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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 development pacing and heritage preservation.
- The Real Work of Local Leadership: Discover the “part-time” role that actually means reviewing thousand-page documents, site visits, and constant community engagement.
- Community Safety First: Natalie tackles the challenge of traffic safety—especially for pedestrians, drivers, and e-bike users—and discusses what it takes to create safer, more bike-friendly streets.
- Balancing Growth & Heritage: Learn how projects like Tech Ridge can deliver economic opportunity without sacrificing St. George’s unique culture and environment.
- Term Limits & Fresh Perspectives: Why Natalie supports term limits for local officials and the value of new voices in city government.

Natalie’s thoughtful, balanced approach to leadership is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of Southern Utah. Whether you care about smart growth, public safety, or preserving community values, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired.

Get Involved:
Ballots mail out July 27th. The primary election is August 12th—your vote shapes St. George’s future!
Learn more at VoteNatalieLarsen.com or compare all candidates at votestg.com.

Listen now to hear how you can help build a safer, stronger St. George!

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Join us for an in-depth conversation with Michelle Tanner, family nurse practitioner and current St. George City Councilwoman, as she shares her vision for re-election and the future of St. George.

Michelle discusses:

• How emergency medicine shaped her leadership: Discover how triage and critical decision-making in healthcare translate to effective governance.
• Her stand against tax increases: Learn how she helped fully fund public safety—without raising taxes—through smarter budgeting.
• The water crisis and infrastructure: Get her candid take on federal land policies and the urgent need for local solutions.
• Affordable housing and property rights: Why she champions streamlining and deregulation over government mandates, and how she navigates tough land use decisions.
• Preserving St. George’s unique character: Hear about the “Dixie spirit,” individual liberty, and her commitment to principled, independent leadership—even when it means standing alone.

Michelle sets herself apart with a proven record of challenging the status quo and defending community values. Whether you’re a St. George resident or interested in local governance, this episode offers valuable insights into balancing growth, freedom, and the needs of a thriving community.

👉 Learn more about Michelle Tanner at michelletannerutah.com
👉 Explore all candidates at VoteSTG.com

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:05:23] Michelle Tanner's Platform and Experience
[00:09:53] Tax Increases and Budget Efficiency
[00:13:41] Water Challenges and Federal Land Issues
[00:19:29] Property Rights and Land Use Decisions
[00:25:44] Affordable Housing and Community Character
[00:33:08] Track Record and Leadership Philosophy
[00:37:49] Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

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What does it take for a small desert town to become a booming resort destination—and what challenges come with that explosive growth? In this episode, Ivins City Councilman Mike Scott, a candidate for re-election, pulls back the curtain on the dramatic transformation of Ivins, Utah, sharing his data-driven perspective on city planning, real estate, and the financial crossroads facing one of Southern Utah’s most desirable communities.

With a decade on the Ivins Planning Commission and a background in commercial real estate research, Scott offers rare insider insight into how small cities manage rapid population growth, shifting from quiet neighborhoods to bustling tourism hubs. Discover why developers are bypassing city plans for higher-density and commercial spaces in favor of resort projects, and learn how Ivins is preparing for a surge from 900 to 2,800 tourism accommodation units—despite having just 4,500 single-family homes.

Most revealing is Scott’s candid discussion on city finances and his bold proposal for an $860,000 property tax increase to fund essential infrastructure—a move that could make or break his re-election bid. If you’re interested in municipal economics, Western community development, or the real-world impact of tourism on small towns, this episode delivers actionable insights and honest debate.

👉 For more on the candidates, visit VoteSTG.com. Dive deeper into Mike Scott’s policies at mikescott4ivins.com. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on growth, governance, and the future of Southern Utah.

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What drives an ordinary citizen to step into the political arena? For Shad Johnsen a kitchen designer and 20-year Ivins resident, the answer lies in a genuine desire to serve his community after his wife overcame serious health challenges. "I'm not necessarily running against incumbents—I'm running for an opportunity," Johnsen explains, setting the tone for a conversation that reveals his thoughtful, balanced approach to local governance.

Johnsen brings a refreshing perspective to hot-button issues facing Ivins. On development—often a contentious topic—he strikes a middle ground: "I don't feel that Ivins is as resistant to development as some might think. What I see is people who fell in love with the area and don't want it to change." This understanding informs his approach to growth, seeking to preserve what makes Ivins special while addressing pressing needs like housing affordability.

As someone who works in the housing industry, Johnsen witnesses firsthand the struggles families face finding affordable homes. "My poor adult children are trying to find places to live—it's really hard for them," he shares, advocating for creative solutions including accessory dwelling units and streamlined permitting processes. He applauds SITLA's efforts to address affordable housing but acknowledges more collaboration is needed between cities, developers, and organizations.

Find Shad Johnsen here:
https://shadserves.com/

[00:00:00] Intro and welcome.
[00:05:42] Development and Housing Affordability.
[00:09:18] Infrastructure and Revenue Challenges.
[00:15:05] Water Conservation and Creative Solutions.
[00:21:53] Communication and Community Engagement.
[00:27:50] Police Support and Taxation Views.
[00:39:55] Closing Thoughts and Contact Information.

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Born and raised in St. George as a fifth-generation resident, Bryan Thiriot brings a unique blend of deep local roots and extensive governmental experience to his City Council campaign. Having served as director of the Five County Association of Governments and executive director of the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization, Theriot has spent years collaborating with communities throughout Southern Utah on budgets, planning, and infrastructure development.

His fifteen years working with U.S. Senators in Washington D.C., Salt Lake City, and St. George have equipped him with valuable skills for navigating federal bureaucracies – expertise he believes distinguishes him from other candidates. "I feel like I'm the strongest candidate when it comes to federal agencies," Theriot explains, highlighting his accomplishments in securing resources and permissions for local projects.

Transportation stands at the forefront of Thiriot's platform, with strong advocacy for the Northern Corridor to alleviate east-west traffic congestion on St. George Boulevard. While acknowledging the city's transportation needs are growing with its population, he approaches development with measured caution. Living in his childhood family home on Main Street, Theriot values downtown's character and expresses concern about excessive high-rise developments changing the area's historic feel.

Water management represents another cornerstone of Thiriot's expertise. With personal experience filing for water rights and negotiating with federal land managers, he brings practical knowledge to one of the desert community's most pressing concerns. He points to untapped water resources on the county's west side that could help secure St. George's water future amid continued growth.

Looking toward future economic development, Theriot proposes exploring international airport status for St. George Regional Airport, potentially attracting direct international flights and diversifying the local economy. Throughout his campaign, he emphasizes continuing the legacy of "Vision Dixie" – creating opportunities for future generations while preserving what makes St. George special.

Ready to bring his record of accomplishment to City Council, Thiriot summarizes his candidacy simply: "When I say I do something, I do it, I commit it and I accomplish it." Will you support this vision for St. George's future? Primary election day is August 12th.

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While most American cities faced intense anti-police sentiment in previous years, something remarkable happened in Washington County, Utah – the community actually rallied around their officers with unprecedented support. How did they do it?

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with St. George Police Chief Kyle Whitehead and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who bring over 50 years of combined law enforcement experience. They reveal how they've maintained surprisingly low crime rates while policing one of America's fastest-growing regions.

What You'll Discover:
• How officer wellness programs replaced the "tough guy" mentality with mental health support
• Why their Recovery Court program has a 30% higher success rate than private treatment
• Their balanced approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes community safety
• How school resource officers are building bridges with the next generation
• The logistical challenges of rapid population growth and sprawling neighborhoods

This isn't your typical law enforcement interview. These chiefs offer a nuanced, community-focused approach that extends far beyond badges and handcuffs. Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, considering a move to Southern Utah, or simply want to understand how effective policing works in practice, this conversation offers valuable insights into building trust between law enforcement and communities.