The Utah House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss a concurrent resolution aimed at urging changes to federal homelessness regulations. The resolution, introduced by Representative Tyler Clancy, seeks to empower Utah to address its homelessness crisis with local expertise and resources, rather than being bound by federal mandates that may not suit the state's unique needs.

Clancy emphasized the urgency of the homelessness issue, describing it as a humanitarian crisis affecting many individuals in Utah. He pointed out that current federal policies, particularly the Housing First model, often disqualify programs that require sobriety or other conditions for funding. This rigidity, he argued, limits the state's ability to tailor solutions for its diverse homeless population, which includes individuals with severe substance use disorders.

Devin Kurtz from the Cicero Institute supported Clancy's resolution, citing a recent HUD report indicating that the U.S. is experiencing the worst homelessness crisis on record, despite significant federal spending. He criticized the current funding structure, which he described as a "top-down" approach that stifles innovation and local solutions. Kurtz noted that Utah's homelessness rate is significantly higher than that of comparable states, with many individuals living unsheltered.

Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for local communities to have the flexibility to implement solutions that work best for their specific populations. She pointed to successful initiatives in Utah County that have effectively addressed homelessness through collaboration with nonprofits and local governments.

The committee also heard from various stakeholders during public comment, including representatives from organizations that support innovative approaches to homelessness. Many speakers advocated for a "human first" model that addresses the root causes of homelessness, such as trauma and addiction, rather than solely focusing on providing housing.

The discussions underscored a growing consensus among lawmakers and community leaders that a more flexible and locally-driven approach to homelessness is necessary. The resolution aims to encourage federal partners to grant Utah the autonomy to experiment with different programs and funding structures that could lead to more effective outcomes for the state's homeless population.

As the committee prepares to move forward, the resolution reflects a broader commitment to finding sustainable solutions to homelessness in Utah, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and community-driven initiatives in addressing this pressing issue.