Summit County to host community forum on workforce housing challenges

Summit County will host a free community forum Nov. 17 to discuss workforce housing challenges, affordability and potential solutions for local workers and employers. Photo: Summit County

Free Nov. 17 event will bring together local workers, business leaders and housing officials to discuss affordability and potential solutions.

PARK CITY, Utah — Summit County residents can hear from local workers, business leaders and housing officials about workforce housing challenges and potential solutions during a free community forum Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Hosted by the Summit County Housing Authority, the Housing & Workforce discussion will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richins Building, 1885 W. Ute Blvd. in Park City.

The discussion comes as Summit County works to address a persistent housing shortage. As TownLift reported in August, the County Council approved a strategic plan aimed at facilitating 1,500 deed-restricted affordable housing units over roughly the next decade. The plan also cites U.S. Census Bureau data showing approximately 63% of the county’s workforce commutes from outside Summit County.

Housing affordability remains a challenge. According to a September TownLift report citing data from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Summit County’s median home sale price was approximately $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, and 97% of local renters could not afford to purchase a median-priced home.

Jenn Lewis, chair of the Summit County Housing Authority and owner and CEO of Ghigau Construction, will moderate the discussion.

Panelists include Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce; Tony Tyler, partner at Columbus Pacific Development; Louis Chiappetta, a Park City Mountain ski patroller and union vice president; and Dalton Schaefer, a Park City Fire District firefighter and paramedic.

The forum is the fourth installment of the county’s Housing Speaker Series, which examines community development issues, including transportation, open space and the roles of local government and businesses.

The evening will include brief presentations, a question-and-answer session and opportunities to learn about housing resources available in Summit County. Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is free and open to the public. Additional information and registration are available on Eventbrite.