City Manager Spotlights

Affordable Housing, Needed For The Future

When we hear the phrase affordable housing, we often conjure up images of tract-housing or inner-city projects; this image couldn’t be further from the truth. Affordable housing is not only a necessary component of our community but is required by state law. Every city in Utah is required to address how it will assist in encouraging affordable housing to our residents. Affordable housing is defined as housing, and their associated costs, that do not exceed 30% of the gross monthly income of the area median income (AMI). For Washington County, this AMI is approximately $47,600. In this area, 36% of the households are at or below this income level. In 2017, the median home price in Washington County was $324,450, significantly out of the range of this income level. While 36% of our population needs affordable housing our current supply can only provide 11% of our population with an affordable option. When we look at affordable housing, it is not just about low-income families but our children and grand children’s ability to become homeowners. Washington City has identified several goals to assist and encourage a level of affordable housing; more information about the Plan is available here. I hope this is helpful in your understanding and please look forward to hearing more about this soon.

Roger Carter

City Manager

(435) 656-6314

rcarter@washingtoncity.org