435 Podcast: Southern Utah

Southern Utah's future won't be decided by accident. We take you inside the most consequential choices shaping St. George right now—from Tech Ridge's emerging skyline and the plan to heal the Black Hill scar, to the four paradoxes that determine whether growth feels livable or overwhelming: housing, resources, wages, and heritage. What You'll Get in This Episode: Tech Ridge vis...

Southern Utah is changing fast—and we’re breaking down the real forces driving growth, prices, politics, and water. This episode cuts through the noise to explain what’s really happening with drought, development, new builds, county policy, and the power struggles shaping the future of Washington County. We start local with the Purgatory jail expansion, why the new medical wing matters, and how it...

Fresh leadership, fresh pressure, and a fresh set of misconceptions. We kicked off our first live show by unpacking Southern Utah's election night: Hurricane and Santa Clara shakeups, tight Springdale margins, and a notable flip in St. George. We explain why council vacancies won't be handpicked by mayors and how Utah's state code forces an open application process. It sounds proced...

Want to know how a small city can protect its red rock vistas and still welcome new families? We sit down with a 31-year-old Ivins candidate who makes a clear, practical case for balancing heritage, housing, and modern city management—without turning the place into another resort corridor. He shares how growing up in Ivins, interning at the Utah Capitol, and working on statewide campaigns shaped a...

Want the real story behind “managing growth” in a fast-changing town? We sit down with Hurricane’s mayoral candidates for a candid, side-by-side look at how zoning, infrastructure, and budgets determine whether a city keeps its soul while adding homes, roads, and services. We dig into the general plan’s role in preventing costly pivots, why density—more than raw population—is the key lever leaders...

Growth doesn’t wait for perfect alignment, and neither should we. This conversation with Mayor Michele Randall digs into the choices shaping Southern Utah right now: a Northern Corridor designed to relieve real congestion, a beloved Zone Six worth protecting, and a Western Corridor that shouldn’t split SunRiver’s sense of place. We walk the ground-level details—UDOT influence, MPO dynamics, SITLA’...

Greg Aldred shares his vision for St. George City Council as a retired general contractor with 44 years of community experience and a passion for innovative solutions to local challenges. His background in business, coaching, and community service has shaped his approach to governance, focusing on fiscal responsibility and practical problem-solving. • Public safety should be the top priority for l...

Jimmie Hughes joins us to share his vision for St. George as he runs for mayor in the upcoming 2025 municipal election, discussing how to balance growth and development while preserving the community's character. • The importance of genuine public engagement beyond mandatory comment periods • Northern Corridor debate and its connection to Zone Six protection • Western Corridor planning and po...

When money can fix a problem, it's not really a problem—but what about when it can't? That's the question at the heart of this powerful conversation about the American Cancer Society's upcoming fundraiser at Black Desert Resort. Patrick Manning, Managing Director of Reef Capital and Black Desert Resort, shares a deeply personal story about how cancer touched someone close to hi...

Congressional Representative Celeste Maloy discusses energy needs, economic policy, and public land management while reflecting on America's approaching 250th anniversary. • AI searches on smartphones require as much energy as driving an electric vehicle for a kilometer, highlighting our growing energy demands • The "Big Beautiful Bill" made Trump tax cuts permanent, eliminated taxe...

Shane Smeed, the 19th president of Utah Tech University, shares his vision for making education affordable, practical, and community-focused while maintaining the institution's unique polytechnic mission. • Utah Tech is the only polytechnic university in Utah's state system, emphasizing hands-on, applications-oriented education • The university has the most affordable tuition in Utah&apo...

Clark Fawcett, a Hurricane native with deep roots in the community, shares his extensive experience as Hurricane's city manager for 37.5 years and his vision for the future as a mayoral candidate. We explore the relationship between mayors and professional staff, the proper role of city government, and how Hurricane can maintain its small-town feel despite rapid growth. • Born and raised in H...

Dave Imlay, candidate for Hurricane City Council, shares his vision and experience after serving Hurricane City for nearly 30 years, including 17 years as Power Director. His candidacy represents an opportunity to contribute institutional knowledge and thoughtful leadership to address the city's challenges during continued growth. • Born and raised in St. George when it was much smaller • Wor...

Wayne Pennington brings a scientist's precision to the Ivins City Council race, drawing on his extraordinary career studying earthquakes from Pakistan to Michigan. As a former university dean and president of major scientific organizations, his analytical approach to local issues offers a refreshing alternative to politics-as-usual. The conversation reveals how Pennington's expertise bec...

What happens when a dedicated educator from rural Virginia relocates to Hurricane, Utah and decides to run for city council? Cindy Matejka brings a refreshingly balanced perspective to one of Southern Utah's fastest-growing communities. Having worked for Sesame Street developing internet safety programs and taught middle school for years, Matejka's journey to Hurricane was sparked by the...

Rick Crow, candidate for Hurricane City mayor, shares his vision for balancing growth, community involvement, and quality of life in this rapidly developing Southern Utah city. With a background in business leadership and a pragmatic approach to governance, Crow emphasizes the importance of transparent decision-making and effective planning for Hurricane's future. • Moved to Hurricane five ye...

Nathan Caplin, candidate for St. George City Council, shares his background in economics, law, and education while discussing his vision for balancing growth with preserving the city's unique character and addressing key challenges facing the community. • Extensive background includes being an economics professor, attorney, and director of America's leading higher education program for i...

Jami Leavitt shares her journey from growing up in a small Swiss-inspired town with a mother in public service to running for St. George City Council, bringing perspectives shaped by experiences across the country and deep community connections. • Core leadership philosophy shaped by moments of bringing people together rather than standing apart • Views on city government as a bottom-up approach t...

Jimmie Hughes shares his journey from lifelong St. George resident to city council member and now mayoral candidate, discussing how his experience as a mortuary owner and cattle rancher has shaped his public service approach. • Born and raised in St. George with deep roots in the community • Transitioned from mortgage broker to funeral director, now owns Hughes Mortuary with his wife • Believes th...

Mayor Michele Randall discusses her journey from ambulance company owner to St. George mayor and shares her vision for the city's future amid rapid growth and development challenges. • Originally appointed in January 2021 after serving on city council, now running for a second full term as mayor • Believes in an open-door policy and accessibility to constituents, handling over 1,400 city-rela...

St. George mayoral candidate Aros Mackey who shares his vision for preserving the "Dixie spirit" while fostering economic growth and community leadership. • Exploring St. George's unique position as the "800-pound gorilla" in Utah that handles more complex infrastructure and city management than nearly any other Utah city except Salt Lake • Discussion of Southern Utah&apos...

Shavene Butler shares his journey from Arizona State University to Hurricane City Council candidate, discussing how his past struggles with addiction and legal troubles shaped his perspective on community service and second chances. • Arizona native who found a fresh start in Hurricane with his wife Emily after reconnecting through Facebook • Believes local government is where you can make the mos...

Kevin Thomas, Hurricane City Council member, shares his journey in local politics from his early involvement with the Republican party to his current role serving the community of 26,000 residents. His unique perspective as both a home designer and elected official offers insights into the challenges of public service in a growing municipality. • Motivated to run again after losing his 19-year-old...

Join Natalie Larsen for an honest and insightful look at what it really takes to shape a thriving community. In this episode, Natalie shares her journey from the planning commission to city council, revealing the behind-the-scenes realities of local government and her vision for St. George’s future. Key Topics: - From Planning to Policy: How Natalie’s early experiences exposed the need for smarter...

What if the skills that keep airplanes in the sky could help guide a city’s future? In this episode, St. George City Council candidate and veteran airline pilot Shane Losee reveals how his aviation expertise—rooted in data-driven decision-making, safety management, and continuous improvement—shapes his vision for tackling the challenges of a rapidly growing community. From starting as an aircraft...