Voices: Expanding affordable housing in Washington County starts with building simple, entry-level homes again

For generations, homeownership was the natural first step into stability, community and opportunity. Today, for many working individuals and families in Washington County, that step feels out of reach. Not because they lack ambition or work ethic, but because the housing market no longer builds homes they can afford.

Teachers, firefighters, nurses, service workers and young professionals form the backbone of our community. These are not “low-income” jobs. Yet too many of the people we depend on every day are being priced out of the very communities they serve. When that happens, we don’t just lose housing affordability — we lose our future workforce, our children and the long-term vitality of our cities and towns.

This challenge is often framed as a debate about growth. But growth itself is not the enemy. Washington County is growing because people desire to live here. The real problem is how we are growing. Too much of today’s new housing is designed for retirees or high-income buyers, while the simple, entry-level homes that once allowed young families to get their feet in the door have nearly disappeared.

When we eliminate the first rung on the housing ladder, the entire system stalls. Fewer first-time buyers mean fewer move-up buyers. Housing mobility slows. Prices rise faster. And affordability erodes for everyone. Expanding access to affordable housing begins with a clear goal: bringing back attainable, entry-level homeownership.

This doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or community character. It means using land more thoughtfully and embracing housing types that match today’s economic realities. Smaller homes, townhomes, condos, accessory dwelling units, multi-generational housing (or family-flexible) and mixed-use developments can all play a role in creating attainable options without sprawling endlessly outward.

Policy matters here. Zoning reform that allows for modest increases in density can make projects financially viable while preserving neighborhood integrity. Incentives for workforce housing can encourage builders to deliver homes at price points aligned with local incomes. Streamlined approvals can reduce costs that ultimately get passed on to buyers.

Equally important is collaboration. Affordable housing is not a “developers versus residents” issue. It’s a shared community challenge that requires public-private partnerships, local leadership and thoughtful planning. REALTORS®, builders, policymakers and residents all have a seat at the table and a stake in the outcome.

Washington County’s data tells a very clear story: Housing demand is rising faster than affordability and housing prices are out-pacing wages. If we do nothing, the gap will widen, but if we act intentionally, we can balance growth with opportunity. We can build communities that prioritize being places to live and work, not just destinations to retire.

Homeownership has always been more than a transaction. It’s how families build wealth, put down roots and invest in their communities. It also provides stability, creating a sense of security, belonging and pride that supports overall well-being.

When people have a stable place to call home, neighborhoods thrive and futures take shape.

Local leadership is already stepping forward. Through the REALTORS® REACH Foundation, the Washington County Board of REALTORS® are working alongside community partners, like the Southern Utah Home Builders Association, to address housing challenges at multiple levels. We seek to help fund programs that assist families in need, promote responsible housing solutions and strengthen the long-term health of our neighborhoods. These efforts reflect a shared belief that solving housing challenges requires collaboration, compassion and a commitment to the communities we serve.

Expanding access to affordable housing in Washington County isn’t about lowering standards or stopping growth. It’s about restoring the first step.

Let’s pave a path that allows the next generation to stay, contribute and thrive right here at home.

Emily Merkley is the chief executive officer of the Washington County Board of Realtors and its Multiple Listing Service, and the Realtors REACH Foundation.

The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.