By Hilary Judd

MILLVILLE -- Mayor Gale Hall and the City Council, in conjunction with a statewide rural development program, are working toward establishing Millville City as one of Utah's 21st Century Communities.

The 21st Century Communities program encourages rural cities, towns, counties and Indian tribes to prepare for population and visitor growth, according to Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG), one of the program's original and founding partners. It also works to create new jobs and reduce unemployment, diversify rural economies and protect community members' quality of life.

"[Millville City is] working at becoming a 21st Century Community," Hall said earlier this month, explaining to the council a goal of achieving first-level recognition in the four-tier program. Hall could not be reached for further comment.

Governor Mike Leavitt and the Governor's Rural Partnership Board oversees communities' continued progress throughout the program--which is measured in three successive levels--with the help of associations of governments throughout the state.

Along with the program's primary sponsor, the Utah Grizzlies, the board picked the slogan, "Skating To Where The Puck Will Be," from a quote by hockey great Wayne Gretzky. Explaining his successful career, Gretzky said he anticipated where the puck would be on the ice and moved there--to gain control of the puck and make something happen for his team.

According to MAG, communities focus on nine assessment areas, out of a total 13, to complete the program. Areas evaluating community strengths, weaknesses and priorities are moderate income housing, local governance, community planning process, culture and heritage, economic development, environmental quality, health care, human services, lifespan learning, recreation, tourism, telecommunication and transportation.

Moderate income housing, local governance and community planning process assessments are required for every community to complete. The participating community decides the remaining six assessments. Community progress--in accordance with the hockey theme--is measured with a puck, in bronze, silver and gold levels, plus the pinnacle of designation as a 21st Century Community.

Earning bronze status requires completing the application process, plus the first three assessments of the community's choice. Rank increases with the successful completion of each additional assessment, and 21st Century community means all nine requirements have been met.

Utah's 21st Century communities are Coalville, Payson and Santaquin. Benefits of the designation include recognition by the governor, recognition in state business recruitment materials and road signs, plus a bonus when applying for certain state funding.

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