In the News:
By now, almost everyone knows about President Trump’s renovation plan for the White House’s East Wing. The centerpiece of which is a ballroom that will seat 999 guests, almost five times larger than the 200-seat East Room it will replace.
Here’s My Take:
Much internet uproar has ensued about whether this addition is extravagant or overdue, but I don’t plan to weigh in on that here. What’s undeniable is that the renovation makes more space. Once complete, more tables and seats are available in the ballroom–all on the same footprint of land.
This same logic applies to neighborhoods. While allowing starter homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and other modest additions may feel disruptive to some, it’s also how we make room for more Utahns to achieve homeownership. Increased homeownership without government red tape is a goal that all Utahns should support.
To reach this goal, outdated zoning laws, blocking construction of small-lot homes and ADUs, must be addressed. That’s why Libertas Institute is calling to Legalize Family-Friendly Neighborhoods. These changes would open the door for more starter homes, the neighborhood equivalent of adding more seats at the table.
Bottom Line:
Utah’s housing crisis comes down in large part to zoning policy. In a market where the average single-family home costs over $500,000, young families and seniors are priced out. Reforming zoning laws means more homes, more opportunities, and more Utahns able to build their future here. It’s time to knock down policy walls and make room for more chairs at the table.
