Utah, like most of the Mountain West, has experienced a huge population increase, driven by Utah’s robust job market as well as remote workers who are understandably attracted to Utah’s outdoor recreation culture. The number of households in Utah are expected to double within the next 50 years and a recent legislative audit found that Utah is on the hook to build nearly 28,000 new housing units to keep up with projected growth. That rapid growth is one reason why home prices have soared: The median price of a home in Utah is $501,652 compared to the national average of $342,941.
While the affordability crisis looms large, casting a shadow over the aspirations of many Utahns dreaming of homeownership, a staggering 73% of would-be home buyers nationwide find themselves priced out of the housing market. While the national average of starter-size homes is 67.7%, Utah has the lowest proportion of homes with three or fewer bedrooms at 41.8%, underscoring the urgent need for solutions.
Utah’s geographical constraints further compound the issue. With its lakes and wonderful mountains, suitable land for development is hard to come by. This scarcity not only drives up property values but also underscores the preciousness of our public lands. Yet, in the face of the affordability gap, there’s a temptation to view some of Utah’s 22 million acres of public space as a panacea for our housing woes.
A currently proposed piece of federal legislation called the Helping Open Underutilized Space to Ensure Shelter (HOUSES) Act would allow for private developers to purchase some of these public lands for housing projects, purportedly to promote more affordable housing. I’d argue, however, the allure of developing public land belies the deeper consequences it would entail.
Consider the case of Three Falls in Alpine, Utah: 800 acres of beautiful land and full of natural streams, springs and waterfalls, especially precious in a desert state like Utah. The city of Alpine originally saw the need to preserve the natural beauty of this place and blocked development of this 800-acre area. Private developers ended up turning it into a highly exclusive community with multi-million dollar estates, and access to many of these beautiful spaces and natural resources are now blocked off to the public.
It’s telling that bills to develop public land are often sponsored by big real estate companies who are pushing for these developments — whose interests stand to gain from the exploitation of public lands.
Proposed bills like the HOUSES Act may promise to address the housing crisis, but they overlook the invaluable benefits of public open spaces. These areas serve as sanctuaries for mental and physical well-being, fostering a healthier community overall and preserving biodiversity. Once lost to development, these spaces are lost forever, leaving a void in our collective land and also in the appeal of our state.
And the promises of affordable housing on the outskirts of town, near open spaces, ring totally hollow. As Realtors, we know the realities of the market. New homes in such locations won’t magically become affordable; instead, they’ll cater to the most affluent. The solution lies not in sacrificing our public lands but in embracing other approaches that actually help normal homeowners and communities.
Allowing homeowners the freedom to rent out parts of their homes, or construct detached accessory units would create a more dynamic housing ecosystem. By loosening restrictive regulations such as excessive limitations on the use of accessory dwelling units, we enable neighborhoods to adapt organically to evolving needs. This flexibility promotes a variety in housing options and, ultimately, affordability.
Instead of curtailing property rights, policymakers should trust in the power of the free market to address housing challenges. By removing restrictions that stop individuals and communities from implementing their own creative solutions to the housing crunch, we can unlock the true potential of our communities. We should protect Utah’s public lands as a legacy for future generations and pursue housing solutions that honor both our heritage and our future.
Preserving Utah’s public lands isn’t just about housing — it’s about safeguarding our identity as a state. These spaces offer refuge from urban life, providing solace and inspiration to anyone who treks the hiking trails and mountains around us. Additionally, they play a big role in maintaining air quality and supporting wildlife habitats, contributing to the overall health of our ecosystem.
Once these lands are gone, they’re gone forever. That’s the true reality. We cannot afford to sacrifice our natural land for short-term gains and financial profit. It’s put upon us to advocate for policies that prioritize the long-term well-being of our communities.
Overall, the path to affordable housing in Utah lies not in the development of our public lands but in embracing community-driven solutions. By preserving these spaces, we uphold our collective legacy and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. Now is the time to stand together to protect Utah’s public lands and build a more inclusive and sustainable housing future for all.
Alexandra McEwen is a third-generation Realtor with over 13 years of experience.
Alexandra McEwen is a third-generation realtor with over 13 years of experience. Together with her husband, Mike, they lead McEwen Realtors and help manage the esteemed brokerage Selling Utah Real Estate. As an associate broker, Alex is recognized annually as a real estate top performer, and she’s consistently ranked in the top 1% of Realtors in her Utah region for sales. She also served as a member of the Cedar Hills city council from 2022-2024.
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