Read the full stored bill text
2
0
Concurrent Resolution Supporting the Transfer of Federally Managed Lands
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Raymond P. Ward
Senate Sponsor: Don L. Ipson
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This resolution is related to the disposition of federally managed lands for affordable
housing.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution:
acknowledges that Utah's growth has intensified housing affordability challenges;
recognizes that affordable housing is critical to workforce stability and community
retention;
notes that unreserved lands managed by the federal government are located near existing
communities and infrastructure;
recognizes that limited and targeted disposition of unreserved lands may support
moderate income housing needs;
affirms that any land disposition should preserve the public interest and responsible land
stewardship;
urges Congress to allow limited use of unreserved lands near existing communities and
infrastructure for moderate income housing; and
encourages Congress to support land transfers or exchanges in line with responsible
stewardship.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS, the state of Utah continues to experience significant population and economic
growth, which has intensified housing supply challenges and increased costs for
moderate-income households across the state;
WHEREAS, housing affordability impacts communities statewide and has implications for
workforce availability, economic stability, and the ability of families to remain in the
communities where they live and work;
WHEREAS, the state contains many federally managed lands, some of which are classified
as unreserved land, located within or immediately adjacent to existing municipal boundaries,
including near established infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, and power systems;
WHEREAS, certain unreserved lands that lack a designated federal purpose may be
uniquely suited, due to the location of the land, for limited, targeted consideration to address
local housing needs without expanding development into remote or environmentally sensitive
areas;
WHEREAS, strategic and narrowly tailored sales, transfers, or exchanges of unreserved
lands may provide an opportunity to support the development of moderate-income housing
while making efficient use of existing infrastructure and minimizing public costs; and
WHEREAS, careful and targeted disposition of federally managed lands can support local
housing needs while preserving the broader public interest in responsible land stewardship:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
Governor concurring therein, urges the United States Congress to consider authorizing limited
and targeted sales, transfers, or exchanges of unreserved lands managed by the federal
government for the purpose of facilitating moderate-income housing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge that
consideration be limited to unreserved lands located within or immediately adjacent to existing
municipal boundaries or population centers within county boundaries, where development of
moderate income housing can occur in a focused and efficient manner.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage the United
States Congress to allow flexibility in the form of land exchanges or transfers, where
appropriate, to facilitate moderate-income housing while maintaining responsible stewardship
of federally managed lands.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the members of
Utah's congressional delegation.
3-11-26 1:31 PM