In Washington County, projects like townhome developments are less common than they were two years ago. In 2023, two out of every five new homes built in Washington County were condos and townhomes. Now, it’s just one in five.

“We're closer to the edge of the cliff than we realize,” said one Colorado River expert who worked on a new report outlining what 2026 could hold for Utah’s Lake Powell.

The new Zion Discovery Center is under construction on Zion National Park’s less-crowded east side. The park hopes it will relieve congestion in Zion Canyon and offer visitors a different experience.

“We're just trying to be proactive,” said one Carbon County farmer. “Hopefully, we can make some kind of difference in the big picture.”

Both of the first-term incumbents, who ran on their opposition to tax increases, are in the lead to stay on the five-member council.

This year’s mayoral race was a rematch of the 2021 contest, when Randall defeated Hughes.

The shutdown hasn’t stopped the crowds at the very popular Zion National Park. But keeping it open has required tens of thousands from state funds and donations.