ROW Identified Surplus Property to Aid Housing Acceleration Initiative

Item #: 20260078

CONTACTS

Implementing Organization: Right of Way
Implementation Lead: Darek Sagers
Development Team:
- Ross Crowe, Director ROW
- Deryl Davis, Surplus Manager
- Mike Timothy, Surplus Agent
- John Reynolds, Agent
- Shirley Perez, GIS Manager
- Jodi Howick, AAG, UDOT AG Team
- Tia Shim, SVN Auction Services

Article Written By: Winston Inoway
Innovation Team Coordinator: Winston Inoway

STATUS

Implementation Date: October 1, 2026
Adoption Status: Fully Implemented
Adoptability Note: What state-wide initiatives could your team find solutions for?

APPLIES TO

Topic: Community Engagement
Organization(s): Right of Way
Job Role(s): Business Analyst, Information Specialist, Program Manager, ROW / Permits
Tags: Labor productivity, political factors, urban development, ( process improvement ), contract administration > bids, contracting, solicitations, contracts, ( RFP, FRQ ), finance > appraisals, investments, asset management, cost recovery, cost sharing, fees, loans, revenues, sales, taxes, usage charges, governance > auditing, policy making, procedures, compliance, law, ( legal ), leadership, right of way, public opinion, user benefits, value capture, ( connected communities )

PROBLEM

The housing situation in Utah is challenging, and it impacts economic development, workforce recruitment, and families. There are not enough homes available for first-time buyers, and many people cannot afford housing in the communities they serve. Affordable property is part of the challenge.

CHANGE

Utah Governor Spencer Cox launched a major housing initiative centered on a $150 million budget proposal to tackle the state's housing crisis. The core goal is to facilitate the construction of 35,000 new, affordable starter homes priced under $450,000 across Utah by December 2028.

RESULT

UDOT was the first agency to identify surplus property that met the guidelines of the governor's starter home Initiative. Eleven parcels were identified and offered. Per the legislation, properties are sold directly to the Division of Housing and Community Development within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Administrative Rules have been updated to align with these new laws.

This is an effort to address the increasing gap that exists between first time home buyers and the current inflated home market in Utah. First time buyers are being priced out of the home market and this is an attempt to help bridge the gap.

Next Steps: The already identified parcels will be transferred to the new Division of Housing and Community Development before December 30, 2026. Once this is complete, they have two years to develop the initial plans and obtain permits. Following this, UDOT may choose to identify other additional properties. This decision is left to Commissioner Braceros.

This program has deeded restrictions that do not allow for large companies to purchase these dwellings for rental properties. Properties may not be rented for at least 30 years and require sales at specified levels that are tied to economic development and factors that will aid those who need help the most.