Chuck Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns, visited St. George on Wednesday, April 22, for a public event focused on the challenges of rapid growth, housing affordability, and long-term financial sustainability in local communities. The event drew 175 attendees, including elected officials from across the political spectrum who came together for thoughtful conversation about the future of growth in Southern Utah.
The visit comes as Southern Utah continues to experience significant population growth, placing increasing pressure on housing supply, water resources, and public infrastructure. Marohn, a bestselling author and national advocate for community-focused development, shared perspectives on how cities can respond to these pressures while maintaining long-term fiscal health.
The event, hosted by Ivins Inspired and Strong Towns WashCo, took place at Dixie Technical College and included two sessions: a breakfast discussion co-moderated by St. George councilwomen Dannielle Larkin and Michelle Tanner for local leaders and stakeholders, and a public presentation open to all residents.
Among those in attendance were Washington County Commissioners Iverson and Almquist, the mayor and councilmembers of Ivins, councilmembers from St. George, and elected officials from across the region, including representatives from Herriman, Cedar City, and Leeds. The broad geographic turnout underscored the regional urgency of the issues being discussed.
Attendees noted Marohn’s approachable and thoughtful style. Rather than prescribing solutions, he offered a framework for thinking about growth and local government that resonated across political lines and community contexts.
Southern Utah communities continue to face rising home prices and ongoing questions about how to accommodate growth while managing water, infrastructure costs, and quality of life.
“This was a pivotal moment for Southern Utah,” said the Strong Towns WashCo Leadership Team. “We’re growing rapidly, and the choices we make now will shape our communities for generations.”
Building on the momentum, Strong Towns WashCo plans to expand its coalition and continue hosting monthly “Strong Towns Conversations” open to the public.
For more information, visit instagram.com/strongtownswashco.
