Josh Knight Oral History Interview

Joshua Knight, a lifelong Heber Valley resident and local business owner, discusses the significant changes he has witnessed in his community from the late 1980s to the present. He emphasizes his deep connection to the Wasatch mountains and the valley's agricultural heritage, lamenting the decline of dairies and the conversion of farmland into housing developments, which he views as a consequence of exponential growth since the 2002 Olympics. Knight, who sits on the Heber City Planning Commission, highlights the challenges of this rapid expansion, including infrastructure strain, increased traffic, and a diminished sense of community, particularly as rising housing costs make it difficult for essential workers and long-time residents to afford living in the valley. Despite these concerns, he remains hopeful that the community can retain its core values and "humanity" through continued efforts to foster connection and address the needs of all residents, emphasizing the importance of balancing growth with the preservation of local identity and a sense of belonging.