Homelessness is, of course, a serious issue that needs addressing, and efforts are being made in Utah Valley to house the most vulnerable in our community. Another concern, one the Housing Gap Committee is focusing on, is what is known as the “missing middle housing.” This is the type of housing with a density between single-family, detached homes and high-density apartment complexes. One typically sees twin homes, duplexes and townhomes in this category.

Single-family homes are often considered the “most desirable” type of housing in a city, but just like clothing, “one size fits all” doesn’t work with housing. Single-family homes don’t fit everyone’s budget or even everyone’s desires.

I have lived in the same single-family home for 32 years, watching my family and yard trees grow and mature. I love my neighborhood and have no plans to move, but something is tempting about downsizing to better suit my current life situation.

Addressing housing concerns means confronting their accompanying challenges. There is often difficulty in deciding how to incorporate certain housing types into a community. Construction costs, including materials, land and zoning requirements (setbacks, parking, etc.), add to the challenges, affecting the ability of families to purchase a home.

Progress is being made toward overcoming these challenges, but it hasn’t caught up with demand.

As a committee, the strongest tools we have are advocacy and education. Through our work, we strive to provide community leaders and residents with information about what types of housing are available, how these options can enhance a community and how they meet different housing needs.

We work to partner with elected officials on the city, county and state levels to work together toward providing a variety of affordable housing alternatives. This can include bringing presentations to city council meetings and sharing the stories of people who have struggled to find appropriate and affordable housing.

During the state legislative session, we study proposed bills and determine if they will encourage diverse housing alternatives in our state and support a community’s well-being. When possible, we support public-private partnerships that assist in providing housing to low-income individuals.

An adequate housing supply is critical for businesses looking to attract employees to our area and our children who have grown up in Utah Valley and want to stay and raise their own families here.

Karen McCandless is vice chair of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Housing Gap Committee.