Affordable Housing Partnership Delivers Townhomes to Essential Workers in Utah's Most Expensive Market

Utah's housing crisis has reached a critical point, with the median home price exceeding $1.6 million in Summit County/Park City area, pricing out essential workers such as teachers, first responders, and local small business employees from the communities they serve. In a bold move to address this issue, a partnership between Ivory Homes, Call to Action Foundation, and City of Francis has developed affordable townhomes in the area, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• The Innovation Park at Francis Commons development offers income-restricted rental townhomes that can potentially save essential workers up to $16,000 annually on housing costs.
• The project's 40% of rental units are priced below market rate, catering to families earning less than 60 or 80 percent of Area Median Income.
• The partnership has created a replicable model for rural communities facing similar affordability challenges, demonstrating that small towns can successfully deliver affordable housing solutions.
• The development directly supports Governor Spencer Cox's goal to build 35,000 starter homes in five years through his initiative and contributes to a commitment to build 1,500 affordable homes across Utah.
• The Innovation Park at Francis Commons features smart home technology, private garages, and energy-efficient construction, proving that affordable housing doesn't mean compromising on innovation.

Statistics:

• $1.6 million: Median home price in Summit County
• $16,000: Potential annual housing cost savings for Innovation Park residents
• 40%: Percentage of rental units priced below market rate
• 1,500: Total affordable homes planned through the Call to Action Foundation and Ivory Innovations partnership
• 35,000: Governor Cox's five-year starter home goal for Utah
• 30,000+: Number of homes constructed by Ivory Homes nationwide
• 1,500+: Number of affordable housing units under development in Utah through Ivory Innovations' foundation arm

Sources:

• Ivory Innovations press release, September 15, 2025
• University of Utah David Eccles School of Business, partner institution
• Call to Action Foundation, supporting organization
• City of Francis, collaborating partner
• Governor Spencer Cox, supporter of 35,000 starter home goal for Utah
• Ivory Homes, developer and constructor of Innovation Park at Francis Commons
• Ivory Innovations, nonprofit academic center and operating foundation