Affordable housing and mega-growth dominate annexation talks between Wasatch and Heber councils

Heber City Development plans, 2022. Photo: Heber City Planning Committee

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — In a joint meeting on Nov. 13, the Wasatch County and Heber City councils initiated discussions on the potential annexation of nearly 4,000 acres east of Heber City and in the North Village area. It was reiterated, however, that the exact acreage is unknown and could end up not even close to that size—if approved. The meeting amplified community apprehensions about a project of this magnitude’s feasibility, citing traffic, water, and sewer concerns.

Driving the news:

• The area includes land managed by the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), which is exploring affordable housing options.
• Heber City’s annexation policy must be amended before any formal plans proceed.

What they’re saying:

“Just to put some context to where we are in these discussions, we’re not even talking about an annexation yet.”

“We’re talking about the annexation policy plan, which is basically a policy that says where the city is willing and able to annex, but it does bring up bigger discussion items like traffic and ability and willingness to serve,” said Tony Kohler, Heber City’s community development director.

• Some council members voiced concerns over density: “Adding thousands of homes will strain roads and utilities already at capacity.”
• SITLA’s Greg McArthur highlighted the agency’s mandate to develop land for public school funding, noting, “Affordable housing is a key part of the state’s goals.”

Zoom out:
The proposal has raised broader questions about regional growth management.

• The Wasatch County Council also discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heber City on the Harvest Hills annexation, a nearby project that would create an unincorporated island.

What’s next:
Further discussions are expected at the meeting in January 2024.