The State of Utah officially launched the Division of Housing and Community Development within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) on July 1, 2026. Created by House Bill 68 during the 2026 legislative session, the division will consolidate existing and new housing programs under a single entity to better align housing policy, economic development, and state investments.
New Division Leadership and Role
Steve Waldrip will lead the new division. He will continue his role as senior advisor for housing strategy to Governor Spencer Cox while taking on additional responsibilities as the state housing coordinator.
As state housing coordinator, Waldrip is tasked with overseeing Utah’s statewide housing strategy and coordinating housing-related programs and investments. His work will aim to ensure initiatives align with broader economic and community development goals in accordance with the Utah Elevated economic development plan.
Governor's Vision for Housing Stability
Governor Spencer Cox stated that housing is foundational to opportunity and noted that if essential workers like teachers and first responders cannot afford to live in their communities, long-term prosperity is at risk. He expressed that the division will help align state resources and private-sector innovation to build more homes.
Managing Major Housing Programs and Funds
The division will manage several major housing programs and funds, including the Economic Revitalization and Investment Fund and the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund. It will also provide technical assistance, housing planning, and reporting on moderate-income housing to support local communities.
Implementing Infrastructure Funding Initiatives
Additionally, the division will help implement recent legislative initiatives, such as the $100 million State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund and Board, which is intended to assist local communities in financing infrastructure necessary for housing development.
Strengthening State Government Coordination
Jefferson Moss, commissioner of GOED, said that aligning housing and community development efforts within GOED will strengthen coordination across state government.
Goals for Starter Home Construction
The new division supports the governor's goal of facilitating the construction of 35,000 starter homes for Utah families. Steve Waldrip noted that bringing housing policy and investments under one roof will help address local needs and advance the state's ambitious goals.
