SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Commerce has launched a new working group to examine issues related to homeowners associations as part of the state’s broader housing strategy, officials announced.
The effort, led by the Utah Office of the Homeowners’ Association Ombudsman, is tied to the state’s Strategic Housing Plan and will focus on identifying concerns within HOA communities and recommending potential policy changes ahead of future legislative sessions.
Utah ranks fifth nationwide for the share of housing listings located within an HOA, according to a report from Realtor.com. State officials say roughly 80% of new home construction in Utah is governed by an HOA — a trend that can influence both housing affordability and buyer choice.
State leaders say the issue is especially pressing as Utah continues to see rapid population growth. The St. George metro area, for example, ranks among the fastest-growing in the country, adding pressure to an already tight housing market.
“The Department of Commerce is pleased to support the State Strategic Housing Plan and Governor Cox’s efforts to promote housing affordability,” said Executive Director Margaret Woolley Busse. “This working group will play a vital role in helping us understand the challenges faced by these communities and in developing solutions that promote fairness and transparency.”
The working group includes homeowners, HOA representatives and industry experts, along with state leaders such as Erin Rider, director of the Ombudsman Office, and Steve Waldrip, the governor’s senior advisor for housing strategy and innovation. Several state lawmakers are also participating, including Sen. Wayne Harper and Reps. Neil Walter, Jill Koford, Jordan Teuscher and Ariel Defay.
Members plan to spend much of the year conducting a listening tour to gather feedback from stakeholders across the state. That input will help shape policy recommendations for consideration during the 2027 General Session and beyond.
“HOA fees and management are an increasing concern for many Utahns and directly impact housing affordability,” Waldrip said. “We felt it was important to establish a working group to review and address HOA-related issues that would inform policy decisions around housing development in the state.”
Officials say the group’s work will focus on improving transparency, addressing homeowner concerns and expanding access to sustainable homeownership options for Utah families, including those in fast-growing areas of northern Utah.