Summit County plans to create independent housing authority after joint efforts fail

Park City area leaders earlier this year blocked the creation of a unified regional housing authority after months of work, but Summit County officials are now considering their own path forward, signaling a possible shift in strategy to address the region’s urgent housing needs.

Momentum to create a regional housing authority in the Wasatch Back slowed in January after members of the Park City City Council and Summit County Council failed to reach consensus on how to proceed with a joint venture.

Staff began exploring the possibility of creating a regional housing authority in April 2023 and formed an exploratory committee to meet with community partners about its implementation. Discussions continued throughout the fall, but concerns were raised about the overall benefits of the program. In January, both councils ultimately postponed a vote to form the quasi-governmental body, and the idea has not been discussed since.

Yet the problem persists. Summit County will therefore consider creating an independent housing authority to coordinate a strategic and collaborative response to the problem.

Economic Development and Housing Director Jeff Jones is expected to present the concept at the Departmental Council on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. The new approach focuses on four specific areas and requires no additional staff.

First, Jones proposes that the Summit County Housing Authority create and maintain a housing and economic data dashboard to help provide metrics to residents, community advocates, developers, business leaders business and elected officials. This will be used to guide decision-making and help Summit County file its annual moderate-income housing plan.

Authorities are required to submit a housing report to the state, which includes information on the number of single-family, townhouse and multifamily residential units that are eligible but have not applied for building permits and the number of lots zoned residential.

The dashboard would also improve data integrity. For example, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah reports there are 570 restricted housing units in Summit County, but Jones said the actual number is more than 1,100.

The second area of focus for the housing authority would be an employer-assisted housing program. This would allow businesses to help their workers cover the costs associated with owning or renting a home. Assistance could be provided in a variety of ways, including down payment grants, loans forgiven over a period of employment, homeownership counseling and education, rental subsidies or direct investment in the construction of rental housing.

Cities and counties could also encourage private sector employers to create their own programs to help workers find housing. Staff said this approach would increase funding available for affordable housing while improving recruitment and retention efforts.

It would also address some concerns officials have about what they perceive as expectations that Summit County would solve the housing problem on its own rather than partnering with private companies to accommodate the area’s workforce .

Staff will also explore the possibility of creating an annual utility allowance assessment and maximum rent report to facilitate compliance with the tax subsidy program income limits.

The allowance can be used to cover all utilities a household is required to pay, except telephone, cable or internet, and is used to help determine maximum rents for credit developments tax for low-income housing.

Other options Jones proposed: establishing a financial incentive program to offset the cost of development fees and permits, particularly in eastern Summit County; develop a predefined accessory dwelling unit program to facilitate approval; create a housing supply committee to provide advice on site design, conservation or construction management to the future Summit County Housing Authority board; and develop a grant writing program to gain additional support.

It was initially estimated that creating the Joint Regional Housing Authority would cost approximately $1.5 million, with annual expenses estimated at $300,000. This figure does not include the cost of housing construction. A cost estimate for the new approach was not included in the staff report.

The County Council is required to pass a resolution creating the Summit County Housing Authority if members agree to the change in direction. It must indicate “that there is a shortage of safe and sanitary housing in the city or county, accessible to persons of moderate and low income, at affordable rents or prices.”

The Utah Code requires that at least five and not more than seven persons be appointed as commissioners of a housing authority. It is likely that a county councilor will be chosen, along with other community stakeholders, experts and residents.

Wednesday’s conversation is intended to inform and guide staff. No formal action is planned.