The recent meeting of the Federalism Commission held on May 13, 2025, highlighted significant efforts to enhance state agency capabilities and promote federalism principles in Utah. The commission is focused on empowering state agencies to take a more active role in addressing local issues, aligning with the vision of former Governor Gary Herbert, who championed states' rights during his tenure.

Key discussions centered around the introduction of two interns, Aaron and Christ Hermes Lioko Nyanza, who will assist in research and implementation of the commission's initiatives. Their involvement underscores a commitment to integrating fresh perspectives into the commission's work.

Dr. Jim Moss, a key figure in the commission, provided an overview of a three-pronged approach aimed at strengthening the understanding of federalism among state agencies. This strategy includes policy, academic, and legal teams that will work collaboratively to equip agencies with the knowledge and tools necessary to assert state authority effectively. Dr. Moss emphasized the importance of state agencies as "the heroes of federalism," noting their direct connection to the community and ability to respond to citizens' needs.

The commission plans to conduct a series of meetings with various state agencies, focusing on economic and infrastructure issues. These sessions will address common challenges, such as the tendency to defer to higher levels of government for problem-solving and the complications that arise from federal funding with restrictive conditions. The goal is to foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness at the state level, encouraging agencies to take initiative in their respective areas.

As the commission prepares to roll out its training and support initiatives, it aims to gather feedback from agency representatives to identify specific challenges they face. This collaborative approach is designed to create actionable solutions that empower state agencies to lead effectively.

In conclusion, the Federalism Commission's meeting marked a pivotal step towards reinforcing the role of state agencies in Utah's governance. By focusing on education and support, the commission seeks to enhance local problem-solving capabilities, ultimately benefiting residents and fostering a more responsive government. The next steps will involve ongoing discussions and training sessions, with a follow-up planned for November to assess progress and outcomes.