January 10, 2025
As Arizona prepares for its 2025 legislative session beginning on January 13, a critical opportunity arises to address the state's ongoing housing and homelessness crises. With both chambers of the state legislation under Republican control, the Arizona Housing Coalition renews its commitment to working across the aisle to champion innovative, bipartisan solutions that ensure every Arizonan has a safe and affordable place to call home.
On January 23, 2025, Coalition members and supporters will gather at the Capitol to launch these priorities and engage directly with lawmakers. We invite members and stakeholders to join us to share the importance of housing and homelessness issues.
Arizona faces a severe affordable housing shortage, with a statewide deficit of over 200,000 units. Rising costs have made it harder for individuals and families to secure affordable homes, while homelessness is on the rise. The Coalition has set forth four key priorities for the 2025 legislative session, emphasizing proven strategies and new, creative approaches.
1. Renewal of the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)
The ADOH plays a fundamental role in Arizona's affordable housing landscape, coordinating and deploying resources statewide. With its current mandate set for sunset review, the Coalition is urging lawmakers to extend this vital agency's operations. Last year, ADOH distributed over $1.26 billion in financing, grants, and support to nonprofits, housing developers, and municipal programs. Its work is indispensable to addressing Arizona's affordable housing needs and supporting the most vulnerable populations. As a standalone entity, ADOH is directly accountable to lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public for its actions and outcomes, ensuring that housing initiatives remain transparent and prioritized. By renewing ADOH, Arizona can continue leveraging federal and local funds effectively to develop affordable housing.
2. Expansion and Renewal of the State Affordable Housing Tax Credit
The state's Affordable Housing Tax Credit program, modeled after the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), has been instrumental in the development of affordable housing across Arizona. Set to expire at the end of 2025, this program has generated over 1,500 affordable units since its inception in 2021. Expanding this tax credit program will create additional housing options for low-income residents while yielding significant economic benefits, including job creation and tax revenue. Renewing this program is an urgent priority to sustain Arizona's progress in affordable housing development.
3. The YIGBY Initiative: Yes, In God's Backyard
The YIGBY initiative is an innovative proposal allowing faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties without burdensome rezoning requirements. This initiative addresses one of Arizona's major obstacles: restrictive zoning that limits land availability for multi-family housing development. The YIGBY initiative enables faith-based institutions to contribute to affordable housing supply, fulfilling their community-focused missions while helping address the housing crisis. The Coalition seeks to pass this enabling statute in 2025, rallying support from several faith-based groups statewide.
4. State Investment in Targeted Homelessness Solutions
Addressing homelessness in Arizona requires effective, targeted investments that provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions. This session, the Coalition aims to secure a state-level commitment to reducing homelessness through strategic funding. While details are still being finalized, the Coalition is working closely with stakeholders to develop an approach that combines cost-efficiency with compassion. State investment in this area would address the immediate needs of unsheltered individuals while supporting pathways to stable housing.
On January 23, 2025, Coalition members and supporters will gather at the Capitol to launch these priorities and engage directly with lawmakers. We invite members and stakeholders to join us to share the importance of housing and homelessness issues.
Arizona faces a severe affordable housing shortage, with a statewide deficit of over 200,000 units. Rising costs have made it harder for individuals and families to secure affordable homes, while homelessness is on the rise. The Coalition has set forth four key priorities for the 2025 legislative session, emphasizing proven strategies and new, creative approaches.
1. Renewal of the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)
The ADOH plays a fundamental role in Arizona's affordable housing landscape, coordinating and deploying resources statewide. With its current mandate set for sunset review, the Coalition is urging lawmakers to extend this vital agency's operations. Last year, ADOH distributed over $1.26 billion in financing, grants, and support to nonprofits, housing developers, and municipal programs. Its work is indispensable to addressing Arizona's affordable housing needs and supporting the most vulnerable populations. As a standalone entity, ADOH is directly accountable to lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public for its actions and outcomes, ensuring that housing initiatives remain transparent and prioritized. By renewing ADOH, Arizona can continue leveraging federal and local funds effectively to develop affordable housing.
2. Expansion and Renewal of the State Affordable Housing Tax Credit
The state's Affordable Housing Tax Credit program, modeled after the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), has been instrumental in the development of affordable housing across Arizona. Set to expire at the end of 2025, this program has generated over 1,500 affordable units since its inception in 2021. Expanding this tax credit program will create additional housing options for low-income residents while yielding significant economic benefits, including job creation and tax revenue. Renewing this program is an urgent priority to sustain Arizona's progress in affordable housing development.
3. The YIGBY Initiative: Yes, In God's Backyard
The YIGBY initiative is an innovative proposal allowing faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties without burdensome rezoning requirements. This initiative addresses one of Arizona's major obstacles: restrictive zoning that limits land availability for multi-family housing development. The YIGBY initiative enables faith-based institutions to contribute to affordable housing supply, fulfilling their community-focused missions while helping address the housing crisis. The Coalition seeks to pass this enabling statute in 2025, rallying support from several faith-based groups statewide.
4. State Investment in Targeted Homelessness Solutions
Addressing homelessness in Arizona requires effective, targeted investments that provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions. This session, the Coalition aims to secure a state-level commitment to reducing homelessness through strategic funding. While details are still being finalized, the Coalition is working closely with stakeholders to develop an approach that combines cost-efficiency with compassion. State investment in this area would address the immediate needs of unsheltered individuals while supporting pathways to stable housing.
Join Us in Speaking Up for Home!
The Coalition is calling on all Arizonans to get involved this upcoming legislative session. By joining us in advocacy, you can help shape the future of housing Arizona. The Coalition will be providing regular advocacy alerts and updates on specific bills, offering guidance on the best ways to make your voice heard.
Mark your calendar for our Day at the Capitol on January 23! Your presence will send a powerful message to lawmakers that Arizona's communities care deeply about affordable housing and ending homelessness. Together, let's ensure that every Arizonan has a safe and affordable place to call home.
You can also take action by signing up for Advocacy Alerts to become a part of this essential movement for housing justice. Your voice can make a difference in Arizona's legislative outcomes this year and beyond.
Mark your calendar for our Day at the Capitol on January 23! Your presence will send a powerful message to lawmakers that Arizona's communities care deeply about affordable housing and ending homelessness. Together, let's ensure that every Arizonan has a safe and affordable place to call home.
You can also take action by signing up for Advocacy Alerts to become a part of this essential movement for housing justice. Your voice can make a difference in Arizona's legislative outcomes this year and beyond.
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2019. Arizona Housing Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federal Tax ID#: 86-0909029