ULI Utah - Beyond Trends

Rural Development & Land Use in Utah

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.

State of the Capital Markets

Curious about what’s really happening in Utah’s real estate capital markets? In this episode, host Jeff Grasso sits down with Michael King with Cushman & Wakefield and Phil Brierley with CBRE, for an insider look ahead of the ULI Utah Annual Trends Conference on November 12th. They break down the latest trends across residential, industrial, and office markets, exploring how rising interest rates, construction costs, and supply dynamics are shaping development and investment decisions.  Michael and Phil also share where capital is flowing, what it takes to compete in today’s investment landscape, and the challenges and opportunities for new development. They offer expert insight into buyer underwriting assumptions, liquidity sources, and how institutional investors view Utah. Finally, they provide their predictions for the next 12 months in the market, giving listeners a clear perspective on what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s next in Utah real estate.  If you want a clear, expert perspective on Utah’s real estate market - what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s next - this episode is a must-listen!

Art as an Economic Driver

> In this episode of the ULI Utah Beyond Trends Podcast, host Britney Helmers, Director of The Blocks Arts District, explores how art fuels economic growth, community vibrancy, and placemaking in Utah and beyond.  > > Joining Britney are two incredible guests: Lorie Buckley, Arts Administrator for Ogden City, and Dr. Emily Nicolosi, Lead Artist for In Theory Art Studios. Together, they unpack the ways art shapes cities, attracts investment, and creates spaces where people want to live, work, and gather.  > > From the transformation of Ogden’s Creative District with landmarks like The Monarch and Dumke Arts Plaza, to the global rise of light festivals and public art installations, this conversation highlights real-world examples of how art drives tourism, boosts property values, and strengthens community identity.  > > The discussion also dives into opportunities for artists and developers to collaborate, the role of city government in fostering cultural growth, and how art-led placemaking can activate downtown cores while keeping community at the heart of development.  > > Whether you’re a developer, policymaker, artist, or community builder, this episode sheds light on why leading with art isn’t just about culture. It’s smart economics.

Urban Retail Entreprenuers

Dee Brewer with The Downtown Alliance sits down with Matteo Sogne, Owner of Matteo Italian Ristorante and Strada by Matteo, and Jeff Barnard, Partner with the Bar X Group, for a deep dive into the rise of urban retail entrepreneurism along the Wasatch Front. They explore why Utah is becoming a hot spot for innovative food and beverage concepts, the biggest challenges in opening and operating new restaurants, and how real estate development, government policy, and consumer behavior shape success. The conversation also covers site selection strategies, unique Utah market nuances, and what’s next for their growing restaurant

Tackling Affordable Housing Supply in Utah, with Victoria Petro and Brandon Blaser

Utah faces a housing crisis with a shortage of more than 70,000 dwelling units and the 4th largest relative affordability gap between renting and homeownership in the nation. In this episode, host Jeff Grasso of Vesta Realty Partners sits down with Victoria Petro, Salt Lake City Council Member and dedicated affordable housing advocate, and Brandon Blaser, Founder of Blaser Ventures, a leader in urban mixed-use and affordable development to discuss the urgent need for “missing middle” housing, the role of public-private partnerships, and tools developers can use to deliver more affordable homes.