

Desert Livability
Desert Livability is about shaping urban development to honor natural resources, protect iconic landscapes, and support a vibrant community. In Southern Utah, environmental sustainability and community resilience are deeply connected, making it essential to embrace Smart Growth principles to preserve the quality of life that makes this region special.
As Washington County continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, our resources are increasingly stretched. To ensure a livable future, we must prioritize urban design that focuses on community needs and climate resilience. Sustainable development is not just a nice idea—it is the bedrock foundation for a thriving, enduring community.

Program Goals
The Desert Livability Program aims to foster a prosperous, eco-conscious, equitable, resilient, and livable region for generations to come. This includes efforts to:
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Protect open spaces and natural resources.
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Prioritize people-centered land-use and transportation planning.
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Encourage desert-aligned development practices.
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Strengthen community engagement and participation in local planning processes.
We work alongside community members, government agencies and local organizations to promote environmental conservation, long-term economic vitality, and climate resilience.
Desert Livability Roundtable
This registered Strong Towns Local Conversation creates a space for residents to learn, brainstorm and develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban development.
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When: 3rd Thursday of every month, 3:30–5:00 PM
Where: St. George Library
Free and open to the public.

Neighborhood Walks
Monthly themed walks that provide a space for community members to explore local neighborhoods to learn about sustainable, equitable development firsthand.
Smart Growth Resources
Imagine living in a community where life feels connected and effortless. Streets are safe and welcoming, with sidewalks shaded by trees. Kids walk to school, bike trails weave through neighborhoods, and you can "pop around the corner" for everything you need. A variety of housing options fit different stages of life, parks and plazas invite people to gather, and local shops and businesses thrive because they’re just a short walk or bike ride away.
This is a Smart Growth Community. And it isn't fiction... but it takes thoughtful and visionary planning to achieve.
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Too often, short-sighted planning creates sprawling developments, endless parking lots, and neighborhoods that isolate instead of connect. Smart Growth turns this around by designing places that prioritize people—making it easy to live, work, and play all in one vibrant community. Small, meaningful changes can bring this vision to life: rezoning areas to allow homes and shops to share the same block, redesigning streets for pedestrians and cyclists, or repurposing empty parking lots into lively community spaces. It’s about putting people first and creating neighborhoods that feel alive and inviting.
Studies & Reports
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Speck Dempsey: Washington County at a Crossroads - Local Traffic Solutions
Organizations

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Transportation
Integrated transportation planning makes it easier for everybody to get from A to B.
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Housing
Diverse, affordable housing options foster vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods.
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Community
Thoughtful urban design and policies encourage strong community ties.
We champion Smart Growth policies that limit sprawl, preserve natural resources, and enhance quality of life. By advocating for sustainable growth initiatives and fostering community action, we strive to create a more resilient and vibrant future for all.
Vision Dixie
Conserve Southwest Utah was heavily involved in the countywide effort to formulate the 2007 Vision Dixie Report, a document that was meant to guide Washington County’s growth. We continue to advocate for the core Vision Dixie Principles:
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Plan Regionally, Implement Locally.
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Maintain Air and Water Quality and Conserve Water.
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Guard our ‘Signature’ Scenic Landscapes.
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Provide Rich, Connected Natural Recreation and Open Space.
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Build Public Transportation, Connected Roads, and Opportunities to Bike and Walk.
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Focus Growth on Walkable, Mixed-Use Centers.
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Direct Growth Inward.
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Provide a Diverse Housing Types for All Income Levels, Family Types, and Stages of life.
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Reserve Key Areas for Industry to Grow the Economic Pie.
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Public Land Conversion Should Sustain Community Goals And Preserve Critical Lands.

Desert Livability Values

Visionary Realism
We set bold goals for sustainable growth and ensure they are grounded in practical, achievable actions that create meaningful change.

Equity & Inclusion
We advocate for meaningful public engagement processes that include diverse voices, regardless of income, culture, race, gender, or age.

Community-Driven Solutions
We believe the most effective strategies are shaped by the people who live and work in the region, ensuring solutions reflect local needs and values.