Photo courtesy of city of Tempe
Tempe continues to lead the way in addressing affordable housing needs with plans for a new development in north Tempe through $10.8 million in funding from Maricopa County.
Through this partnership, the city envisions a high-density, mixed-income and mixed-use urban development that could be transformative for the area and spark additional housing opportunities. The city is currently exploring properties; no location has been selected. Ultimately, the city will seek a development partner to reimagine the chosen property.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Maricopa County and our shared vision to substantially increase affordable housing in Tempe and cities across our region,” says Mayor Corey Woods. “In Tempe, our innovative Hometown for All initiative is driving an expansion of affordable housing to provide opportunities for anyone who wants to call this city home.”
“Our partnerships with Maricopa County and other stakeholders are valued and vital to addressing housing needs for individuals and families in our community,” Woods says.
Maricopa County is allocating American Rescue Plan Act funds for a number of municipal projects to help address housing challenges in the region. The city council approved the agreement with the county last month. Any purchase of property in north Tempe would come back to the city council for approval; there is no timeline for a purchase.
Preliminary plans call for a development that includes approximately 50 affordable housing units, available to households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. That would be $74,800 or less for a four-person household or $59,850 or less for a two-person household.
Amenities at the housing development will be focused on promoting a healthy, supportive, community-focused lifestyle with several design priorities, including:
• Opportunities for social interaction between neighbors in an intergenerational community
• Focuses on food access through an urban scale grocery store and community safety with a Tempe police sub-station
• Achieving the lowest possible energy usage for a multi-family development
The new development will bolster Tempe’s wide-ranging efforts to meet the housing needs of families, young professionals, older adults, and others in the city.
“This funding by Maricopa County will help us reach our strategic goal of increasing the percentage of affordable housing in Tempe,” says City Manager Rosa Inchausti. “Issues like homelessness and affordable housing are regional and national issues. Our city greatly appreciates the support of Maricopa County to elevate our community’s efforts. It helps everyone.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman highlighted the impact of this investment saying, “This decision reflects a commitment that goes beyond bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a foundation for people to thrive. This funding is a catalyst for creating a vibrant neighborhood where our residents can participate in our local economy.”
