More than 80 residents of Wallsburg gathered Tuesday, July 14, to protest a state pilot program that allows landowners to initiate the development of new towns, arguing the process grants excessive power to developers at the expense of existing agricultural communities.
Concerns Over Developer Power
The meeting focused on the impact of Utah's two-year-old preliminary municipality program, which residents say threatens the stability of small towns like Wallsburg. Residents expressed particular concern regarding the Smooth Hollow development proposal, which, according to application materials obtained via public records request, included plans for 360 homes and 275,000 square feet of civic and commercial space near Wallsburg Town Hall.
Impact on Local Communities
Community members described the legislative landscape as an imbalance of power. Resident Shauna Raby stated that the legislature passed a bill giving developers control over communities, remarking, "Right now, we are up against Goliath." Similarly, Bob Morrison, a resident of Heber City, urged state lawmakers to prioritize local voices over well-funded lobbyists.
Infrastructure and Water Risks
The debate also centered on the physical limits of local resources. Resident Tom Hicken questioned whether officials were considering the "reality on the ground," specifically regarding the town's water supply and the ability to maintain adequate pressure in pipes if large-scale developments proceed. Other residents raised similar alarms regarding the capacity of existing roads and infrastructure to handle rapid growth.
Approved Development Applications
While the Smooth Hollow proposal was not among the two applications approved by the lieutenant governor's office for this year, two other proposals in Wasatch County were accepted. One of these, Wasatch Highlands, is currently in the early stages of the incorporation process and would include hundreds of homes east of Heber.
Legislative Framework
The legislative framework for these developments involves complex land use regulations. In February 2026, Senate Bill 284 was introduced by Senator Lincoln Fillmore to modify various provisions related to local land use, including clarifying standards for municipal and county regulations and addressing requirements for development agreements.
Ongoing Legal and Political Battles
Opposition to the program extends beyond Wallsburg; residents in Grand County are currently suing over the program's constitutionality. In response to the local outcry, Utah State Senator Keven R. Stratton invited local leaders to pass resolutions against the pilot program and encouraged residents to voice their concerns at the State Capitol.
