Most Utahns Agree
Our #1 Issue Is Affordable Housing
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Why are home prices up 300% in Utah?
Because there are not enough homes to meet the growing demand.
Median Home Price
Estimates show Utah is 153,000 homes short through 2030.
The Kem Gardner Policy Institute modeled Utah's population growth between now and 2030. The models show Utah is in a severe housing crisis.
3 Steps to Affordability
Solving housing affordability is imperative so current and future generations of Utahns can own a home.
Step 1
Understand The Problem
Our campaign is designed to bring more awareness to the magnitude of the housing crisis and its causes and to provide solutions to make homes more affordable in Utah. Education about the problem is the first step in creating solutions.
Step 2
Deliver Proven Solutions
While increased housing costs are a combination of many factors, the most proven solution to stabilize and drive down home prices and improve affordability is to build enough homes to meet demand. We advocate for an all-of-the-above approach but push for the most proven and locally relevant approaches first.
Step 3
Get Utahns Involved
We’re a small organization fighting to preserve the American dream of housing opportunities in Utah. We advocate for all Utahns, from those just starting a career to seniors, from current families to future generations. Creating safe and vibrant communities will require all of us to understand and advocate for smart solutions.
Musical Houses Means Someone Gets Left Out
The affordable housing crisis is like a game of musical chairs. If people start bidding on the chairs, the prices will shoot up if there are not enough to go around. As soon as more are added, bidding wars cease and prices stabalize. This is exactly what’s happening in Utah’s housing market. Watch the video to see how we capture this concept with Utah kids that will need a home of their own soon.
How Well Do You Understand Utah’s Housing Crisis?
You can make a difference simply by taking our statewide survey - oh, and everyone who takes the survey qualifies for our $500 giveaway.
Giveaway Disclaimer: Complete the survey for a chance to win $500. One entry per person. The winner will be chosen randomly and notified via text message. No purchase is necessary. Odds depend on entries. Subject to applicable laws.
Step 1
.
Understand The Problem
The limited supply of available homes has been the primary driver of increased housing costs. Demand continues to outstrip supply, driving prices up.
Average House
Prices in Utah
High housing costs force families to spend a significant portion of their income on rent or mortgage payments, leaving less for essentials like transportation, food, healthcare, and education. It’s generally recommended that housing costs should be less than 30% of a household’s budget to have sufficient funds for other spending needs and in Utah that is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.
In addition to squeezing families’ budgets, the housing crisis is impacting the ability of low and middle-income families to save, build wealth, and put down long-term roots. The equity of a home is one of the biggest, if not the biggest assets families will own in their lives and this is becoming out of reach.
Step 2
.
Deliver Proven Solutions
Zoning Reforms:
By updating zoning laws, we can increase opportunities for new housing and more diverse types of housing, including affordable options like starter homes, duplexes, and “mother-in-law” apartments. Reforms enabling these more diverse housing types will enable more efficient use of available land and provide housing relief in high-demand areas.
Creative Solutions:
Innovative housing options such as small lots and cottage court-styled housing developments could be built quickly and affordably. Wise land usage with pre-existing lots can be key to providing immediate relief in high-demand areas
Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaborating with private developers and government agencies can expedite the construction of new housing projects. Currently, the Utah legislature and the Governor have partnered with developers to build 35,000 homes over the next five years to alleviate housing pressures facing our state.
Incentives:
The public sector can further play a role in enhancing the feasibility of attainable housing options and reward communities that are taking steps to expand housing opportunities. By prioritizing surplus public land for housing, implementing property tax exemptions for affordable units, introducing zoning incentives for qualifying projects, and aligning infrastructure and technical assistance funding with housing development, we can expand the capacity of builders and municipalities to develop mixed-income communities.
Cut Red Tape:
Streamlining construction permits and removing burdensome regulations on new housing opportunities will allow for the supply of homes to meet the demand. Simplifying the approval process will reduce costs and delays, making it easier for homeowners and builders to complete projects. We can foster a more dynamic and responsive housing market by eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles and providing resources to facilitate attainable options.
Step 3
.
Get Utahns Involved
Support policies and initiatives that promote the construction of affordable housing in your community.
Show up to city council meetings to voice housing-friendly opinions.
Share our mission with your friends and family to help raise awareness about the importance of increasing the housing supply.