During a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing housing issues, particularly for individuals who have previously experienced homelessness. The city is currently one of five large shelter cities and is in the process of expanding its shelter capacity, aiming to add approximately 140 beds. Additionally, a hotel conversion project is underway, which will provide another 120 beds to assist in transitioning individuals into stable housing.

A key proposal highlighted during the meeting was the potential use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a solution for housing those who have been vetted through local organizations like Switchpoint. Officials suggested that the state could incentivize homeowners to create ADUs specifically for previously unhoused individuals, proposing a small tax credit of $500 per year for a limited time as a means to encourage this initiative.

The discussion also touched on barriers faced by individuals with felony backgrounds in securing housing. Representatives noted that many property owners along the Wasatch Front are imposing application fees of $50, ostensibly for background checks. With low vacancy rates leading to high competition for available apartments, these fees can accumulate quickly, creating significant financial strain for applicants, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The city officials emphasized that the actual cost of conducting background checks does not justify such high fees, which further complicates the housing search for vulnerable populations.