Utahns are facing significant challenges in affording, securing, and maintaining housing due to rising prices, high interest rates, and supply chain issues. According to a recent Kem C. Gardner report, 40% of Utahns are housing cost-burdened, and 18% are severely cost-burdened, with low-income households being particularly affected. These housing challenges impact residents' health and counties' ability to attract and retain a workforce. Despite various government and community efforts to address the housing affordability crisis, progress is slow, and residents continue to struggle.
Cache County's Housing Crisis Taskforce has recommended solutions to municipal governments and community stakeholders, but public sentiment and NIMBYism present obstacles. To better understand public perceptions, the Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) conducted a public perception survey in partnership with BRAG, collecting 316 responses from Bear River area residents. The survey aims to inform policy solutions by capturing community sentiment, differentiating it from public clamor. View the results from the survey below.
