The Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG) oversees four counties in Utah and has utilized funding to acquire land for affordable housing development. Specifically, SEUALG has used Community Development Block Grant funds to purchase lots that are then made available for affordable housing construction. Preferred lots are already developed to reduce infrastructure costs, and SEUALG aims to continually pursue affordable lots and funding to support development. The agency also implements the USDA Self-Help Ground Up Construction program, which enables groups of families to work together to build their own homes over the course of a year while learning construction skills.

1. The Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments |
Southeastern Utah Economic Development District (SEUALG |
SEUEDD) is one of seven regional government entities in Utah. We
encompass the counties of Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan. The
agency has 53 years of experience in the region. The agency has 65
employees and numerous volunteers on the team. In addition, 5
boards and numerous committees, councils and coalitions. The
agency recently added two 501(c)3 and one 501(c)4 nonprofits to their
resume.

2. CDBG Funded Land Acquisition
USDA Mutual Self-Help Construction
Housing Programs

3. Land Acquisition
SEUALG has utilized CDBG funds for Land Acquisition
Lots to be considered for affordable housing:
● Developed lots are desired.
● Lots received by counties/cities from tax sale.
● Lots should be in close proximity to insure families can work
together to build each others homes.

4. The Land Strategy
● Developed lots are preferred due to the high cost
of infrastructure. Averaging $40,000 per developed lot in our area.
● Creation of a revolving lot fund for purchasing.
● Continual pursuit of affordable lots and funding
to support development costs. Funding is difficult to find
for development costs, Federal Home Loan Bank is one funding source that
would support this type of development.
● Local support from counties and cities to locate
projects that fit program needs. ie creative use of
space. Entitlements.
● Communication with local real estate board and
developers to create project areas.
● Water….are there water shares available?

5. USDA Self-Help Ground Up
Construction
How the program works:
• Participants work together
in groups of 4-10 families to
build their own homes
• Direct application of barn-
raising traditions
• Participants qualify for a
502 mortgage to purchase
land, building materials,
and some subcontracted
work
Learn how to build a house:
• No construction experience
needed, our Construction
Supervisor teaches the
participants.
• Participants must complete
65% of the labor.
• Some tasks will be
performed by the
professionals (i.e.
foundation, plumbing,
electrical, etc.)

6. How Did We Get Here?
• 523 Grant for technical
assistance through USDA
• Partnership with Rural
Community Assistance
Corporation www.rcac.org
• Hired a dedicated
Construction Supervisor
with years of experience in
single family construction
to train and guide
participants.
• Intake process for
applicants.
• Create a waiting list of
prequalified applicants.
• Completed the vetting
process for subcontractors
ahead of build.
• Assembled plans and cost
breakdowns for families to
choose from.

7. What are the hurdles and how do
we overcome them?
Hurdle:
• Family hours - dedicate 17
hours per week note holder,
13 hours for volunteers.
• Disengagement - tired of
working, don’t like each
other.
• Missing family and personal
time. The work is hard!
• But I want the HGTV model!
• Budget concerns.
• Supply chain issues.
Resolution:
• Keep group engaged by having
structured meetings to address
concerns and challenges ahead
of time.
• Create a team charter.
• Meet monthly to go over the
budget.
• Address wants and needs on a
one on one basis to keep home
in budget.
• Plan ahead for materials.

8. Why are we doing this?
• Increase housing stock.
• Create workforce housing
for individuals just starting
their careers such as law
enforcement and
educators.
• Build affordable modest
homes.
• Develop the skill set of the
participants to maintain
their homes.
• Attract people to live, work
and thrive in our
communities.

9. Qualifying Data

10. Housing Data
Per US Census 2020:
66% of housing stock in Carbon County was built pre 1980 - 43 years ago.
60% of housing stock in Emery County was built pre 1980 - 43 years ago.
Only 2% of housing stock has been built since (2014)
Per Carbon County Building Department:
In 2020 (27) permits were issued for single family homes, cabins, manufactured homes. 2021 (46), 2022
(85) Note: out of those 85 permits 4 of the homes were participants in from Mutual Self Help Ground Up
Construction
Carbon County Emery County

12. Thank you for your time
today
Southeastern Utah Association of
Local Governments | Southeastern Utah Economic
Development District
Vikki Ori
Housing Program Manager
vori@seualg.utah.gov
(435)613-0026