The Utah Department of Commerce is pleased to announce the establishment of a new working group spearheaded by the Office of the Homeowners’ Association Ombudsman (OHOAO). This initiative, identified as one of the tactics in the new State Strategic Housing Plan, aims to identify HOA-related concerns and propose policy changes for future legislative consideration.
According to a recent report from Realtor.com, Utah ranks fifth in the nation for the percentage of real estate listings located within a homeowners association (HOA). Approximately 80% of new home construction in Utah is within an HOA. These factors impact both the affordability and the choices available to new homeowners. Additionally, Utah is home to some of the fastest-growing communities in the country. For instance, St. George is ranked as the eighth-fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States, which further strains affordability and available options.
“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 will dedicate much of the remainder of this year to a listening tour, engaging various stakeholders within the HOA industry to gather insights that will shape future policy decisions and key focus areas in preparation for the 2027 General Session and beyond.
Comprised of a diverse array of participants, including homeowners, association representatives, industry experts, and a core team featuring Erin Rider, Director of the HOA Ombudsman Office; Steve Waldrip, the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation; Senator Wayne Harper; and Representatives Neil Walter, Jill Koford, Jordan Teuscher, and Ariel Defay, the group will convene regularly to address pressing issues, provide recommendations, and collaborate on improvement strategies.
By leveraging the collective experience and insights of its members, the working group aims to highlight strategic areas of reform that will improve housing access and sustained homeownership for families living in HOA communities.
“HOA fees and management are an increasing concern for many Utahns and directly impact housing affordability. We recognized this as we created the State Strategic Housing Plan. As part of the Plan, 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,” said Steve Waldrip. “I am excited to work with this group to ensure our housing solutions benefit Utah families, both now and in the future.”
The formation of this working group marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs of Utah homeowners and ensuring that the housing solutions promoted and identified by the State benefit all Utahns.
For more information on the Utah Office of the Homeowners’ Association Ombudsman, please visit hoa.utah.gov.
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Office of the Homeowners’ Association Ombudsman is committed to enhancing the relationship between homeowners and community associations in Utah. With a mission focused on “Strengthening trust between Utah’s homeowners and community associations through education, guidance, and impartial dispute resolution,” the Ombudsman aims to empower homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their rights and responsibilities. The Office fosters a fair and transparent environment that encourages collaboration and community engagement throughout the state by providing comprehensive resources and support.
