Under the soft glow of the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission meeting room, community members gathered to discuss a pressing issue that resonates deeply within the heart of Summit County—affordable housing. Among them was Megan McKenna, a passionate advocate for housing equity, who shared her personal journey and the urgent need for change in the community she has called home for over four decades.

McKenna, a resident of affordable housing in Park City Heights, spoke candidly about the challenges faced by families in the area. "I've seen much of my family and community displaced due to affordability," she said, emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable housing solutions. As the housing advocate at the new Mountainlands Community Housing Trust, she highlighted the critical role that affordable housing plays in fostering vibrant communities filled with teachers, firefighters, and young families.

During her heartfelt address, McKenna urged the commission to consider the implications of exclusionary zoning, which she linked to historical injustices like redlining. "Rezoning and mixed-use developments are not just about buildings; they are about building community," she asserted, advocating for a more inclusive approach to development in the Silver Creek neighborhood.

The urgency of the housing crisis was palpable as McKenna shared statistics from her work at the Housing Resource Center, revealing two-year waiting lists for affordable rentals and even longer for homes for sale. She painted a vivid picture of the impact on local services, noting that many essential workers, including firefighters, are forced to commute from distant towns due to the lack of affordable options.

As the meeting progressed, McKenna's call for a positive recommendation on a new housing project echoed through the room. She expressed hope that if the project could achieve a remarkable 70% affordability, it would set a precedent for future developments in the area. "This could serve as a model for our community and other parts of the county struggling with the housing crisis," she concluded, leaving the audience with a sense of urgency and possibility.

The discussions at the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission meeting underscored a pivotal moment for the community, as residents and officials grapple with the complexities of growth, sustainability, and the fundamental right to housing. As the meeting drew to a close, the commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents remained a central theme, promising a brighter future for the Snyderville Basin.