Dakota Mair Oral History Interview

In an interview for Utah Humanities, Dakota Mair, a lifelong resident of Heber City, Utah, discusses the changes in his rural community. He highlights the strong sense of community he experienced growing up, where people knew each other and offered help, but notes that this has diminished due to population growth, making everyone feel like "strangers." Dakota expresses frustration with the lack of infrastructure development to support the rapid building of new homes, advocating for a moratorium on construction until roads and essential services like an overnight veterinary clinic are in place. He laments being priced out of his hometown, where his grandfather's farm now stands as a Walmart, and believes the area is becoming a "rich-man's playground," forcing many long-time residents and workers to move to more affordable areas. Despite the challenges, Dakota still considers Heber City "home," appreciating its beauty and mountains, but feels a sense of loss for the community he once knew and doubts it will ever return to its former state.