Zoning Reform Is Only Step 1 in Fighting the Housing Crisis

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of zoning reform in Utah and the barriers to housing development despite state efforts to increase supply.

Utah wants to override local zoning to boost housing supply, but allowed by right doesn't mean possible in practice. Abby and Edward dig into the hidden barriers — complicated permits, scarce financing, and broken systems — that stop housing from actually getting built. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES "Utah’s Governor Suggests Overriding Local Zoning. Could His Plan Solve—or Shatter—the State’s Housing Future?" by Allaire Conte, Realtor.com (November 2025) "Why State Housing Reform is Failing (and What We Can Do About It)" by Edward Erfurt Abby Newsham (X/Twitter) Edward Erfurt (LinkedIn) Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom. This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

People in this episode

Hosts: Abby Newsham, Edward Erfurt

Topics covered

• zoning reform
• housing crisis
• local governance
• construction barriers
• state intervention

Keywords

• zoning
• housing supply
• Utah
• construction permits
• financing
• housing crisis
• state reform

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strong Towns

Books & works: Utah’s Governor Suggests Overriding Local Zoning. Could His Plan Solve—or Shatter—the State’s Housing Future?, Why State Housing Reform is Failing (and What We Can Do About It)

Places: Utah

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