How the Utah legislature is hoping to affect the housing market

When work for Utah citizens comes up, one part of it that seems to be key is the current housing market in the Beehive State. Like in other parts of the country, and especially in the West, the combination of high prices for living quarters and a lack of housing, in general, is leading to what some are calling an inflection point.

We’ve noticed that this has earned the attention of our state legislators, and work on the housing market in Utah has become one of the many priorities facing the governing body as they meet this winter.

Here’s a quick look at what’s on the table for the housing market, including why some call this a high priority not only for potential or current homeowners but also for everyone in the state.

A sense of urgency 



As state house speaker Brad Wilson said during a recent speech at the Capitol, Utah is one of the fcountry’s astest growing and tost drought-ridden states

“That leaves little room for error in how we manage our growth and our water,” Wilson continued.

His fellow senate leader, president Stuart Adams, echoed that sentiment in his interview, saying that bringing back state assistance financing for young home buyers should be a high priority.

“One of the most dramatic events coming out of COVID-19 was the effect on the housing market,” Adams said. “I am personally concerned that we are losing our middle class. We must find ways to get more people out of apartments and into their first home.”

Proposed solutions on the docket

With an estimated 31,000 shortage in housing in the state, lawmakers have some ideas on how to solve it. One proposed bill reports to change how cities handle subdivision plans, making them more streamlined and predictable so more housing can be created faster to meet this demand.

There are also plans for penalties for communities that don’t make affordable housing part of their plans. A proposed legislative change seeks to withhold money for city road improvements from the state if they don’t progress on a housing plan.

We’re keeping tabs on legislature business

As it always is, the legislature is busy for the months it is in session. All residents, especially those who are part of other governing bodies, should try to follow what their legislators are doing and feel free to let their own opinions be known on issues that are important to them and who they represent.

The legislature website has details on how to reach each member of the governing body.

We’ll also follow what’s going on and let you know how things are going, especially as anything affects the business of our districts. Go to our website to read the latest as it develops.