text: how do you increase affordable workforce housing in a high growth, yet low wage, area? i live in st. george, utah (the second fastest growing metro area in the country according to the us census bureau a few months ago).  thus, housing prices are high (not as bad as some parts of the usa) while wages are low.  people who accept jobs here cannot afford to live here unless they have a lot of money coming into the area.  the real growth industries are construction and service, and those usually aren't that high of paying.  to compound this problem, a lot of retirees with money retire here, southern california cash out their equity in their californian homes and move here with money, and investors with money buy properties to rent.  that does not help the worker who has no money and not a high enough wage to buy a house.  many commute to las vegas about two hours away since wages are higher there.  any ideas on how to allievate this problem? your question is a tough one as it appears you are attemting to see how one can increase home ownership in a changing market due to demand.  this is a problem throuhout america, where its an honor to find decent affordbale housing.  many communities and governments are working with grant money, zoning ordinances to improve the existing housing inventory.  if the busineess climate is improving, i would suggest there are opportunities for those who may have skills such as landscaping, masonary, small resturants and those who are moving to the area may need.  real estate will also be in demand and those in the community may need to improve there level of skills with the change, thus creating a level of economics that will support the purchasing of a home.  i just looked at realtor.com and found multiple properties under $150,000, opportunities do exist.