Affordable Housing in Heber City: Protecting Our Community’s Future
Heber City is a place people want to call home. With its stunning mountains, tight-knit neighborhoods, and small-town spirit, it’s no surprise that families, retirees, and newcomers are drawn here. But as demand grows, so do the challenges — and perhaps the most urgent among them is affordable housing.
In recent years, prices for homes in Heber City and the surrounding valley have skyrocketed. What once was a community where teachers, firefighters, and young families could build a life has quickly become a place where even longtime residents are being priced out. I’ve talked with parents whose adult children can’t afford to move back home, with workers who commute long distances because they can’t afford to live near their jobs, and with retirees who worry about their grandkids being forced to settle in another town.
If we don’t address this problem thoughtfully, we risk losing the very character of Heber City that makes it so special.
Why Affordable Housing Matters
Affordable housing isn’t just about numbers on a real estate listing. It’s about community stability.
When families can afford to live where they work, our schools, businesses, and local services thrive. When young couples and working-class residents are forced out, we lose not only their contributions to our community but also the next generation of Heber’s story.
We also need to think about who’s moving here to work. With major expansions at Deer Valley and other employers across Wasatch County, we’ll see more workers needing housing. Where will they live? If Heber City doesn’t provide options, we’ll see more congestion, longer commutes, and a growing disconnect between residents and the places they serve.
This isn’t just about affordability — it’s about the long-term health and sustainability of our community.
Lessons from Other Communities
I’ve lived in several cities — from Seattle to Salt Lake — and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when leaders ignore the housing issue. Prices rise unchecked, sprawl takes over, and local character gets replaced by expensive development that doesn’t reflect the needs of residents.
We don’t want Heber to become a place where only the wealthy can afford to live. If that happens, we lose our small-town roots, our sense of community, and the diverse mix of families that makes us strong.
The good news is that other towns have also shown us solutions:
Pocket neighborhoods — smaller clusters of homes designed for affordability and community connection.
Deed restrictions — ensuring homes remain available for full-time residents, not just investors or vacation rentals.
Infill development — making better use of available land within the city before sprawling further into open space.
These are tools we can adapt here in Heber — if we have the leadership willing to champion them.
A Balanced Approach to Growth
Some people hear “affordable housing” and think it means sacrificing quality or inviting massive developments that overwhelm the city. That’s not what I support.
I believe in responsible growth — projects that fit the character of Heber, respect our small-town feel, and provide real opportunities for families and workers. We can strike a balance: encouraging development that meets housing needs without overburdening our infrastructure, schools, or roads.
As a financial planner, I know how to look at the numbers. Affordable housing isn’t just a slogan — it requires smart planning, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to doing what’s sustainable in the long run.
What I Will Advocate For
On the Heber City Council, I’ll push for practical, people-first solutions to address housing affordability:
Encourage a Mix of Housing Options
Not everyone needs or wants a large single-family home. We should make room for townhomes, cottages, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that allow families more options.Support Deed-Restricted Housing for Locals
Prioritize developments that include housing for year-round residents. This keeps our workforce local and strengthens community ties.Protect Against Overdevelopment
Growth must not outpace our roads, water, and schools. I’ll support projects that make sense for Heber’s infrastructure — not just the developer’s bottom line.Promote Public-Private Partnerships
Developers, nonprofits, and the city can work together to create affordable housing without relying solely on tax increases.Keep Transparency at the Forefront
Residents deserve to know what’s being built, why, and how it benefits the community. No backroom deals — just honest, open conversations.
Why This Matters to Me Personally
This isn’t just a policy issue for me — it’s personal.
My family and I love Heber City. We’ve put down roots here, and we want our children to grow up in a community that feels welcoming and accessible. But I also know what it feels like to be priced out of opportunities, to worry about whether you’ll be able to live where you work, and to wonder if the place you love will remain affordable for the next generation.
Raising Rex, my son with special needs, has also given me a different perspective on stability. Families like mine don’t just need housing; we need a community that’s inclusive, affordable, and built to last.
That’s why I care so deeply about this issue.
The Future of Heber City
We are at a crossroads. If we don’t act now, housing prices will continue to spiral, and Heber will slowly lose the very people who give it life — our teachers, police officers, small business owners, and working families.
But if we make thoughtful, steady choices, we can build a future where our kids can come back after college, where retirees can downsize without leaving town, and where every resident feels like they belong.
That’s the Heber City I want to fight for.
Join Me in This Work
This campaign isn’t about politics. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring that Heber City remains a place where everyone — not just a few — can live, work, and thrive.
If you share my belief that affordable housing matters to the future of our community, I’d love your support. Together, we can make sure Heber grows in a way that respects our values and preserves the special place we all love.