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Show Page 8 The Ogden Valley news Volume XXV Issue XI July 1, 2019 Housing Price Growth Tempers Along Wasatch Front, Overall Consumer Prices Moderating Somewhat The Zions Bank Wasatch Front Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1.2% from April to May on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. Year over year, the Wasatch Front Consumer Price Index has grown 3.1%, while the national Consumer Price Index has increased 1.8% since May of last year. For the third consecutive month, rising prices in the transportation sector drove monthly price growth along the Wasatch Front. Transportation prices climbed 2.4% in May, due mostly to rising gasoline and airfare prices. Year-over-year growth in the transportation sector slowed slightly, down to 1.5% from 1.7% in April. Housing prices also lifted for the fourth straight month, with housing sector prices now 0.8% higher than in April. Hikes in apartment rental rates drove a small portion of the increase; while costs for temporary housing, measured via hotel and motel rates, rose 11% in the past month, a common summer season trend. Significantly, housing’s 12-month price growth, now at 4%, declined for the sixth consecutive month and is at the lowest point since April 2018, suggesting that housing price growth across the Wasatch Front is tempering. Although its contribution to 12-month price growth is modest compared to that of housing, medical care is the second-largest driver of year-over-year price increases. Medical care prices edged up 2.4% since last month and 7.5% since May 2018. While Wasatch Front price growth remains higher than the Fed’s target inflation rate of 2%, it is at one of its lowest points in recent years. “The moderating price growth is a great sign for Utahns,” said Randy Shumway, chairman and partner of Cicero Group. “It means that we are reaching a more sustainable level of both supply and demand. Producers are hitting their stride, yet still have room to grow while consumers are pleased to see price changes evening out.” Analysis and data collection for the Zions Bank CPI and the Zions Bank Consumer Attitude Index are provided by Cicero Group, a premier management consulting firm based in Salt Lake City. The Zions Bank Utah Consumer Attitude Index will be released June 26. Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 140 years. Additional information is available at <www.zionsbank.com> PHRAGMITES cont. from page 1 Management Area, in partnership with Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands; U.S. Forest Service; Utah Department of Agriculture; Utah State Parks; and Weber County are continually making efforts to protect Pineview Reservoir’s shoreline. If anyone spots this invasive weed, or needs help identifying a suspected plant, please contact Loralie Cox at 801-440-1869 or <lcox@utah.gov> rescue duck hunters who become lost in the phragmites. Phragmites is an incredibly thirsty plant. Compared to other native shoreline plants, it takes up more than its fair share of water. According to a recent Division of Water Quality report, phragmites consumptive water use is 32 inches during the season (May thru October), with an overall water requirement of 71,446 acre-feet during the season, with water loss highest in narrow patches of phragmites along streams and canals. Wetlands and shorelines provide critical habitat for birds. However, invasion of phragmites threatens bird populations through devastating their necessary habitat. Large birds, like pelicans, are too big to nest in and among phragmites— this stymies their populations and endangers their continued existence in the Ogden Valley. Tightly packed stands of phragmites create a terrible habitat for young fish, which require loosely organized shoreline plants. A more aesthetic issue the weed introduces—each reed can become 12 to 18 feet tall. This ruins views of water bodies; plus, their leaves are razor sharp and can cut skin. This can be troublesome for fishers, bird watchers and general shoreline explorers. In addition, phragmites pose a fire hazard. In late summer and fall the reeds dry out and become dry as tinder. Fire can spread rapidly through them and quickly threaten surrounding properties. Because of the risks associated with phragmites, the Weber River Cooperative Weed Secrets to Saving on Your Summer City Vacation By Nathaniel Sillin Cities attract people for different reasons, which is partly why cities are such popular vacation destinations. Summer is one of the best times to visit, as the long days give you extra hours of sunlight for exploration and many cities host a variety of free activities. The busy season can mean rising prices, but there are a few city-specific savings tactics that can take some of the strain off your budget. Look for insiders’ knowledge about the city. Many major cities are covered by bloggers who focus on how to enjoy the city on the cheap. You could start your planning by researching online with the keywords “free or cheap” and the city’s name. Some of the well-organized websites will even let you filter events by date, cost and your interests. Also check the city’s local newspaper sites for lists of free or cheap events. During the summer, many cities have free outdoor concerts and movie screenings; you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the warm weather and show. Get around the city like a local. It might make sense to take an occasional cab, but some cities have robust public transportation systems. Take a few minutes to study the city’s layout before arriving and don’t be afraid to ask locals for advice or directions. If you’re in town for more than a few days, look into time-based public transportation passes. For example, you can get a seven-day Unlimited Ride MetroCard for subway and bus rides in New York City for $32. (There’s $1 new-card fee if you’re not refilling an existing card.) You can even use it on the crosstown buses that can quickly get you from one side of Central Park to the other. Explore new cuisine. One of my favorite parts about visiting a city is trying the restaurants. Whether you save up and enjoy one of the city’s finest eateries or find a hole-inthe-wall hidden gem, there’s something for everyone. Luckily, many cities’ must-try foods are on the inexpensive side. Chicago’s hot dogs, Portland’s doughnuts and Austin’s tacos all often cost less than $5. You can also look for lists of cheap and delicious eats alongside the free-entertainment tips from frugal bloggers and local papers. High-end restaurants will inevitably be pricey, but if it’s on your “must-do” list, there could be ways to save. Some restaurants offer less expensive brunches or early evening tasting menus, or you might be able to grab a small bite and a drink at the bar rather than a full meal. Find the deals if you’re going to shop. Some people see shopping as an intrinsic part of a vacation, and cities are often home to chains’ flagship stores, boutiques, and specialty shops. The wide variety of options could tempt you to overspend, but it also means there are plenty of opportunities to save. If you’re in the luxury market, look for sample sales where high-end brands might be charging (relatively) less for products formerly on runways or showroom floors. Trying to stick to a tight budget? Look for large retailers’ clearance sales, particularly if you’re visiting when stores are clearing seasonal items off their shelves. Think outside the box when it comes to lodging. Most people know that hotels in the heart of tourist areas are often the most expensive, and many turn to home-sharing sites as cheaper alternatives. Another trick is to look for availability at hotels in the city’s financial district. Holidays and weekends can bring vacancies at these properties, which may mean lower rates. Hotels right outside the main city, but accessible by public transportation, can also cost less. Bottom line: Cities can be expensive, particularly during the busy summer, but there’s a reason they’re such popular vacation destinations. Whether you’re interested in museums, shows, food, historic sites or all of the above, there are ways to save and make the most out of your summer in the city. Note: Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter <www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney> Eden 4th of July Celebration Seen at the forefront of this picture is the nonnative invasive perennial phragmite that can quickly overtake waterbody shorelines and other wetlands. The plant has recently been found around areas of Pineview Reservoir. In response, state, federal, and county leaders are trying to identify and eradicate the aggressive weed. If you see it growing along wetland areas, primarily around Pineview Reservoir, please email Loralie Cox at lcox@utah.gov or call 801-440-1869. 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Children’s Parade Come join in the fun and participate in the parade! Decorate your bikes, four wheelers, tractors, wagons, trailers, etc. Please call Nick Froerer at 801-510-3210 if you can volunteer. |
