Send us a text

Born and raised in St. George as a fifth-generation resident, Bryan Thiriot brings a unique blend of deep local roots and extensive governmental experience to his City Council campaign. Having served as director of the Five County Association of Governments and executive director of the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization, Theriot has spent years collaborating with communities throughout Southern Utah on budgets, planning, and infrastructure development.

His fifteen years working with U.S. Senators in Washington D.C., Salt Lake City, and St. George have equipped him with valuable skills for navigating federal bureaucracies – expertise he believes distinguishes him from other candidates. "I feel like I'm the strongest candidate when it comes to federal agencies," Theriot explains, highlighting his accomplishments in securing resources and permissions for local projects.

Transportation stands at the forefront of Thiriot's platform, with strong advocacy for the Northern Corridor to alleviate east-west traffic congestion on St. George Boulevard. While acknowledging the city's transportation needs are growing with its population, he approaches development with measured caution. Living in his childhood family home on Main Street, Theriot values downtown's character and expresses concern about excessive high-rise developments changing the area's historic feel.

Water management represents another cornerstone of Thiriot's expertise. With personal experience filing for water rights and negotiating with federal land managers, he brings practical knowledge to one of the desert community's most pressing concerns. He points to untapped water resources on the county's west side that could help secure St. George's water future amid continued growth.

Looking toward future economic development, Theriot proposes exploring international airport status for St. George Regional Airport, potentially attracting direct international flights and diversifying the local economy. Throughout his campaign, he emphasizes continuing the legacy of "Vision Dixie" – creating opportunities for future generations while preserving what makes St. George special.

Ready to bring his record of accomplishment to City Council, Thiriot summarizes his candidacy simply: "When I say I do something, I do it, I commit it and I accomplish it." Will you support this vision for St. George's future? Primary election day is August 12th.

Send us a text

While most American cities faced intense anti-police sentiment in previous years, something remarkable happened in Washington County, Utah – the community actually rallied around their officers with unprecedented support. How did they do it?

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with St. George Police Chief Kyle Whitehead and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who bring over 50 years of combined law enforcement experience. They reveal how they've maintained surprisingly low crime rates while policing one of America's fastest-growing regions.

What You'll Discover:
• How officer wellness programs replaced the "tough guy" mentality with mental health support
• Why their Recovery Court program has a 30% higher success rate than private treatment
• Their balanced approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes community safety
• How school resource officers are building bridges with the next generation
• The logistical challenges of rapid population growth and sprawling neighborhoods

This isn't your typical law enforcement interview. These chiefs offer a nuanced, community-focused approach that extends far beyond badges and handcuffs. Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, considering a move to Southern Utah, or simply want to understand how effective policing works in practice, this conversation offers valuable insights into building trust between law enforcement and communities.

Send us a text

The housing market in 2025 presents a fascinating paradox—while inventory levels climb to a ten-year high in Washington County, the fundamental affordability crisis continues to reshape how Utah families approach homeownership and life planning.

Emily Merkley, CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, shares eye-opening statistics that reveal a market in transition. With absorption rates hovering around five months of inventory, Washington County has reached what economists consider a balanced market. Yet this equilibrium brings its own challenges. The median home price sits stubbornly at $515,000 while local wages lag $16,000 below the state average, creating what Merkley describes as "extreme conditions" for affordability.

Perhaps most revealing is what one tech worker confided during the discussion: "We realized we had a choice to make. We could either continue to grow our family or get into a home." This heartbreaking decision faced by many Utah families illustrates how the housing crisis transcends mere economics and shapes fundamental life choices. With the average mortgage payment in Washington County reaching $2,800 monthly at current interest rates, even well-paid professionals find themselves priced out of homeownership.

The conversation delves into the market freeze created by interest rates, with 80% of existing mortgages locked in below 5%. This creates a bottleneck effect where homeowners refuse to give up favorable rates, preventing the natural lifecycle of housing—from starter homes to family homes to retirement properties—from functioning properly. Meanwhile, days on market have climbed to 77 days in Washington County, giving buyers more leverage to negotiate than they've had in years.

Looking beyond numbers, Merkley and the host discuss how zoning restrictions and building requirements artificially inflate housing costs, celebrating builders like Jed Nielsen who've proven affordable homes can still be profitably built when regulatory barriers are reduced. The episode provides invaluable insights for both buyers and sellers navigating this transitional market, where patience and realistic pricing have become essential strategies.

Guest: EMILY MERKLEY Chief Executive Office for the Washington County Board of REALTORS®
Link: https://washingtoncountyrealtors.com/board-leadership/


Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!
https://realestate435.kw.com/

www.wealth435.com
https://linktr.ee/wealth435

Below are our wonderful friends!

Find FS Coffee here:
https://fscoffeecompany.com/

Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:
https://www.tuacahn.org/

Find Blue Form Media here:
https://www.blueformmedia.com/

#podcast #southernutah #435podcast #stgeorgeutah #housingmarket #localpolitics #HousingCrisis #RealEstate #MortgageRates #StarterHomes #HousingMarket #Affordability #HomeOwnership #RealEstatePodcast #435podcast

[00:00:00] Intro/Housing Market Overview in 2025.
[00:07:30] Utah's Housing Affordability Crisis.
[00:16:10] Washington County's Real Estate Stats.
[00:35:54] Analyzing Price Points and Market Pressure.
[00:43:29] The Value of Housing Diversity.
[00:53:40] The Changing Real Estate Industry.
[01:11:30] Real Estate Agent Statistics and Education.