Mountainlands Community Housing Trust to present affordable housing impact study

Photo: Mountainlands Community Housing Trust

PARK CITY, Utah — Mountainlands Community Housing Trust (MCHT) and its partners will present a study on the economic impact of affordable housing at events in Summit and Wasatch counties on August 26 and 27.

The study, commissioned by MCHT’s Housing Resource Center and conducted by Economic Planning Systems (EPS), highlights the benefits of affordable housing initiatives in the Wasatch Back region, including job creation, economic growth, and increased tax revenues.

The events, scheduled for 6 to 8:00 p.m. on both days, will take place at the Heber City Public Safety Building on August 26 and at the Park City Library on August 27. Residents and decision-makers in both counties are encouraged to attend.

Megan McKenna, MCHT Housing Advocate, said the study has already been presented to local elected officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders. “The results are compelling. Our hope is that the data can serve as a useful tool for local leaders and decision makers as they attempt to address one of our region’s greatest challenges,” McKenna said.

The study was funded by a Sustainable Tourism grant from the Park City Chamber and supported by a committee of stakeholders from the Wasatch Back, who provided feedback throughout the process.

Dallin Koecher, of the Heber Valley Chamber, emphasized the importance of housing that is attainable for the region’s economic vitality. “Investing in housing for all levels of affordability will help our valley be independent, diverse and thrive economically,” Koecher said.

Diego Zegarra, of the Park City Community Foundation, noted the tangible benefits to the community from prioritizing investments in the workforce, while Andrew Knudsen, of EPS, warned that the challenges of finding employees will only increase without broad recognition of the issue.

The events will also include a community-wide discussion, opportunities to share housing stories, and a housing resource fair.

More information is available at housinghelp.org.