As Arizona prepares for its 2025 legislative session beginning on January 13, 2025, a critical opportunity arises to address the state's ongoing housing and homelessness crises. With both chambers of the state legislature 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, affordable place to call home.
The Arizona Housing Coalition has identified these items as our 2025 legislative priorities.
Additional items may be added as legislative session unfolds.
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. By renewing ADOH, Arizona can continue leveraging federal and local funds effectively to develop affordable housing.
RENEWAL AND EXPANSION 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 housing 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.
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, fulfilling their community missions while helping address the housing crisis. The Coalition seeks to pass this enabling statue in 2025, rallying support from several faith-based groups statewide.
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.
How can I take action?
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Advocacy Unleashed - Capitol Session
Monday, December 16, 2024 Dive into the legislative process with fellow members, advocates, and leaders! This in-person December 16th training at the Capitol is a unique opportunity to learn effective ways to communicate our message and advocate for change. Following the training, we'll be hosting a larger lunch for Coalition members.
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Day at the Capitol
Thursday, January 23, 2025 Be part of our annual Day at the Capitol on January 23, 2025! Members will have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and advocate for key initiatives such as renewing the Arizona Department of Housing, renewing the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and homelessness response legislation.
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Provide a Letter of Support for the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)
Right now, ADOH needs our support. You can uplift them during their review by providing a letter of support on your organization's letterhead. In your letter, please include the following:
- Who You Are: Include your name, title, and organization.
- Your Relationship with ADOH: Describe how long you've worked with the department and in what capacity (collaborations, programs, funding, etc.).
- Why You Support ADOH's Continuation: Feel free to share personal or organizational experiences. Consider mentioning ADOH's essential role in developing affordable housing across Arizona; their critical efforts to address homelessness and provide resources to vulnerable populations; the department's leadership in managing house grants, tax credits, and other vital programs that support Arizona's housing stability; and the ongoing housing crisis and the importance of state-level coordination to leverage federal and local resources effectively.
To send your letter to us via mail, address it to 1495 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
To send your letter to us via email, send it to [email protected]
All letters should be returned to us no later than December 15, 2024.
To send your letter to us via email, send it to [email protected]
All letters should be returned to us no later than December 15, 2024.
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Join Us In Speaking Up For HomeThe 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 in 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.
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