are creating a Provo that we can all be proud of,' Kaufusi said.
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