Try the Utah Way
Innovative public-private housing models—with a philanthropic edge.
Rooted in a legacy of cross-sector collaboration and a can-do entrepreneurial spirit, Utah’s trademark ethos of teamwork has a new focus: resolving the state’s housing affordability crisis. As rapid growth and historical supply deficits outpace local wages, Utah has emerged as a premier testbed for uniquely collaborative solutions.
Tackling Utah’s Housing Crisis Isn’t Something We Do Alone
Ivory Innovations, state officials, real estate experts, and philanthropic leaders are working together.
Robust partnerships, and a shared goal to build 35,000 starter homes, are leading to forward thinking projects across Utah.
Here’s What We’ve Learned About Innovation
It requires champions, especially in city halls and state capitols.
The most promising innovations we’re seeing are at the regulatory level, which can spark the systems change needed to reset an overly restrictive, and therefore expensive, regulatory environment limiting housing production.
It requires scaling, but at the right pace, and with the right funding.
Housing markets are often volatile, and venture capital is not necessarily the right funding model to see real homes built through real market cycles. Patient capital and philanthropic models, on the other hand, may be better aligned with real estate innovation.
It requires collaboration, and a reimagining of public-private partnerships.
Our Liberty Wells development is a prime example combining donated church property, fee waivers and tax abatements from Salt Lake City, and deal forgiveness on construction financing from another philanthropy, Call to Action. Together, these creative connections are producing communities of promise and economic mobility.
SOLUTION IN ACTION
Transforming a beloved former community gathering space into a place to call home
Innovation Park at Liberty Wells, Salt Lake City, UT
“Utah’s housing crisis requires collaboration and shared vision. Forward-thinking projects happening across Utah prove that when we embrace innovation and work hand-in-hand, we can cut through red tape and deliver the attainable, high-quality homes Utah families urgently need.”
–Steve Waldrip, Senior Advisor on Housing Strategy and Innovation, Utah Governor’s Office
This adaptive reuse and new construction project of 36 townhomes came to fruition thanks to the donation of an underused community center and gym by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, collaboration with the city on fee waivers and tax abatements, and low interest construction financing from philanthropic partner Call to Action.
Read more to learn about Innovation Park at Liberty Wells.
SOLUTION IN ACTION
When community comes together to prioritize family well-being
Innovation Park at Holbrook Farms, Lehi, UT
“We have to build, but we can build in responsible ways. We can build in ways that use less water, that use less energy, that actually build community and make it affordable.”
–Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
Nestled in Lehi, this community of 200 all-electric townhomes priced below market value redefines workforce housing for individuals and families earning between 50% and 80% of the Utah County Area Median Income. Holbrook Farms prioritizes community well-being with the Lehi Rippy Literacy Center, which provides free tutoring for area children, and was made possible through public-private and philanthropic partnerships.
Read more to learn about Innovation Park at Holbrook Farms.
