In this episode of the ULI Utah Beyond Trends podcast, host Teri LaSpina is joined by Kaden Figgins, Director of Planning and Economic Development for Garfield County, and Kelly Stowell, Executive Director at the Center for Education, Business and the Arts in Kanab, to explore the realities of rural development and land use in Utah as the state experiences rapid growth.

Together, they discuss the opportunities and constraints rural counties face when most of their land is federally owned and strategies for balancing tourism, second homes and housing affordability with limited infrastructure and water. The conversation also highlights how broadband access, power and wastewater capacity are shaping future growth.

Kaden and Kelly share the political, cultural and planning tensions that come with welcoming new development while protecting heritage and natural resources and offer advice for rural leaders navigating these challenges and point to the biggest opportunities for growth in southern Utah today.

Whether you’re an urban planner, policymaker, developer or simply interested in Utah’s future, this episode offers candid insights from two seasoned rural economic development leaders on turning constraints into opportunities.