Cox urges lawmakers to boost housing supply, warns regulations drive up home prices

Governor Spencer J. Cox told legislators that Utah's housing affordability problem is fundamentally about supply: when demand exceeds supply, prices rise. "If we want less expensive housing, we simply need more of it," he said, and called for increasing supply across housing types while protecting quality of life through "smart density in the right places."

Cox blamed government requirements and slow decision-making for increasing the cost of homes and said the administration will work with the League of Cities and Towns, builders' stakeholders and others on significant legislation this session to increase housing supply and reduce costs. He emphasized support for "single-family starter homes" alongside broader density and infrastructure investments.

The governor did not present draft bill text or funding mechanisms in the address; he asked lawmakers to pursue legislative solutions this session that lower barriers and speed approvals.