The Housing Advocate

On this episode of The Housing Advocate Podcast, our host Stacy Young sits down with Carol Winner, Community Planning Director for St. George City, to discuss recent changes aimed at expanding housing options in Southern Utah.

Carol breaks down St. George City's updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, including changes to setbacks, parking requirements, owner occupancy standards, and size allowances.

We also explore the City's updated R1 zoning ordinance, which removes minimum square footage requirements, eliminates the need for HOAs in certain developments, and removes minimum lot size requirements. These changes are designed to reduce barriers to development, lower ongoing housing costs, and create more attainable housing opportunities for residents.

Whether you're a homeowner considering an addition to your property, a builder, remodeler, developer, planner, or local government official, this conversation offers valuable insight into how St. George City is taking a proactive approach and leading the way in removing regulatory obstacles so Utah can build.

Tune in to learn how thoughtful policy changes can create more housing opportunities while keeping communities thriving and diverse.

We are joined by Scott Carlson of Utah Safe Company, and founder of Safes for a Cause to discuss the profession that is most at risk for mental health struggles: the construction industry.

According to the CDC, construction is the leading industry for suicide: Deaths by suicide occur at a rate of 45.3 per 100,000 for men in construction versus 14 per 100,000 for the general population. High levels of job strain, physical pain, stoic cultures, and isolation are just some of the root causes attributed to the diverse mental health challenges workers face.

Scott has worked closely with SUHBA to develop the Wellness Playbook, which helps contractors, subcontractors, and team members put in to practice practical tips, and to find mental health resources. This playbook does not replace professional care. It makes it easier to find help, start conversations, and take the first step.

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and other sensitive topics that some listeners may find difficult. If these topics may be triggering for you, please listen with care.

Episode Resources:

• SUHBA Wellness Playbook
• Utah & National Resources
• Safe Pillar Series

If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or Text 988 – A 24/7, Free, and Completely Confidential suicide and crisis line.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

In this episode, St. George Mayor Jimmie Hughes shares what it’s like leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. From the surge of new residents during COVID to the growing pains that followed, he discusses how the city is working to keep up with demand.

Tune in for a candid conversation on growth, opportunity, and the future of housing in Southern Utah.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

We’re joined by SUHBA’s 2026 President, Ashlee Weller Preston, of Sunterra Construction. Coming from a long line of builders, Ashlee discovered her passion for construction at a young age and is now making history as the organization’s first female president. During her service, she is focusing on inspiring the next generation of builders and bringing more awareness to mental health in the industry.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

Utah is growing fast—and lawmakers like Representative Neil Walter play a crucial role in shaping the landscape. In this episode, Neil discusses his recent legislative work, including a new law sparked by one municipality's attempt to block a homeowner from participating in the St. George Area Parade of Homes. From protecting private property owners’ rights, to strengthening land use and housing policy, Neil and Stacy discuss how the collaboration of all stake holders is vital to resolving Utah's housing challenges (including Home Builders Associations, the League of Cities and Towns, and lawmakers alike.)

Tune in for a grounded, candid conversation about what’s changing, what needs work, and where Utah goes next.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

Stacy Young sits down with Mayor Chris Hart of Ivins and Mayor Rick Rosenberg of Santa Clara as they prepare to retire after many years of dedicated public service. Both leaders share insights from their time in office, reflect on the growth and challenges their communities have faced, and discuss what they see for the future of housing and development in Southern Utah.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

In this episode of The Housing Advocate Podcast, host Stacy Young leads a discussion to introduce the new Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home category. Joining Stacy are two key voices that helped shape this new Parade position: SUHBA Board Members Skyler Stephens and Kaelen Gulbranson.

[ Skip to Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home main discussion: 20:00 ]

Learn how SUHBA's Board of Directors came to the decision to create this new category, and why they believe it’s a strategic move forward that will help bridge the gap between builders and city leaders.

Through thoughtful design, innovation, and collaboration, this new category aims to inspire policy change, highlight cutting-edge construction practices, and foster meaningful conversations about the future of housing in our communities.

The group also touches on some major challenges builders are facing in national politics, including immigration, the rising cost of materials, and public lands.

Episode Resources:

Statement of Purpose: Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home: https://d1a8dioxuajlzs.cloudfront.net/accounts/8906/original/2027_Spotlight_on_Innovation__Parade_Home_Criteria_and_Application_070125__yNrcglCDuVVIolb.pdf?1752684069

In this episode of The Housing Advocate, we’re diving into the red-hot homebuilding market in Washington County, Utah. Join host Stacy Young as he talks with St. George City Council Member Dannielle Larkin and urban in-fill developer Jordan Wall (Wall 2 Wall Construction) about growth, downtown building, ADU regulations, water, and more unique challenges and opportunities facing Southern Utah.

They also touch on the new “Spotlight on Innovation” Parade Home that will be featured for the first time in The 2026 St. George Area Parade of Homes.

The trio explores what’s driving transformation in our expanding desert community—and what needs to happen to keep Washington County livable for everyone.

🎧 Tune in for a candid, insightful discussion about the future of one of Utah’s fastest-growing areas.

Episode Resources:

• Missing Middle Housing, Opticos Design. LINK

• Urban3 Case Studies Archive. LINK
• Addressing Challenges to Affordable Housing in Land Use Law, Harvard Law Review. LINK
• NIMBYs Dominate Local Zoning Meetings, Bloomberg CityLab. LINK

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by Stacy Young, SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director.

In this inspiring episode of The Housing Advocate’s “Member Voices” series, Host Stacy Young sits down with Amanda Pectol of Interstate Homes—a dedicated SUHBA member and a powerful voice in the construction industry. Amanda shares how it was navigating her entry into a traditionally male-dominated field, and the support and advocacy she received that helped launch her into the leadership position she now holds. She also reveals some of the unexpected strengths and benefits she discovered along the way. Stacy and Amanda also touch on the bright outlook of more women choosing careers in construction, and talk about the Utah PWB (Utah Professional Women in Building), the group behind The House That She Built – a groundbreaking project showcasing the skill, strength, and leadership of women in construction through an entirely women-built home that was featured in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes.

They also dive into some hot button topics, such as the cost of building, attainable housing and the harmful notions that surround anti-growth mentality.

From design work to high-level leadership, Amanda’s story in the building industry is a testament to the impact of representation and collaboration in elevating the future of housing.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

In this episode of The Housing Advocate’s new “Member Voices" series, Host Stacy Young sits down with Josh McCourt, the driving force behind IGOTPOOP.COM and an active member of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). At just 20 years old Josh started a Southern Utah branch of his dad’s waste disposal company, and he's here to share his journey – complete with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Josh opens up about the importance of community, mentorship, family, and the rewards that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Josh serves on both SUHBA’s Board of Directors and Young Professionals Committee. He is an outspoken advocate for inspiring youth to see the boundless benefits of a career in the construction industry.

Whether you're an aspiring builder, a seasoned contractor, or just curious about the entrepreneurial spirit, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how taking risks can lead to great rewards and why it's never too early to chase your dreams.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.