Senator and U.S. Housing Secretary discussed affordable and accessible housing for Arizonans
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, joined by Senator Mark Kelly, spoke with mayors and local leaders, including Arizona Department of Housing Director Joan Serviss, about solutions to the housing shortage in communities across the state.
“We brought leaders from all levels of government together to identify solutions to Arizona’s housing shortage and affordability crisis. I’m proud to count on Secretary Fudge as a partner and friend as we work to increase affordable housing opportunities and fuel a healthy economy for Arizonans,” said Sinema, a member of the Senate Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee.
“All Americans deserve access to an affordable home, but unfortunately the nationwide housing shortage has created an affordability crisis for far too many,” said Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “As we continue to confront historic housing shortages and homelessness, it’s going to take all levels of government working together to rebuild a more inclusive and equitable society for all. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Arizona leaders to ensure all Arizonans have access to safe, affordable and accessible housing.”
The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is a network of municipalities focused on advocating for and representing the interests of Arizona communities of all sizes. Sinema emphasized the importance of having mayors and local leaders at the table to develop and deliver lasting solutions to challenges like the affordable housing shortage and fueling a healthy economy where all Arizonans benefit. Secretary Fudge – a former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio – detailed how the mayors in attendance can lead on the issues that matter most to the Arizonans they serve.
Last month, Sinema convened two events with leading housing stakeholders in Phoenix – one focused on homelessness and services, and one around housing supply and affordability. Sinema first toured UMOM, the largest shelter services provider in Maricopa County and saw firsthand how their innovative model provides child care and workforce development alongside shelter services. Afterwards, Sinema brought industry stakeholders and affordability advocates together to assess the market in Arizona, identify supply chain challenges that hold capital investment back, and craft solutions to those challenges.
According to a December report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness in Arizona rose by a staggering 23% from 2020 to 2022. At the same time, the median price of homes in Phoenix rose by more than $100,000 between January 2021 and July 2022 – illustrating the severity of the homelessness crisis and affordable housing shortage.
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