For the Future
Celebrate World Refugee Day and discuss the future of transportation and clean air in Utah.
By Katharine Biele @kathybiele
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
Utah has long welcomed refugees, but their future is uncertain in the current political climate. This annual event, established by the U.N. General Assembly in 2000, honors the strength and resilience of refugees around the world. In an effort to raise awareness in the community, the state Department of Workforce Services hosts SLC's World Refugee Day celebration, which includes games, a global market and a 5k "Run for Refugees." There are 22.5 million people in refugee camps around the world, and donations are always needed. Liberty Park, 600 E. 1300 South, 801-618-5096, Saturday, July 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free, bit.ly/2sIPX9I
TRANSPORTATION INPUT
You've heard it before—they want your opinions on Utah's transportation problems. Well, they really do this time. At least that's what the Wasatch Front Regional Council says. "Now more than ever, we must work together to coordinate our transportation investments with land use and economic development considerations so that we maximize the value of those investments and utilize our resources efficiently," WFRC Executive Director Andrew Gruber says in a press release. Make your voice heard on the $5 billion 2018-2023 Transportation Improvement Program draft. Do you want more bike-sharing options? More parkway trails? Roadways? Tell the representatives in-person at one of the two open houses: Ogden Intermodal Center, 2350 Wall Ave., Tuesday, July 18; Salt Lake Central Station, 250 S. 600 West, Thursday, July 20, both run from 4:30-7 p.m., bit.ly/2sL0EJ4
CLEAN AIR PANEL
Take a deep breath, but only during the summer. Utah can have the worst air quality in the nation for a few days each winter, and it's hard to know who to blame. At the upcoming panel discussion, Science & Civics: Clean Air in Utah, you'll learn that "inconsistent bipartisan support for clean-air regulation and the region's weather and geography combine to set a deadly trap for bad air," according to the event page. Local and national experts are ready to talk bipartisan, long-term solutions through clean-air regulations. Salt Lake County Library, Viridian Event Center, 8030 S. 1825 West, West Jordan, 801-943-4636,Thursday, July 20, 6-8 p.m., free, dinner served, registration required, bit.ly/2sOxIee
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
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