| I hope you are enjoying October and our Fall weather. Less than a month until our municipal general election on November 4th. Hooray! You should be getting your mail in ballots next week. Provo’s current mayor has been in office for eight years and is asking for another four. I’m running for mayor because I’m deeply concerned about challenges that haven’t been addressed. It’s time for new leadership with fresh ideas and proven experience that will build on what’s working and fix what’s not. Provo’s Budget One area that needs serious attention is Provo’s budget and long-term economic stability. I teach applied math at UVU, which includes a lot of word problems—something my students don’t always love 😁. Along with the math, I teach them that the first and most important step in solving any problem is understanding it. As I’ve reviewed Provo’s budgets over the past few years, I’ve seen serious issues that need to be understood and addressed. Yet no one in the city government seems to be talking about them—like the growing gap between what we spend and what we bring in and our declining sales tax revenue. Expenditure vs. Revenue Each year, the Mayor presents a budget for the city. Towards the end of the document there are graphs and a chart with future projections of revenue and expenditures for the coming decade. The first graph below is from the 2023 budget (pages 130-131), and the second graph is from this year’s budget (pages 124-125).  In 2023, the projection over the next nine years–through 2032, was that our expenditures would slightly exceed our revenues, which, if not corrected, would result in a cumulative deficit of about $7 million. This discrepancy is small enough that it can be addressed with careful financial planning, and must be taken into consideration when planning future budgets.  You can see from the same chart from this year’s budget, shown below, that the projection has changed and is now far worse. Over the next nine years–through 2035, our cumulative deficit will be over $70 million dollars–10 times what was thought just two years ago. At the bottom of the page, there is a note that says, “Over time, expenses are projected to exceed revenues. The administration and council will address this trend while planning for balanced budgets in the future.” This is not enough; we need significant action to reverse this trend. Otherwise, according to the budget, we will have spent all of our rainy day fund by 2030 and be almost $50 million in the hole by 2035. The status quo has to change. We can strengthen our economy and reverse this trend, but not by doing things the same way we have been doing them. Here are a few ideas: 1. Create a strategic plan for the city with measurable short term and long term goals and be accountable to the tax payers. 2. Find ways to make city government more efficient, like streamlining internal processes, while still providing important services to save time and money. 3. Support business growth and redevelopment. Be proactive in attracting new businesses, support smart redevelopment, and strengthen collaboration with Provo’s established employers to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive. 4. Expand opportunities across all areas of Provo. Simplify the permitting process, remove unnecessary red tape for entrepreneurs, and focus on bringing neighborhood-friendly retail, restaurants, and services to underserved areas like West and Southeast Provo. My next email will focus on Provo’s sales tax revenue. You can learn more about my ideas at marshajudkins.com. For a quick overview of Utah’s sales tax system, I’ve also created a short video—click HERE to watch. An Invitation to You This election is incredibly close, and every bit of support for my campaign helps. If you are interested helping me move the needle in Provo, I’d appreciate if you take a moment to review this list of ways you can help: Request a yard signVolunteerDonateHost a cottage meeting Events Tuesday, October 7 Cottage Meeting Hosted by Brian Cannon 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 1433 E 800 S Wednesday, October 8 Young Voters Night Hosted by Engage 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm The Bright Building (33 W 400 S) Thursday, October 9 Cottage Meeting Hosted by Kristine and Todd Manwaring 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm 1714 N 2000 W Saturday, October 11 Walking the West Side Come talk and walk the Provo River Trail with me! 10:00 am — 1:00 pm 10:00 am — 10:35 at Paul Ream Wilderness Park (business and the economy) 11:00 am — 11:35 at Fort Utah Park (Provo’s budget challenges and projections) 12:00 pm — 1:00 pm at Delta Gateway Park (zoning, housing, and specific issues) Saturday, October 11 Meet the Candidates hosted by Conserve Utah Valley 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Provo Rec Center Monday, October 13 Candidate Forum Hosted by Rep. Tyler Clancy Community Room at Provo City Hall 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (6:00 pm – 7:15 pm: pre-selected questions provided in advance) (7:15 pm – 7:30 pm: audience questions) (7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: mix & mingle) Tuesday, October 14 Cottage Meeting Hosted by Richard Jensen 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 535 E 2200 N, Provo Thursday, October 16 Cottage Meeting Hosted by Camille Smith 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm 1682 W 900 N Provo Monday, October 20 Cottage Meeting Hosted by Dan Thomas 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 1414 S 1710 E Thursday, October 23 Cottage Meeting hosted by Bryan and Anne Sudweeks 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 1023 E Waterford Dr As always, please reach out with any questions or comments. Thanks! Marsha |