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FIGHTING FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

Washington County Board of REALTORS® has been a cornerstone of the real estate industry in Southern Utah for decades, championing property rights, housing affordability and professionalism in real estate transactions. Our Board represents a network of dedicated real estate professionals who are committed to helping individuals and families achieve the American Dream of homeownership.

WHAT WE DO

Beyond helping families find the right home, our REALTORS® advocate for policies that protect private property rights, promote responsible growth, and ensure a strong and sustainable housing market. Through our government affairs efforts and the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC), we support the candidates and initiatives that align with our mission to maintain a free and fair real estate market.

WHY WE CARE

Homeownership is more than just a transaction… it’s the foundation of strong communities, economic prosperity, and financial stability for local families. We are committed to ensuring that homeownership remains accessible and attainable for current and future generations. By supporting smart housing policies and engaging with local leaders, we strive to create a thriving real estate market that benefits everyone.

Washington County has experienced robust population and economic growth over the past two decades. The unintended consequences of growth have presented many challenges, including the acceleration of housing prices, resulting in an unaffordable market.

Dejan Eskic, Bonneville Analytics

FIGHTING FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

Our local housing market is under increasing pressure, making it harder for residents to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Over the next decade, Washington County’s population is projected to reach 268,000 adding approx. 62,600 full-time residents (a 30.4% increase). Assuming one houshold per housing unit, the county needs to add 29,000 housing units to meet the projected growth. This positions Washington County as the third highest in the state in terms of housing demand.

As an advocate for private property rights and housing affordability, the Washington County Board of REALTORS® works with local leaders in individual communities to promote policies that support responsible growth, expand homeownership opportunities, and protect our local economic future.

1.

MODERNIZE ZONING

Outdated zoning laws limit housing supply, driving up costs and reducing opportunities for Washington County families. The solution? Allow for a variety of housing types, including smaller lots, townhomes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to meet market demand and increase affordability.

2.

MAXIMIZE LAND USE

Skyrocketing land prices significantly impact the final cost of a home, pricing our many locals. The solution? Update zoning costes to allow for smaller lot sizes (which reduce per-unit land costs and increase supply) and promote flexible land use policies that reflect our housing needs, leading to more attainabhle housing options.

3.

PROTECT PROPERTY RIGHTS

Restrictive land-use policies and development moratoriums block property owners from using their land responsibly. The solution? Ensure land-use decisions respect private property rights while allowing for responsible development & advocate for policies that balance public interest with individual rights. 

2026 UTAH LEGISLATIVE SESSION SUMMARY

ENCOURAGING GOOD GOVERNANCE:

    • HB 68 Division of Housing and Community Development – Rep. Calvin Roberts: This bill creates the Division of Housing and
      Community Development within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. The reorganization consolidates housing resources, assets, and expertise in a single office, focusing all the state’s efforts on addressing the housing crisis in Utah, without growing government. – SUPPORT

       

    • H.C.R. 6 Utah Housing Strategic Plan Resolution – Rep. Stephen Whyte: This resolution affirms the Legislature and governor’s support for the Utah Housing Strategic Plan, which coordinates statewide housing efforts, reduces duplication of services, increases housing supply, and improves affordability. – SUPPORT

    IMPROVING INDUSTRY PRACTICES:

      • HB 406 HOA Ombudsman Amendments – Rep. Neil Walter: This bill clarifies the responsibilities of the newly established Office of the HOA Ombudsman as those responsibilities relate to advisory opinions and education materials. It also caps an administrative transfer setup fee at $200. – SUPPORT

    PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS:

      • SB 97 Property Tax Amendments – Sen. Dan McCay: This bill includes a provision that removes the residential exemption for rental properties owned by a business entity or person, even if the property serves as a primary residence for the tenant, significantly increasing taxes on rental properties. – AMEND

    INCREASING HOUSING SUPPLY & REDUCING PRODUCTION BARRIERS:

      • HB 184 Starter Home Zoning Amendments – Rep. Ray Ward: This bill makes it easier for property owners to build starter homes in areas that have already been zoned for residential development by classifying them as a “preferred land use regulation.” Streamlining this process lowers the average cost of housing by enabling the construction of homes that are smaller and less expensive. – SUPPORT
      • HB 477 Detached Accessory Dwelling Units – Rep. Jill Koford: This bill establishes a process for cities and counties to allow the construction of detached accessory dwelling units. With the input of cities and counties, the detached ADUs would be built on residential lots with enough space to accommodate fire and health codes and onsite parking. Accessory dwelling units remain a cost-effective and efficient way to increase housing supply and help homebuyers qualify for financing. – SUPPORT
      • HB 492 State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund– Rep. Calvin Roberts: This bill creates the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund and Board, which will make loans to cities, counties, and agencies to help complete approved affordable housing projects across the state. It also creates a process for the state to sell surplus land for the development of owner-occupied affordable housing. Both programs are designed to facilitate more affordable homeownership opportunities for Utahns across the state.- SUPPORT

    Local housing affodability is at risk, and if we don’t act now, homeownership opportunities will continue to slip out of reach for working local families. Housing choices will help. By have a mix of housing types, including townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, ADUs and smaller lot sizes, we can enure options for families at different income levels.

    Emily Merkley, WCBR Chief Executive Officer