Moderator, Utah League of Cities and Towns, asked about objectives of the new state housing plan and its role for cities during a question-and-answer session in St. George.

Steve, a state official (role not specified), said the plan prioritizes increasing homeownership while also addressing rental affordability and local infrastructure. “Traditionally, the state hasn't had to be involved in anything beyond low income housing and homelessness,” he said, adding recent home-price increases have widened the gap between incomes and housing costs.

The official summarized the problem this way: historically median home prices ran about three times median income, but in many parts of Utah that ratio is now “somewhere between 5 and a half and 6 and a half,” reducing affordability. He said the plan will identify targeted areas for intervention — including rural areas, resort communities, and moderate-income housing — and will treat infrastructure (water, sewer and related services) as part of housing solutions.

Steve said ownership should be the central aim of the state strategy. “Ownership is key to everything we do,” he said, noting recent legislative tools and initiatives the state is using to promote ownership: a new condominium initiative with a 100% ownership emphasis and legislation and funding — mentioned in the discussion as HB 572 — with targets that were described as prioritizing ownership in some portions of the funding. He also praised Representative Dunigan’s HB 37 for emphasizing regional solutions.

On cities’ role, the official told League members they already participate through the League’s feedback process and urged local governments to collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions on infrastructure planning so housing can be built where services permit. “We can't do anything without you,” he said, and warned that when states impose one-size-fits-all solutions the result can be litigation and long delays.

The discussion included comparisons to past affordability (speaker recalled paying about $250 for an early apartment and buying a first house for about $119,000) to illustrate how dramatically local prices have changed. The session recorded no formal motions or votes on the housing plan during this Q&A.

The conversation ended with the moderator thanking Steve and restating a desire to continue working with the League as the plan is refined.