#3 Housing Survey: We Want to Hear from YOU! This survey is aimed at talking about what experts say is the root cause of high housing costs — a housing shortage. Name * First Name Last Name Phone Number * Zip Code * When we have too few homes, people end up having to pay more in home prices or in rent. So, many experts also say that the most effective way to get costs under control is to build more homes. Does this explanation make sense to you? Do you think these experts are right? Yes No Unsure If you think about our housing crisis (i.e., unaffordable housing) as a housing shortage, what kinds of things do you think should be done to get home prices and rent under control? How do we get more homes built? What do you see as the biggest barriers that might get in the way of building more housing? Land Constraints: One challenge that we have in Utah is that we have a lot of land that is not suitable for building on. For example, we have mountains where we can’t build, areas without enough water for whole communities, and a lot of land that is owned by the federal government. When you throw that problem into the mix, it starts to feel a little more difficult to build more housing. If you were in charge, how would you deal with these challenges and build more housing? Attached and Multifamily Housing: Some homebuilders and city planners often look at building attached housing and multi-family housing to address some of the challenges associated with building new housing. These are homes that are attached to each other (like townhomes) or that have multiple units in the same building (like twin homes, condos, and apartments). They help address the housing shortage because they — Take up less land Use less water per person Can allow more housing to be built closer to job centers, schools, shopping, etc. Are often more cost-effective to build per unit Are often more affordable to purchase or rent But many people have concerns about building more attached or multifamily housing. As best you can, please explain why people — including yourself, if applicable — might be concerned about building more attached or multifamily housing. What impact might attached or multifamily housing have on a local community or neighborhood? I have no concerns I have concerns If you have concerns, please describe them... What do you think could be done to alleviate some of those concerns? In other words, what would also have to be true for people to feel better about attached or multifamily housing? Economic Opportunity: Sometimes communities with the best schools, good access to transportation and job centers, or other economic opportunities become affordable only to the wealthiest residents. In some cases, even the people who serve in those communities, like teachers, firefighters, police officers or nurses, can’t find affordable housing in the communities they serve. How important do you believe it is to try and change this? Not at all important Not very important Somewhat important Very important Extremely important Affordable Housing: Over the last couple days, many of you have talked about “affordable housing.” That term can mean a lot of things. Below are several possible elements or definitions of affordable housing. Which ones do you think are most important? Please check up to three of the items most important to you. Housing that is subsidized by the government so prices or rent are more affordable for low-income families Smaller homes with low square-footage and few bedrooms Homes on small lots Housing without high-end luxury elements (crown molding, granite countertops, etc.) Apartments that are big enough for small families (but are less expensive than single-family homes) Housing where builders/developers simply make less profit Thank you! Your answers are crucial to providing feedback to elected officials, citizens, and other stakeholders to find solutions to our housing crisis!
