Affordable Housing

A new study looked at how basic living expenses in the U.S. have changed since 2019, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflationary surge of 2022-23.

Salt Lake Tribune reporters Robert Gehrke and Brock Marchant join to talk about the week’s top stories, including the latest election news and USDA changes that led to the end of an affordable housing program.

Housing affordability was a critical issue. Lawmakers allocated $10 million in grants for first-time homebuyers, but limited it to new construction.

In other news, a program for first-time homebuyers could be expanded to include those buying an existing home — though for less financial assistance than for those buying new construction.

Natalie and Shireen sit down with the senior advisor on housing for Gov. Cox to discuss how the state hopes to house more Utahns.

In other news, Wasatch County Search and Rescue responded to three different snowmobile accidents within one hour on Monday.

This week, state lawmakers met for their annual legislative preview breakfast to discuss key issues for the upcoming legislative session.

In other news, a report found that Utahns working minimum wage would need to work 156 hours a week to afford the median rent of an apartment on their own.

Education, water management, housing affordability, and other key issues take center stage as the 2025 General Session begins.

In other news, a sediment slump has created a new rapid at Canyonlands National Park. And, the first 12 starter homes of Gov. Spencer Cox's 35,000-home goal are underway.