A coalition of about 70 small business owners from Utah is gathering in D.C. this week to meet with the state's congressional delegation.

• The business owners are alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which is meeting for a two-day summit.

Driving the news: They plan to express their economic and workforce challenges to lawmakers.

• Rising costs of goods, coupled with labor shortages and fear of a recession, are impacting already struggling business owners amid the pandemic.

What they're saying: "I'm always encouraged by the passion and the perseverance of the small business community," said Natalie Kaddas, president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-based Kaddas Enterprises. "Now to see them take that same energy to Washington, D.C., so that our voices can be heard — I'm really excited."

• Her company makes products used by utility companies that prevent wildlife from creating power outages.

While her business has ballooned, so has the cost of raw materials.

• "We're doing more and it's costing us more. Our revenues are up and expenses are up," she said.

Schuyler Northstrom, president and CEO of Uinta Mattress, an independent manufacturing company, said materials to make mattresses have risen by 40% over the last year.

• During the start of the pandemic, he said he saw an immediate decline in mattress sales, prompting his company to make face masks.
• "I think it's important for people to know that small businesses truly are the backbone of the economy and we just want those tools to move from the pandemic and a declining economy to prosperity," he said.

The Utah Transit Authority will soon provide K-12 students, faculty, and staff of the Salt Lake City School District free transportation passes this year through a new, one-year pilot program.

Details: The passes can be used to ride on the bus and the TRAX light rail system, according to Kensey Kunkel, UTA's manager of business development and sales.

• UTA plans to distribute 23,000 passes.
• Of note: The passes will not cover the FrontRunner.

What they're saying: "Riding public transit is one of the best [ways] to improve our air quality, and these passes will make it much easier for thousands of Salt Lakers to do so," Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement.

• She said she hoped the passes would also ease some financial burden for families around transportation costs.
• UTA spokesman Carl Arky said the initiative would allow transit riders better access to education, employment, and recreation.

The bottom line: The bulk of the $379,000 program is being funded by the Salt Lake City School District and the Salt Lake Education Foundation. The city contributed $100,000.

What's next: Kunkel said UTA is open to expanding the program to other school districts.

📈 Nearly 90 cities and school, water, or service districts in Utah are proposing property tax increases. (KUER)

⚽️ Real Salt Lake won its first game Sunday in nearly a month after beating Sporting Kansas City. They are now 9-6-6 on the season. (KSL)

💦 The Utah Department of Natural Resources has released its latest, weekly watering guide as the drought rages on. (DNR)

🔍 ICYMI: A new book shows the Utah roots behind "Go Ask Alice." (Axios SLC)

It's been hot the past few days in Salt Lake City. And that may be an understatement. Now, thanks to the city's library system, residents have more locations where they can cool off.

Driving the news: Mayor Erin Mendenhall on Sunday announced on Twitter that all eight branches of the Salt Lake City Public Library would be opening as cool zones.

What she's saying: "I'm grateful to have cool zones as resources, especially for our unsheltered residents, to beat the heat."

Details: The cooling center program is a part of the county's services for aging adults.

• "Air-conditioned locations where seniors and persons with disabilities can beat the heat not only reduces their individual energy costs, but protects their health as well," reads the county's website.
• The CDC also warns people ages 65 and older are at a higher risk for heat-related health concerns. Symptoms of heat-related illness include cramps, sudden dizziness, and exhaustion.

State of play: It's set to be another scorcher this week. The National Weather Service forecast shows highs of 95-98 through Friday.

• On Sunday, we tied our all-time high summer temperature as thermometers reached 107, according to Fox 13.

The bottom line: It's important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

• There are dozens of centers throughout the county. You can use this interactive map to find the one closest to you. Hours vary by location.
• The centers are open until Oct. 15.

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