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While most American cities faced intense anti-police sentiment in previous years, something remarkable happened in Washington County, Utah – the community actually rallied around their officers with unprecedented support. How did they do it?

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with St. George Police Chief Kyle Whitehead and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who bring over 50 years of combined law enforcement experience. They reveal how they've maintained surprisingly low crime rates while policing one of America's fastest-growing regions.

What You'll Discover:
• How officer wellness programs replaced the "tough guy" mentality with mental health support
• Why their Recovery Court program has a 30% higher success rate than private treatment
• Their balanced approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes community safety
• How school resource officers are building bridges with the next generation
• The logistical challenges of rapid population growth and sprawling neighborhoods

This isn't your typical law enforcement interview. These chiefs offer a nuanced, community-focused approach that extends far beyond badges and handcuffs. Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, considering a move to Southern Utah, or simply want to understand how effective policing works in practice, this conversation offers valuable insights into building trust between law enforcement and communities.

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The housing market in 2025 presents a fascinating paradox—while inventory levels climb to a ten-year high in Washington County, the fundamental affordability crisis continues to reshape how Utah families approach homeownership and life planning.

Emily Merkley, CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, shares eye-opening statistics that reveal a market in transition. With absorption rates hovering around five months of inventory, Washington County has reached what economists consider a balanced market. Yet this equilibrium brings its own challenges. The median home price sits stubbornly at $515,000 while local wages lag $16,000 below the state average, creating what Merkley describes as "extreme conditions" for affordability.

Perhaps most revealing is what one tech worker confided during the discussion: "We realized we had a choice to make. We could either continue to grow our family or get into a home." This heartbreaking decision faced by many Utah families illustrates how the housing crisis transcends mere economics and shapes fundamental life choices. With the average mortgage payment in Washington County reaching $2,800 monthly at current interest rates, even well-paid professionals find themselves priced out of homeownership.

The conversation delves into the market freeze created by interest rates, with 80% of existing mortgages locked in below 5%. This creates a bottleneck effect where homeowners refuse to give up favorable rates, preventing the natural lifecycle of housing—from starter homes to family homes to retirement properties—from functioning properly. Meanwhile, days on market have climbed to 77 days in Washington County, giving buyers more leverage to negotiate than they've had in years.

Looking beyond numbers, Merkley and the host discuss how zoning restrictions and building requirements artificially inflate housing costs, celebrating builders like Jed Nielsen who've proven affordable homes can still be profitably built when regulatory barriers are reduced. The episode provides invaluable insights for both buyers and sellers navigating this transitional market, where patience and realistic pricing have become essential strategies.

Guest: EMILY MERKLEY Chief Executive Office for the Washington County Board of REALTORS®
Link: https://washingtoncountyrealtors.com/board-leadership/


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#podcast #southernutah #435podcast #stgeorgeutah #housingmarket #localpolitics #HousingCrisis #RealEstate #MortgageRates #StarterHomes #HousingMarket #Affordability #HomeOwnership #RealEstatePodcast #435podcast

[00:00:00] Intro/Housing Market Overview in 2025.
[00:07:30] Utah's Housing Affordability Crisis.
[00:16:10] Washington County's Real Estate Stats.
[00:35:54] Analyzing Price Points and Market Pressure.
[00:43:29] The Value of Housing Diversity.
[00:53:40] The Changing Real Estate Industry.
[01:11:30] Real Estate Agent Statistics and Education.

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Michelle Tanner's political identity underwent a dramatic transformation overnight – from being labeled an "extreme right-wing conspiracy theorist" to a "satan worshiping establishment RINO." This fascinating shift occurred during Utah's recent GOP Chair race, where Tanner supported Rob Axson despite having previously backed Phil Lyman for governor, revealing the complex dynamics of local Republican politics.

The conversation peels back layers of Utah's political landscape, examining how the caucus convention system works and why Tanner believes Axson has done more to preserve it than any chair since SB54's implementation. She offers an insider's perspective on the strategic branding attempts during the convention and why collaboration is essential despite ideological differences.

Shifting to her role on the St. George City Council, Tanner recounts her fight to transform the budget process from administrative "sales pitches" to genuine collaboration focusing on public safety priorities. Her stand against automatic tax increases led to significant changes in city governance, demonstrating how principled opposition can create positive systemic change. The budget discussion extends to broader concerns about energy infrastructure, economic diversification as construction slows, and balancing property rights with responsible planning.

Throughout the episode, Tanner reveals her governing philosophy of "principle over popularity," acknowledging she's offended both the right and left by refusing to be boxed into partisan categories. Her willingness to work across divides while maintaining core values offers valuable insights for anyone navigating today's polarized political environment. As she announces her re-election campaign, Tanner emphasizes that while progress has been made, "the work isn't done yet."

What makes local politics so fascinating is how it forces officials to move beyond ideological labels to solve real problems affecting communities. Whether discussing drag shows, Dixie name changes, or budget priorities, Tanner demonstrates how effective governance requires finding common ground without abandoning core principles.

Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!
https://realestate435.kw.com/

www.wealth435.com
https://linktr.ee/wealth435

Below are our wonderful friends!

Find FS Coffee here:
https://fscoffeecompany.com/

Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:
https://www.tuacahn.org/

Find Blue Form Media here:
https://www.blueformmedia.com/

#podcast #southernutah #435podcast #stgeorgeutah #housingmarket #localpolitics

[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:08:29] Caucus Politics: SB54 and Convention System.
[00:15:42] Utah GOP Chair Race: Rob vs. Phil.
[00:32:40] City Budget Process: Fighting for Transparency.
[00:42:17] Balancing Property Rights and City Planning.
[01:07:16] Campaign Announcement: Michelle Tanner Runs Again.