SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah grapples with an ongoing affordable housing crisis, state lawmakers convened recently to brainstorm and discuss actionable solutions ahead of the legislative session. Governor Spencer Cox’s ambitious initiative to construct 35,000 new starter homes within five years underscores the urgency of addressing this pressing issue. The challenge was launched in 2023 as a direct response to the alarming scarcity of affordable starter homes, which has deterred many young individuals from homeownership and prompted others to leave the state in search of more affordable living conditions. Steve Waldrip, the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy & Innovation, addressed the media during a recent conference, highlighting the critical situation. “We have scarcity, and so the value of the homes that we do have and that are available has gone up, and it's outstripped our ability to provide adequate housing at a reasonable cost for our kids and our grandkids,” Waldrip stated. He acknowledged that in the past two years, developers have managed to build over 6,000 starter homes; however, this figure falls drastically short of the necessary pace to meet current demands. To effectively tackle this crisis, Waldrip emphasized the need for innovative policies and resource allocation. “We need to double our pace, and the best way to do that is to enact smart policies, provide resources for infrastructure, and utilize our existing state land that is sitting and not producing any value for anybody,” he urged. A significant focus of the discussions among lawmakers is the necessity of addressing infrastructure needs. Essential services such as water, sewer, curb, and gutter systems are vital for new housing developments. State Representative Calvin Roberts pointed out that many cities are struggling financially, lacking the property tax or sales tax base to fund necessary infrastructure improvements. “What ends up happening is just those homes don't get built,” Roberts explained. In response to these fiscal constraints, Roberts is proposing a bill that would allow the state to assist cities financially with infrastructure projects linked to housing development. “It's basically reusing some existing money from other programs, but it would be a pool of money, of capital that cities can come to the state with an application for important regional infrastructure with the nexus to housing,” he elaborated. Another avenue being explored involves the utilization of state land that has become available following large-scale projects by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Roberts highlighted the need for a collaborative approach between the state and local governments to repurpose these lands for affordable housing. “Create a process of partnership where the state, which has the ultimate land use authority on that land, is working closely with the local government to facilitate using this land to hopefully put more affordable housing on the market,” he stated. Delays in the development process are also a major concern for lawmakers. When new housing projects require zoning changes or other city adjustments, the approval process can often stretch into months or even years. To streamline this, Representative Raymond Ward has proposed legislation aimed at expediting local government processes. “If a new development requires zoning changes, they choose to not take action, then after 30 days, that thing would become a permitted use, and you'd be permitted to build,” Ward explained. He emphasized that developers would still need to adhere to existing ordinances but would benefit from a quicker approval process. However, not all stakeholders agree with this approach. The Utah League of Cities and Towns, an organization representing Utah’s municipalities, has expressed concerns regarding the implications of such legislation. FOX 13 News reached out to the organization for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication. To further engage the community and raise awareness about housing challenges in Utah, a special event known as Housing Day on the Hill is scheduled for February 19 at the Capitol Rotunda from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the state's housing challenges and the efforts being made to address them. As the legislative session approaches, lawmakers are prioritizing affordable housing solutions, recognizing the need for immediate and effective action. With collaborative efforts from both state and local entities, there is hope that innovative policies can be enacted to alleviate the housing crisis and create a more sustainable future for Utah’s residents. The stakes are high, as the ability to provide affordable housing will significantly impact the state’s economic growth and the well-being of its citizens in the years to come.