The Housing Advocate

Ep 27: A City in Demand: Mayor Hughes on St. George Boom

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. Connect with us on social media: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehousingadvocatepodcast/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SUHBAworks4U/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheSUHBA/videos] www.suhba.com [www.suhba.com] 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.

26: Meet SUHBA's 2026 President, Ashlee Weller Preston

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. Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thehousingadvocatepodcast/] ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/SUHBAworks4U/] ⁠⁠⁠www.suhba.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://suhba.com/podcast/] 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.

25: Land Use, Legislation & Utah's Housing Challenges (w/ Representative Neil Walter)

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.   Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thehousingadvocatepodcast/] ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/SUHBAworks4U/] ⁠⁠www.suhba.com⁠⁠ [https://suhba.com/podcast/] 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.

24: End of an Era: Ivins & Santa Clara Mayors Reflect on Years of Service, Utah's Housing Outlook

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. Connect with us on social media! ⁠Instagram⁠ [www.instagram.com/thehousingadvocate] ⁠Facebook⁠ [ https://www.facebook.com/SUHBAworks4U/] ⁠www.suhba.com⁠ [https://suhba.com/podcast/] 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.

23: From Idea to Impact: Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home (w/ Skyler Stephens & Kaelen Gulbranson)

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