When you think about a "port", you probably imagine shipping containers and oceanfront cities. Not Utah. But that is exactly what makes the Utah Inland Port such a powerful and surprising development.

In this episode of the Utah Real Estate Podcast, we sat down with Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Utah Inland Port Authority, to help explain what the inland port is, why it matters, and how it could affect nearly every Utahn whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or just someone waiting on a delivery.

What is the Utah Inland Port?

The Utah Inland Port isn’t a single building or a warehouse. It’s a network of infrastructure projects across the state rail, road, and air systems designed to make it easier and more cost-effective to move goods in and out of Utah.

As Ben explained, most of what we use each day from clothes to furniture to construction materials has to come from somewhere else. Utah doesn’t have direct access to the coast, so we rely heavily on trucking. That means more traffic, slower deliveries, and higher shipping costs.

The port authority’s mission is to upgrade that system. “We’re trying to build smarter ways to ship,” Ben said. “That means strengthening air cargo, expanding rail, and investing in the infrastructure that helps businesses grow while easing the burden on our roads.”Why It Matters to Everyone

You don’t have to be in the shipping industry to feel the effects. For most Utahns, the benefits will show up in simple ways: fewer trucks on the freeway, quicker shipping times, and less pollution.

Projects like the new rail hub in Cedar City are already reducing highway traffic. “They used to send thousands of trucks up to Salt Lake,” Ben shared. “Now, with direct rail access, they can ship more efficiently saving time, money, and emissions.”

And for rural communities, the benefits are even more direct. In Garland, Utah, a partnership with the port helped bring in a $50 million investment and 500 new jobs through a company called Lakeshore Learning. These kinds of wins create ripple effects new income, housing demand, and long-term growth.Small Business, Big Impact

While the port helps large companies move freight, it also opens doors for smaller businesses looking to scale. Ben pointed out that many local manufacturers already supply major companies like Boeing but need better access to national and global markets.

“Once these businesses realize they can export globally without leaving Utah, it changes the game,”

What About the Environment?

Naturally, a project of this scale raises environmental concerns especially regarding the Great Salt Lake. But Ben emphasized that protecting Utah’s natural resources is part of the plan.

In the last year alone, the Port Authority directed $2.5 million to preserve sensitive wetland areas. It has also committed to working only with low water-use industries near the lake and has implemented strict protections in places like Weber County.

“We’re not here to build at all costs,” Ben said. “We’re here to grow responsibly, and that means preserving the land we depend on.”Looking Ahead

According to Ben, what excites him most is the long-term, generational impact of the work being done. The Port Authority is currently active in 15 counties, with project areas stretching from Cedar City to Price. The goal is to create a more efficient, more resilient economy for Utah’s future.

“If we do this right, people may not even notice,” he said. “They’ll just get packages faster, spend less on shipping, breathe cleaner air, and have access to better jobs. And that’s a win.”

Learn More:

Utah Inland Port Authority
http://inlandportauthority.utah.gov

Ben Hart – Executive Director Bio
http://inlandportauthority.utah.gov/leadership

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What if your empty garage, RV pad, or unused driveway could start paying your utilities—or even replace your side hustle? In this episode of the Utah Real Estate Podcast, hosts Steph Shoell and the Silver Dollar Man sit down with Joseph Woodbury, Co-Founder and CEO of Neighbor, a platform that's redefining passive income through storage and parking rentals.

Neighbor empowers homeowners, businesses, and even major REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) to turn underutilized space into steady income—without the stress of traditional rentals. Joseph shares how everyday Utahns (and folks across all 50 states) are generating anywhere from $100 a month to six-figure incomes with almost no effort.

We discuss:

• What types of spaces are in highest demand (hint: garages + RV pads!)

• How one Utah teacher is making $10K a year passively

• The insurance and legal protections Neighbor provides

• The concept of full property monetization

• The surprising social impact of renting to your neighbors

Whether you’re a homeowner with a spare garage, a landlord looking to double your cash flow, or just someone curious about new ways to earn without lifting a finger—Neighbor might be your next big move. Learn more & start hosting at: neighbor.com/host
Joseph Woodbury – CEO of Neighbor

St. George is heating up—and we’re not just talking about the weather. This week, we’re putting the spotlight on a city that’s not only stunning but also booming with growth. Did you know that St. George was ranked the fastest-growing metro area in the U.S. in 2021 by the U.S. Census Bureau? And it continues to be one of the top growing cities in Utah today.

To help us dive into what’s really happening behind the scenes, we’re joined by Carol Winner, Community Development Director for the City of St. George. From the massive Tech Ridge project on the old airport site to residential developments like Desert Color and DeVario, Carol shares the inside scoop on how the city is preparing for the future while honoring its history.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why Tech Ridge is the future of tech and livability in southern Utah

• How Desert Color is blending mega-lagoon paddleboarding fun with smart community design

• Where the city is adding density, especially in downtown and through accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

• Why St. George is holding strong on limiting short-term rentals to preserve housing for residents

• What makes the trails and parks system in St. George truly world-class

• How Carol went from drawing house plans in 4th grade to shaping one of the fastest-growing cities in America

• The importance of preserving historic homes and what’s coming next for downtown development

RESOURCE LINKS:
Explore St. George’s growth and latest developments here:

• City of St. George – Community Development: http://www.sgcity.org/communitydevelopment/

• Desert Color Master Planned Community: https://desertcolor.com/

• Tech Ridge Innovation District: https://techridge.com/

• Economic Development Projects Overview: https://sgcityutah.gov/departments/economic_development/development_projects.php

• DeVario Residential Community: https://www.divarioliving.com/

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