Audit Reveals Utah’s Housing Shortage

The state must build 28,000 housing units each year to keep up with a growing need.

1 minute read

November 20, 2023, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah | Andrew Smith / Flickr

According to an article by Katie McKellar in Deseret News, “Legislative auditors concluded Utah needs to build almost 28,000 units of housing a year to keep up with the state’s forecasted growth while signaling a continued prevalence on single-family homes rather than higher-density housing would be a ‘recipe for trouble as Utah continues to grow.’” The state’s housing shortage is expected to grow to 37,000 units by next year.

The report recommends finding ways to “increase zoning density on a wide scale” and do more to enforce local compliance with housing goals. “Auditors floated policy options like tying existing land use requirements to projected population growth (seen in states including Oregon and California) and considering ‘upzoning,’ or requiring local governments to allow more homes to be built on less land.”

The report notes that while the government doesn’t engage in housing construction, “setting the right mix of public policy could create more favorable conditions to create housing at the level needed to keep pace with population growth.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Deseret News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog