Our Response to the Passing of Proposition 312
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (November 6, 2024) - The Arizona Housing Coalition is deeply concerned about the potential impact of Proposition 312 on our state's ability to address the growing homelessness crisis. While we sympathize with frustrated property owners, we stand with cities and providers working every day to address homelessness for vulnerable Arizonans.
While we recognize the motivation behind the measure - aiming for greater accountability and streamlined resource use - Proposition 312's passage imposes significant limitations on the capacity of local governments to respond flexibly and effectively to homelessness and housing insecurity within their communities.
Proposition 312 constrains cities and towns at a time when innovative and immediate responses are critical to prevent more Arizonans from facing housing instability. We urge lawmakers to engage with local leaders and collaborate on effective solutions that prioritize public health, safety, and stability for all residents. As we navigate the challenges posed by this legislation, we call for a balanced approach that respects fiscal responsibility while empowering local governments to enact meaningful and compassionate change. Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities that support every Arizonan.
While we recognize the motivation behind the measure - aiming for greater accountability and streamlined resource use - Proposition 312's passage imposes significant limitations on the capacity of local governments to respond flexibly and effectively to homelessness and housing insecurity within their communities.
Proposition 312 constrains cities and towns at a time when innovative and immediate responses are critical to prevent more Arizonans from facing housing instability. We urge lawmakers to engage with local leaders and collaborate on effective solutions that prioritize public health, safety, and stability for all residents. As we navigate the challenges posed by this legislation, we call for a balanced approach that respects fiscal responsibility while empowering local governments to enact meaningful and compassionate change. Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities that support every Arizonan.
The Arizona Housing Coalition stands in opposition to Proposition 312.
This November, Arizona voters will be asked to decide on Proposition 312, a plan that offers property tax refunds to owners who face costs from public issues like homelessness, vandalism, and drug use. While this might sound like a reasonable solution, Proposition 312 doesn't address the real causes behind these challenges.
Instead, it creates financial stress for local governments without solving underlying problems and could, in fact, exacerbate the very problems it aims to address.
Instead, it creates financial stress for local governments without solving underlying problems and could, in fact, exacerbate the very problems it aims to address.
A BAND-AID, NOT A SOLUTION
Arizona, like many other states, is struggling with rising homelessness. People are dealing with increasing housing costs, evictions, mental health challenges, and addiction, all of which contribute to more people who are homeless. Proposition 312 doesn't do anything to tackle these problems. Instead, it only offers property owners a way to get reimbursed for cleanup costs after the fact, while the underlying causal issues persist.
For example, Phoenix has seen homelessness nearly double since 2017, and the number of drug overdoses has significantly increased. Proposition 312 won't help reduce these numbers. Without addressing why homelessness and addiction are rising, these problems will keep getting worse, leading to more expenses for everyone.
For example, Phoenix has seen homelessness nearly double since 2017, and the number of drug overdoses has significantly increased. Proposition 312 won't help reduce these numbers. Without addressing why homelessness and addiction are rising, these problems will keep getting worse, leading to more expenses for everyone.
BURDEN ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
One of the major downsides of Proposition 312 is the strain it would place on city and county budgets. Local governments would have to cover the cost of these refunds with their own funds. This means less money would be available for important services like public safety, health programs, and community support initiatives.
Cities like Phoenix are already stretched thin trying to manage the increasing needs of their communities. Instead of focusing on ways to prevent homelessness and improve public safety, Proposition 312 would force them to spend money on refunds, taking away from efforts that could reduce the need for these cleanups in the first place.
Cities like Phoenix are already stretched thin trying to manage the increasing needs of their communities. Instead of focusing on ways to prevent homelessness and improve public safety, Proposition 312 would force them to spend money on refunds, taking away from efforts that could reduce the need for these cleanups in the first place.
ENCOURAGING MORE LAWSUITS
Another issue with Proposition 312 is that it could lead to more legal battles. If a property owner's claim for a tax refund is denied, they can take the city to court. This creates a system where lawsuits become more common, adding even more costs to local governments that are already struggling with limited resources.
Instead of bringing property owners and local governments together to work on solutions, Proposition 312 might end up creating more conflict. Cities would spend more time defending themselves in court, which means less focus on the real problems affecting the community.
Instead of bringing property owners and local governments together to work on solutions, Proposition 312 might end up creating more conflict. Cities would spend more time defending themselves in court, which means less focus on the real problems affecting the community.
moving people, not solving problems
Proposition 312 may lead local governments to focus on clearing homeless encampments or enforcing public nuisance laws, but this approach doesn't address the root issues. Moving people without addressing core problems - like lack of access to services - only displaces homelessness.
For example, in Phoenix's "Zone," removing people without proper support makes it harder for them to access help, increasing the likelihood of them returning to the streets.
Arizona should invest in services like mental health care, job training, and addiction recovery to tackle the root causes of homelessness. Proposition 312 risks making the problem worse by ignoring these essential needs.
For example, in Phoenix's "Zone," removing people without proper support makes it harder for them to access help, increasing the likelihood of them returning to the streets.
Arizona should invest in services like mental health care, job training, and addiction recovery to tackle the root causes of homelessness. Proposition 312 risks making the problem worse by ignoring these essential needs.
WHAT ARIZONA NEEDS
Proposition 312 tries to offer a quick fix, but the reality is that it doesn't tackle the real issues driving homelessness and crime. Instead of focusing on cleaning up after the fact, Arizona should be investing in solutions that help prevent these problems from happening in the first place.
Local governments need support to help people access the services they need to get out of difficult situations. With better resources available, we can reduce the number of people on the streets and improve the quality of life for everyone - property owners included.
Local governments need support to help people access the services they need to get out of difficult situations. With better resources available, we can reduce the number of people on the streets and improve the quality of life for everyone - property owners included.
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Proposition 312 is not the solution.While the challenges faced by communities like Phoenix and Tucson are real, Proposition 312 is not the solution. It risks reducing essential services, exacerbating homelessness, and undermining public safety. We urge voters to reject Proposition 312 and instead support comprehensive, well-funded strategies that address these issues effectively and sustainably.
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