Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.

As Utah’s population continues to rise, and Great Salt Lake levels continue to decrease, there’s one topic top of mind for many Tribune readers: Sustainable growth.

In a widely shared letter to the editor, Norm Angerhofer in South Jordan asked Gov. Spencer Cox to “stop pushing for unsustainable growth in this great state of Utah.”

“I have heard your recent ads on television, urging everyone to build more homes and apartments, and to relax our building codes to allow more easily for additions and expansions,” Angerhofer writes. “While the thought is good, to make more housing available, which allows for our children and grandchildren to live nearby, it is not practical. Why? There is only so much water available here in the desert. That water has already been allocated to existing homes and farms. To give shares to new homes, we must take away from existing ones. To give to new businesses, such as data centers, we must restrict current users. To ensure that everyone receives water, our Great Salt Lake must be denied.”

I wanted to hear from more of you, so I asked what sustainable growth really looks like. Here’s what you said:

“Loosen restrictive zoning laws and cut the red tape so people who want to build — investing their own money — can just build,” writes Dan in Ogden. “This is especially critical in cities and neighborhoods where the demand for housing is highest. Let the market function to provide housing where people want to live — not just where the government wants them to live.”

“Medium density that allows offices, shopping and housing all within the same block while maintaining our urban forests,” writes Kae in Salt Lake City. “Creating buildings that have visual interest and unique character and are built to last are important to creating an intriguing city scape. Finally, anything we can do to limit car dependence is truly the most important element to growth — this includes having housing in the same places to work, but a lot of this has to do with public transit, bike transit and quiet walking corridors.”

“Investing in infrastructure and under-privileged communities,” writes Caitlin in Ogden. “Regulations to control water usage and promote green energy. I would like to see more focus on sustainable affordable housing that is built efficiently.”

“Massive reduction in water use by agriculture, stop farming ultra water thirsty crops like alfalfa,” writes Andrew in Murray. “Expansion of affordable housing. Massive expansion in clean energy: nuclear, wind, solar, hydro (by increasing water storage in lakes). Expanding clean air laws. Increasing minimum wage.expanding social programs to get people out of poverty for good.”

Do you have a perspective you’d like to share on an issue impacting Utahns? Learn how you can share it in an op-ed or letter to the editor.

Utah Voices

Take a look at these op-eds and letters to the editor recently published in The Tribune:

Utah’s swimsuit rules are policing girls’ bodies, not protecting them.

I nearly died after giving birth. Here’s how we can better protect Utah mothers.

Our immigration system leaves families like mine in limbo. Here’s where reform begins.

Utah faces a physician shortage. I see why fewer medical students are choosing primary care.

My time in a Utah residential treatment center was traumatic. I’m demanding change for struggling youth.

If Utah is serious about water conservation, large-scale infrastructure must become part of the solution.

Share Your Perspective

How are you handling your yard this year? Tell me about any water-wise decisions you and your family are making.

I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.