This op-ed was originally published in the Standard-Examiner on December 14, 2023. Gov. Spencer Cox recently unveiled the “Utah First Homes” program, which has a goal of building 35,000 new starter homes by 2028. In a state with a housing shortage and skyrocketing prices, 35,000 homes hitting the market would be extremely welcome. Furthermore, an emphasis on starter homes is well-placed, as there is strong demand for homes that middle-class earners like police officers and firefighters can afford. However, before the first shovel can hit the dirt on the first starter home, a few key things must happen. Starter home needs to