Thorns have roses
A wise reflection from President Abraham Lincoln, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses."
Though this note is reaching you later than our usual Friends Friday, this Sunday, I share my week in Washington, D.C., a journey of finding a few of Utah’s roses amidst the thorns of the nation's capital.
Housing Innovation in DC
This week the nation was focused on housing innovation. I plugged into the Ivory Innovations teams’ exploits and impact as part of dozens of events, including a showcase of ideas on the national mall.
Highlight was at the National Building Museum, where my colleague Jenna Louie and Salt Lake City's Blake Thomas shared pioneering initiatives in housing policy hosted. America’s housing solutions team starts in Utah.
Did you know? In 2018, Salt Lake City etched its name in the annals of housing innovation by being the first city nationwide to pass the ICC’s off-site code. This groundbreaking initiative has ignited a wave of transformative energy, inspiring cities and towns far beyond our state's borders. This isn’t just conceptual. Read about one of those projects here: a local company, EcoBox, helped provide 500 new housing units.
Moore Leadership
Congressman Blake Moore, Rachel Wagley, his Chief of Staff, Devin Murphy and many of his stellar team - continue to turn words into actions. Did you know they’ve already had four significant bills turned into law? Let me frame that, last Congress, only 7% or 1,200 bills became law of the 17,000+ introduced. Let alone, he was one of nearly 75 freshmen and now on the House Ways and Means Committee impacting tons of issues.
One of their next ones? Congressman Blake Moore introduced the Charitable Act to empower Americans to contribute to charitable causes and support local communities. In addition to a broad, nationwide coalition that touches nearly every sector of our economy, the bill is endorsed by more than 100 nonprofits in Utah.
Blake's pursuit of collaborations and innovative solutions sets a commendable standard for effective leadership - reach out. Our former Mr. Football is committed to Good people + Good ideas = More Good Things Happen for our state and nation.
Utah's Embassy and Incubator in D.C.
I enjoyed touring the future new home of the Hinckley Institute of Politics in D.C. The Hatch Center.
The Institute is a beacon of Utah's forward-thinking spirit and innovative dynamism, occupying two charming row homes and a new carriage house. As an alumnus, witnessing this evolution fills me with pride and anticipation.
Jason Perry, Gina Shipley, Morgan Lyon Cotti, Natalie Tippets, and the Hinckley team are not just shaping Utah's next tier of change-makers. They’re launching our state into a new level of impact. Who is the rising star you know that needs to plug in?
Roses Rising Above
Utah and, specfically, our Salt Lake region continue to rise above challenges, its influence radiating far beyond. Our nation needs more of Utah’s leadership, ideas, and people; I am confident of a future where roses outshine the thorns.
Wishing you a Sunday filled with peace and inspiration,
Michael Parker Facilitator, Friends of Salt Lake
P.S. Friendstorm follow up: Please remember the Utahns Against Hunger call on Friday, June 16th, at 11:00 AM via Zoom.
