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Resident urges council not to subsidize homebuyers, cites supply-and-demand and existing programs
Summary
Runar Bowman told the Cottonwood Heights council that subsidizing home purchases is not effective and urged residents to use existing state and federal assistance programs.
Runar Bowman spoke during the Oct. 7 public-comment period against a proposal the council had discussed in its work session to subsidize homebuyers.
“I was really surprised to hear a little discussion about subsidizing home purchases,” Bowman said. “As you might guess, I think it's a terrible idea. It doesn't work, and it perpetuates that victim mentality that is pervasive in our society now.”
Bowman pointed to existing state and federal programs, saying programs such as Federal Housing Administration loans provide low down‑payment options and other assistance. “Maybe the council should maybe educate the citizens here that there are services out there,” he said.
Bowman framed the affordability problem as driven by supply and demand: “We have increasing demand. We have limited supply. It just doesn't work. The math doesn't work.” He also described a personal commute on a Highland bus route and said new multi‑story condominium construction is meeting some demand in adjacent corridors.
Bowman concluded by urging the council to end discussion of direct subsidies and instead focus on educating residents about existing programs and realistic expectations.
