Shane Losee
For St. George City Council
CANDIDATE Q&A
Question #1
Washington County’s rapid growth pressures both development and preservation of open spaces. What is your proposed zoning strategy to balance new housing and commercial projects with maintaining the region’s natural landscapes, and how will you address community concerns about overdevelopment?
My approach to zoning focuses on protecting St. George’s unique...READ MORE
My approach to zoning focuses on protecting St. George’s unique culture while creating more housing opportunities for young adults. I support smart, mixed-use development, with some limited higher-density options, so we can increase housing availability without losing our community character. I believe we should consider limiting new short-term rentals to help open up homes for local residents. Public input and data should guide updates to the General Plan, with community feedback welcomed early in the process. Preserving open space and investing in green corridors are also priorities. My goal is to balance housing and business needs while keeping St. George a special place to live.
Question #2
Aging infrastructure, such as roads, water lines, and public facilities, requires ongoing investment. What is your plan to fund and prioritize maintenance and upgrades, and how will you balance these costs with other municipal budget demands?
As an aviation leader, I know infrastructure must be proactively maintained....READ MORE
As an aviation leader, I know infrastructure must be proactively maintained. I support regular, data-driven assessments of city assets and creating a multi-year infrastructure plan that prioritizes critical needs. We’ll use a combination of federal and state grants, smart bonding, and pay-as-you-go budgeting. I’d also promote using technology, like smart traffic systems, to improve efficiency and save taxpayer money.
Question #3
With rising populations, how will you ensure that police, fire, and emergency services remain adequately funded and staffed? Please specify whether you would reallocate existing budgets, seek new revenue sources, or implement other strategies to meet these needs.
Coming from a safety-first industry, I believe in bringing a mindset of...READ MORE
Coming from a safety-first industry, I believe in bringing a mindset of continuous improvement to the city of St. George. A safe city is a thriving city, and I am committed to supporting our Police, Fire, and Emergency Services as our community grows. I will advocate for targeted budget increases, advanced training programs, new technology, and the use of data analytics to improve resource deployment and pursue additional grant funding. By emphasizing workplace quality, we can recruit and retain the best city leaders and dedicated professionals who keep us safe. Public safety will always guide my decisions, because investing in safety means building a stronger future for everyone in St. George.
Question #4
Large and even small scale development projects often spark community debate. How will you ensure that residents’ voices are meaningfully incorporated into decisions about zoning and development, and what specific mechanisms (e.g., town halls, advisory boards) will you establish or strengthen?
Residents should have a real voice in how our city...READ MORE
Residents should have a real voice in how our city grows. I support creating a community advisory board for land use, holding more town halls, and utilizing digital platforms for feedback. I’ll emphasize getting public input early and clearly showing how that feedback is used. Transparency and listening lead to greater trust and better outcomes. While the city does a pretty good job of pushing information out, truly listening is another issue. I would support a new city council meeting structure that allows councilors to invite citizens into working meetings for open dialogue, especially on complex or heated issues. This approach will ensure community voices are not only heard, but actively included in the decision-making process.
Question #5
To reduce reliance on tourism and construction, what specific industries or business types will you target to diversify Washington County’s economy, and what incentives or policies will you propose to attract them?
I want to make our economy more resilient by attracting...READ MORE
I want to make our economy more resilient by attracting tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional service jobs. I’ll support streamlined permitting, targeted infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and collaboration with Dixie Tech and Utah Tech. St. George can be a hub where young people find meaningful careers close to home.
Question #6
Washington County is experiencing increased traffic congestion, particularly in urbanizing areas. What specific infrastructure improvements or policies will you prioritize to reduce traffic delays and improve road safety, and how will you fund these initiatives without overburdening taxpayers?
Traffic congestion is a real concern. I’d promote smarter...READ MORE
Traffic congestion is a real concern. I’d promote smarter traffic signals, invest in road improvements where truly needed, and expand walking, biking, and school route safety. Better transit options and balanced funding, including state/federal grants and fair impact fees, ensure growth doesn’t overburden existing residents.
Question #7
Given the ongoing drought concerns in Southern Utah, how will you prioritize water allocation among residential, commercial, agricultural, and recreational (e.g., golf courses) users? Please provide a specific plan or framework to ensure equitable distribution while addressing conservation goals.
Water is Southern Utah’s most precious resource, and we must...READ MORE
Water is Southern Utah’s most precious resource, and we must be deliberate and forward-thinking in how we allocate and conserve it. My approach is rooted in three core principles: supporting our existing users first, prioritizing local agriculture, and demanding smart conservation from all sectors. First, water allocation should always prioritize existing users—residents, local businesses, and agriculture. Growth in St. George must be directly supported by a proven, sustainable water supply. I support local agriculture because these resources help sustain our community with fresh, local food; farmers must retain a strong priority in water distribution. Homes, businesses, and recreational spaces such as golf courses must all work together to conserve. We should embrace proven solutions like smart water flow meters, advanced automated sprinkler timers, precision irrigation, and incentive programs that reward users, including farmers, when they successfully conserve during drought conditions. Technology and innovation can help everyone do more with less. I am committed to supporting smart, responsible growth. That means I will not put further development ahead of the needs of existing residents unless water security is guaranteed through real, lasting solutions. Together, by planning ahead and working as partners, we can protect our water and our way of life for generations to come.