Utah’s Department of Public Safety changed how it handles applicant background investigations, assigning the work to non-sworn staff and adopting new software. Average turnaround dropped from 51 days to 33, saving $165,000 in 2025. That’s GRIT: practical changes that make better use of your tax dollars.

Utah’s state fleet cut maintenance and repair costs by 15%, saving approximately $1.56 million a year. The team did it by keeping vehicles newer and negotiating standard repair prices. That’s GRIT: state employees finding practical ways to make taxpayer dollars go further.

The Fire Marshal's Office in Utah's Department of Public Safety is replacing a manual certification process that required staff to download, print, cut, laminate and mail physical cards with secure digital credentials that can be saved directly to a mobile wallet. The change is expected to save $111,000 in labor, mailing and supply costs while making the renewal process faster and easier. On-time renewals are projected to increase from 25% to 90%. That’s GRIT.

Every dollar matters. Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing found a way to take on new responsibilities without adding staff or asking for more funding. By restructuring its existing team, the division implemented SB 330 while maintaining customer service and avoiding approximately $60,000 in ongoing costs each year. The reorganization also created clearer team structures, strengthened communication and increased employee engagement. That’s GRIT: finding better ways to deliver for Utahns with the resources we already have.

Earlier this year, GRIT crossed $10 million in cost optimization. Now, that number has more than doubled. GRIT, Utah’s Government Reform, Innovation & Transparency initiative, is focused on finding practical ways to make state government work better, use taxpayer dollars more effectively, and give employees more time to focus on serving Utahns. That work has now resulted in more than $20 million optimized, $13.33 million in cost avoidance and an estimated 26,500 hours saved, with hundreds of process improvements underway or completed across state government. The momentum is building.