The Utah League of Cities and Towns was formed in 1907. Currently, it serves 248 cities and towns in the State of Utah. The League serves diverse needs, including providing training, technical assistance, coordinating between cities and representing cities at the state level. For example, when legislation is proposed, the league takes a position based on feedback received. They represent cities and towns and present before the Legislature and to lawmakers to advocate and help them understand the direct impacts of proposed legislation.

Mayor Tami Tran and members of the City Council recently attended the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) Conference. This event is an annual gathering geared toward training local government leaders. The council members were able to attend trainings on a broad range of topics ranging from land use to the first amendment, as well as how to run better meetings, budgeting, and more. League business was also conducted during the meetings. 

Mayor Tran was elected to the Board of the Utah League of Cities and Towns to serve a two-year term (she previously served one year by filling a mid-term vacancy). As a board member, Tran attends League Policy Committee (LPC) meetings that are held weekly during the legislative session and as needed. These are public meetings for the group to make recommendations to the ULCT Board and that board in turn makes recommendations to the Legislature. 

As a Board member, Tran is also able to reach out to other cities that do not have as much representation because it is more difficult to attend (due to staffing or remote location) the LPC meetings. She can address their issues and concerns and take those back to the board for discussion. She also advocates the value of the league in that they are dependent on city and county participation; their memberships fund league activities and provide money for them to operate. 

Tran has a reputation as someone who gets things done and brings people together; serving on the ULCT Board is just one example. 

“I have attended the League Conference for the past three years and they just get better every time,”Tran said. 

They have incredible speakers, and great meetings where similar-sized cities discuss similar challenges, she said. “The League is a great advocate for municipal government and ensuring they are aware of potential legislation.”