Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities

What are Salt Lake City residents saying about housing? A new poll conducted by WALC—and highlighted in the Salt Lake Tribune—shows what many are already feeling: housing is a growing concern, and more needs to be done. The findings also show strong support for solutions that expand housing options—like allowing more homes in existing neighborhoods and creating pathways for more attainable housing. Across the city, residents are looking for more choices and more opportunity to stay and thrive in the communities they call home. Read more: /news/2026/04/28/new-poll-finds-most-slc-residents/ More homes. More choices. More opportunity. Thanks to @sltrib for the coverage. #YIMBY #WasatchFront #UtahHousing #WALC #ExpandingHousingOptions

We’re getting closer to Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes. This gathering on the Spy Hop rooftop brings together neighbors, advocates, and community leaders who care about creating more housing options and more connected, opportunity-rich neighborhoods across the Wasatch Region. Throughout the evening, we’ll reflect on the progress made, recognize key partners and policymakers, and continue building the relationships that move this work forward. If you’ve been looking for a way to plug in, stay informed, or support this work, this is a great place to start. Get your tickets: /raise_the_roof_spring_2026 #WALC #raisetheroof #utahhousing #YIMBY #brickbybrick

For too many of our neighbors, finding the right home has become an unfair game of musical chairs. There simply aren't enough homes for the people who need them—due to decades of restrictive zoning, red tape, and other policies that blocked the construction of more housing options. When the music stops, someone is left without a seat. That's why we've partnered with the Sightline Institute to explain how this housing shortage touches every corner of our communities—renters priced out of their neighborhoods, workers with long commutes because they can't afford to live nearby jobs, seniors unable to downsize, and young families locked out of their first home. At Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities (WALC), we're working to change that. We advance policies that reform exclusionary zoning, incentivize affordability, and remove the unnecessary regulatory barriers that stand between our neighbors and the homes they need. With your support, we can create communities where there's a place for everyone. Thank you to @sightlineinstitute for partnering with us to help tell this story and highlight the policies that can expand housing opportunity in our communities. #HousingAffordability #HousingSupply #YIMBY #UtahHousing #LandUse

We officially completed WALC’s CANstruction Salt Lake City build today: Foundations of Community. Our design was created to tell a simple but powerful story: housing is the foundation that makes everything else possible — including food security. Built entirely from cans, the structure represents a growing cityscape and the many different housing types that help communities thrive. From smaller, attainable homes to taller structures symbolizing growth and long-term stability, every part of the design reflects the importance of creating more housing opportunities across our communities. The mountain-inspired backdrop reflects the Wasatch Mountains and the communities that stretch across our region — a reminder that safe, stable, and affordable housing helps keep communities connected and strong. Huge thank you to our partners at @demandmoresupply , our incredible WALC volunteers and team members, and especially Lillian for designing and helping bring this build to life today. We’re also grateful to @canstructionslc and @aiautah for creating such a creative and meaningful event connecting community, design, and advocacy. #WALC #CANstruction #UtahHousing #YIMBY #HousingAdvocacy

Hi! WALC is hosting an upcoming event called YIMBY Placemaking: Architecture of Global Events exploring how major events like the Olympics and world expos shape housing, infrastructure, walkability, and public spaces long after the crowds leave. The evening will feature architects, scholars, and local leaders discussing how these moments can influence more connected, livable communities across the Wasatch Region. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM) Location: Kiln

Here’s a closer look at one of our favorite parts of Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes. We wanted our centerpieces to do more than decorate tables—we wanted them to spark conversation, creativity, and hands-on community engagement. That’s why WALC partnered with Jelly Blox to create interactive centerpieces that invited attendees to physically build and reimagine communities together. Centered around the idea of “Tiny Bricks, Big Ideas,” each table used Jelly Blox pieces to collaboratively create neighborhoods, gathering spaces, housing ideas, and new visions for connected, opportunity-rich communities across the Wasatch Region. What started as centerpieces quickly became one of the most engaging parts of the evening. Every table participated. Conversations formed naturally. People collaborated, shared pieces, and approached housing and community-building in a way that felt approachable, creative, and fun. At WALC, we believe advocacy and education are strongest when people can actively engage with ideas—not just hear about them. Thank you to jellybloxofficial for helping create such a thoughtful and memorable experience for our attendees. Because sometimes the biggest conversations about community start one block at a time. #WALC #JellyBlox #RaiseTheRoof #LivableCommunities #HousingAdvocacy #CommunityEngagement

What a night for housing advocacy across the Wasatch Region. Raise the Roof brought together advocates, community leaders, elected officials, housing professionals, and neighbors for an evening centered on connection, collaboration, and the future of housing in Utah. The conversations throughout the evening reflected something we continue to see across the region: growing momentum around creating more housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and building more connected, opportunity-rich neighborhoods. We were also honored to recognize several outstanding leaders whose work continues to make a lasting impact across Utah: * Trailblazer Award — Darin Mano * Legacy Award — Jeff Silvestrini * Blueprint Award — Rep. Ray Ward * Foundation Award — Rep. Jill Koford Thank you to our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, board members, and every attendee who helped make the evening possible. Events like this are a reminder that meaningful progress happens through partnership, conversation, and continued community engagement — brick by brick. We’re grateful for everyone who joined us and are already looking forward to bringing Raise the Roof back this fall. #WALC #RaiseTheRoof #UtahHousing #HousingAdvocacy #LivableCommunities #CommunityDevelopment #YIMBY

Later this month, Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities will host YIMBY Placemaking: Architecture of Global Events, a conversation exploring how major global events can shape cities and communities for generations. Moderated by WALC Board Member Ro Bandeirinha, this discussion will explore how events like the Olympics and World Expos influence housing, infrastructure, walkability, public spaces, and the long-term future of our communities. We’ll discuss lessons from communities around the world, reflect on Utah’s own Olympic legacy, and explore what it could mean for the future of the Wasatch Region as Utah prepares for the opportunities and challenges that come with global events. If you care about housing, architecture, placemaking, urban planning, or the future of our communities, we hope you’ll join us. 📍 Kiln 📅 Wednesday, May 27 🕠 5:30–7:00 PM (Doors at 5:00 PM) RSVP: /events #WALC #YIMBY #Placemaking #UrbanPlanning #UtahHousing #LivableCommunities

A few days later, and we’re still reflecting on Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was watching attendees interact with our Jelly Blox centerpieces. Guests were encouraged to think beyond the boundaries of a single square—and beyond the limitations of outdated zoning policies—to imagine the broader community around them. Through hands-on building and collaboration, tables created homes, gathering spaces, and their own visions for more connected, opportunity-rich neighborhoods across the Wasatch Region. What began as centerpieces quickly turned into conversations around housing, growth, and the kinds of communities people want to help shape and be part of. Because housing conversations aren’t just about policy—they’re about people, connection, and the communities we build together. Thank you to @jellybloxofficial for helping make the evening so creative, collaborative, and memorable. #WALC #RaiseTheRoof #UtahHousing #BrickbyBrick #YIMBY

Tomorrow night, we’re proud to recognize four leaders who have helped shape the future of housing in our region at Raise the Roof. 🏆 The Trailblazer Award – Darin Mano 
Darin Mano transformed housing policy in Salt Lake City through bold zoning reforms and leadership that made today’s most important housing proposals possible. His work has already led to more homes and will shape the city for decades. 🏆 The Legacy Award – Jeff Silvestrini 
As Millcreek’s first mayor, Jeff Silvestrini led a remarkable transformation that delivered thousands of new homes and set a regional example for thoughtful growth and housing opportunity. 🏆 The Blueprint Award – Ray Ward 
Representative Ray Ward has been a consistent champion for housing reform, advancing policies that expand housing supply and open the door to starter homes and ADUs across Utah. 🏆 The Foundation Award – Jill Koford 
Representative Jill Koford played a key role in passing statewide ADU legislation, creating a strong foundation for more attainable housing options in communities across Utah. There is still time to get your ticket and join us. Come celebrate these leaders, connect with others, and be part of the work to build a more livable Wasatch Region.

Happening this Wednesday. Raise the Roof: Opening Doors to New Homes is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to an evening centered on community, connection, and the future of housing across the Wasatch Region. From recognizing housing champions to sharing updates on our work, this event is about building momentum and continuing the conversation around what comes next. We hope you’ll join us. Get your tickets: /raise_the_roof_spring_2026 #WALC #raisetheroof #utahhousing #YIMBY #brickbybrick

Thank you to the Utah Housing Coalition for hosting such a fantastic evening this week. We were honored to be in the room with so many housing champions working to expand opportunity across our communities. On WALC’s behalf, our attendees were representing Davis County—an exciting reflection of our continued growth and commitment to supporting housing solutions across the Wasatch Region. We’re grateful to be part of this work and look forward to continuing the conversation. We hope to see many of these same leaders and advocates at our Raise the Roof event this Wednesday. #YIMBY #WALC #UtahHousing #HousingChampions #Advocacy