435 Podcast: Southern Utah

On this episode of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Gary and Brian of Intergalactic to discuss the need for economic sustainability in Saint George, Utah. They credit Bondir for helping them develop their core values and discuss the potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft, flying taxis, and job growth. They also discuss the cultural changes, the impact of t...

On episode 32 of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Patrick Manning, the managing partner of Reef Capital and the mind behind Black Desert Resort. This resort in Southern Utah will include a golf course, a resort hotel with 450 rooms, a convention center, a spa, restaurants, and underground parking. The resort is designed to be big and done responsibly, with sustainability at the forefr...

On episode 31 of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Courtney Brinkerhoff Sinagra from the Washington County Prosecutors Office and the Institute of Politics at Utah Tech University. They discuss the differences between basic training in the military and the new methods of training, the lack of trust in politicians, and the importance of getting involved in local politics. They also talk...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Ed Tracey, a candidate for Washington City Council. Ed shares his experience in the hospitality business, running for City Council two years ago, and the importance of allowing citizens to voice their opinions to their elected officials. They also discuss the expensive housing market in the state, and the impact of the housing market...

On this episode of the Four Five Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Craig Coats, a Washington City Council member. They discuss the extended election cycle in Washington, the process of public comment in Washington City, the challenges of leading a city council during the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of Washington City, Utah, and the importance of providing opportunities for young people...

On episode 28 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Kurt Ivie, a candidate for Washington City Council. Ivie talks about his experience coaching baseball, the geology of Pine Mountain, the water supply in Washington County, the need for economic growth, and the issue of affordable housing. He suggests a grassroots process to limit bills and have more decisions made at the county level....

On episode 27 of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Troy Belliston, a former city council member in Washington City. Belliston talks about his experience in the city and the conflict of interest argument and encourages everyone to get out and vote in the upcoming election. Belliston emphasizes the importance of local elections and encourages people to look for opportunities in fields su...

On episode 26 of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Clint Reid, the CEO of one of the biggest tech companies in Southern Utah. They discuss the local economy, politics, automation, scaling businesses, leveraging technology, e-commerce, Saint George election, bootstrapping, tech companies' impact on the economy, retirees' impact, basic economics, water infrastructure, growth in...

On episode 25 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Darren Prince discuss the importance of hard work, the need for regulation and sound ordinances, the hydro plant being tested on the Shivwits reservation, and the need to invest in the community. They consider the potential of personal vehicles, the cultural thread of water conservation, and the idea of personal air transportation. They also...

On this episode the 435 Podcast, Robert, Jeff, and Branden discussed the current real estate market, the factors that influence mortgage rates, and the current state of the housing market in Washington County. They also discussed a recent ordinance change at the city council, the upcoming city council election, and the importance of parks and trails. Lastly, they reminded listeners of the upcoming...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Rick Akin discuss the importance of understanding customers when it comes to entrepreneurship, the changing landscape of business and technology, and the incredible growth of startups in St. George, Utah. They suggest government investment in infrastructure and quality of life initiatives, as well as regulations for sustainable economic gro...

On this episode 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Kent Perkins discuss the development of parks and recreation in Southern Utah. Kent Perkins, the 'Godfather of the GEO Bond of 1996' and the 'Parks and Rec Godfather', shares his vision for long-term planning and the importance of parks and recreation. He encourages developers to build parks and amenities as part of their proje...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Adam Snow discuss the complexities of legislating in Washington County, Utah. They explore the restrictions on the use of transient room tax (TRT) revenue, the concept of destination development, and the possibility of creating a 'locals only' day at state parks. They also discuss the history of Dixie State University, the economy...

On this episode of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane and guests Branden Ducharme and Jeff Watkins discussed the importance of local government, the results of recent elections, the push and pull of development and growth in small towns, and the need for campaign finance reform. They also discussed the need for representation from all segments of the community, the need for clarity on what can and...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Laurie Mangum discuss the various ways of storing and using power in Southern Utah. Mangum outlines her ten-year plan for the utility, which includes solar, hydro, and molten salt energy sources. They discuss the differences between municipal and for-profit utilities, and the implications of the upcoming changes in energy sources. Find Vote...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Brad Green, a Libertarian Party candidate in Utah. Brad shares his views on world peace, military spending, and the separation of powers. He encourages people to join the principle over party movement and to visit his website for more information. He also talks about the difficulty of engaging in politics in Saint George, Utah and th...

On this episode of 435 Podcast, host Robert Macfarlane and St. George City Mayor, Michele Randall, discussed the need for local control in St. George, Utah. They discussed the general plan, zoning, the downtown master plan, the boutique hotel project, the 20-year plan, public transportation projects, energy sector projects, water treatment facilities, the GEO Bond, the Dixie Springs area, the Sant...

On episode 16 of The 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Bruce Hough, a congressional candidate. They discuss important issues such as foreign policy, immigration, budget strategy, consisting of 6 trillion and the Department of Education. Hough emphasizes the importance of understanding the people that a congressional member is representing, rather than where they live.  They also discuss th...

On episode 15 of the 435 Podcast, Rob, Jeff, and Branden discuss the current state of the housing market in Washington County, Utah. They note the median price of homes and the potential impact of a new development, as well as the challenges of Utah being a nondisclosure state. They advise sellers to list their house at a competitive price and buyers to be open to multiple conversations with agent...

On this bonus episode of The 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Celeste Maloy, a Congressional candidate for Utah's 2nd District. They discuss her reasons for running, her stance on governmental overreach, overspending, and protecting local lands, as well as the other candidates running in the election. They discuss her experience campaigning, and how she enjoys talking to people about...

On episode 14 of The 435 Podcast, Robert sits down with St. George City Councilman, Jimmie Hughes, the longest-serving city council member in Saint George, Utah. They discuss the importance of experience in politics, the need for transparency in the development process, and the need to understand the millennial generation and their use of digital platforms. They also discuss the complexities of ru...

On this episode of The 435 Podcast, Robert sits down Gregg McArthur, a candidate for Saint George City Council, discusses the need for a connector road over the Virgin River to address traffic congestion, the rapid growth of the city, and the importance of public trust in elected officials. McArthur's background in commercial real estate and economic development is highlighted, as well as the...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Dannielle Larkin discuss the importance of having a diverse and smart city council, the need for different ideas and vigorous debate to create the best possible outcome for the community, and the need to respect each other and the outcome of the debate. Robert and Dannielle also explore the importance of budgeting, the effects of sales tax,...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert, Jeff, and Branden discuss the St. George short term rental market, the current state of the real estate market, and the importance of understanding supply and demand. They also discuss the Orange County market, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of understanding the human element when it comes to real estate. They also discuss the w...

On this episode of the 435 Podcast, Robert sits down with St. George City councilwoman, Natalie Larsen. Robert & Natalie discuss the importance of local elections and the need for transparency. They explore the need for a strong city manager and the challenges facing Saint George, such as economic development, infrastructure, public health and safety, housing, and residential development. They...