Salt Lake County Regional Development News
Aly Escobar Joins Salt Lake County's Economic Development Team
December 21, 2021
Salt Lake County's Department of Economic Development is excited to introduce its newest team member: Aly Escobar.
Aly will focus on economic inclusion programs developed at the County and building relationships with community partners in her position as an economic development coordinator at Salt Lake County.
"I'm excited to join Salt Lake County because I believe my abilities can create a meaningful impact on communities that are usually underrepresented," Aly said.
She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science in 2017. Aly has gained experience at Herriman City doing work as a legislative liaison, as well at the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission.
When she's not working, Aly likes to travel abroad with her family.
Aly joins the Economic Development team comprised of Director Jevon Gibb; Kersten Swinyard, Senior Economic Development Manger; Brooke Shankland, Economic Development Manager; and coordinator Jayla Lundstrom.
You can reach out and contact Aly at aescobar@slco.org or by calling 385-468-4867.
Salt Lake County Economic Development is excited to welcome its newest staff member — Jayla Lundstrom.
Jayla will be working as the Business Economic Development Coordinator, assisting with the economic opportunity and development finance portfolios.
"I'm excited to have a full team, especially with rockstars like Jayla onboard," Jevon Gibb, Economic Development Director, said.
She graduated from the University of Utah in 2019 during which she worked extensively with the Sorenson Impact Center.
"Through that work, I became passionate about equity, sustainability, and building diverse and thriving communities," Jayla said.
Following her receiving her degree, Jayla worked in Washington, D.C. and Alaska where she focused on immigration policy and community climate resilience.
Jayla is thrilled to be back in Utah to join Salt Lake County. She looks forward to working with, and learning from, community members and partner organizations.
Want to connect? Reach out to Jayla by email at jlundstrom@slco.org or call 385-468-4873.
Salt Lake County Prioritizes 100% Net-Renewable Energy by Joining Community Renewable Energy Agency
December 08, 2021
Many cities in Utah are pursuing adopting 100% net-renewable electricity by 2030. Salt Lake County is officially among them.
What is 100% Net-Renewable Energy?
"Net-100% renewable energy means purchasing the amount of electricity from renewable energy resources in equal amount to the electricity consumed in one year," Utah 100 Communities describes.
One-hundred percent net renewable doesn't get rid of fossil fuel use. All homes are still attached to the power grid and there will be times when power is from fossil fuel assets. But customers will be paying for 100% renewables.
Why Salt Lake County is Joining a New Energy Agency
Utah 100 Communities is the first renewable energy program of its kind in the United States. Local governments are partnering with Rocky Mountain Power to buy net-100% renewable electricity for residents and business by 2030.
Utah House Bill 411 created the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREA) in 2019. Since February 2020, it has met bi-monthly to build the electricity bulk-purchasing program for cities that join.
Salt Lake County has been involved since 2019 in this environmental sustainability effort and officially joined the new agency after the Salt Lake County Council approved an agreement in Fall 2021.
By joining, we will serve 11,000 residents living in unincorporated areas with renewable energy. Salt Lake County must contribute $24,000 to the program over two years and will have an elected board seat.
“The program shows Salt Lake County is committed to a clean energy future,” Michael Shea, Salt Lake County’s Sustainability Director, said. “It will help provide low cost and sustainable power to residents of unincorporated areas of the County.”
Other cities participating include Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, and Kerns.
What it Means for Residents
During 2022 and 2023, the renewable energy agency will negotiate with Rocky Mountain Power and then submit a plan. Then, Salt Lake County Council will decide if it wants to adopt the ordinance. The public will be involved and notified of any coming changes to electric bills. When the time comes, residents will have the ability to opt out or move to the new renewable energy rate structure.
Learn more about the Community Renewable Energy Program by contacting Michael Shea, Salt Lake County's Sustainability Director, at mshea@slco.org or visiting https://www.utah100communities.org/.
Magna Main Street Joins New Utah Main Street Program
December 06, 2021
Salt Lake County is happy to announce that Historic Magna Main Street is part of the Utah Main Street Program. The State of Utah's program was announced and launched by the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity in November 2021.
Magna joins 15 other communities in Utah that have iconic and historic Main Streets. The program will revitalize communities’ economy, appearance and image of downtown commercial districts.
What does acceptance into the Utah Main Street Program mean for Magna?
- Professional workshops offered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah). These workshops discuss revitalization, small business growth, and how to make communities vibrant destinations.
- One-on-one consultation with economic experts at Go Utah.
- Networking and idea-sharing with other Utah Main Street Program communities.
Has Magna Main Street received any other awards?
The Utah Main Street Program is not the only one that has recognized Magna Main Street as an icon. In early 2021, Magna Main Street joined the National Register of Historic Places. This is the official list of the nation's most historic places deemed worthy of preservation.
Why is Magna Main Street special?
Magna Main Street is a charming downtown that hearkens back to the main streets of old America. Magna began around 1905 when the Utah Copper Company constructed copper facilities in Magna. Magna embodied the American dream: many early residents were immigrants from Eastern Europe and Asia. The original main street included churches, fraternal halls, saloons, and shopping.
Magna Main Street is even a popular filming location for film and TV companies, including Disney Channel, ABC, CBS, the WB, and Travel Channel. Visitors of Magna Main Street can watch a musical at the Empress Theatre, learn at Magna's historical museum, and visit unique shops. The street is also home to the Fourth of July Parade, Halloween on Main, Magna Main Arts Festival, and car/motorcycle Shows.