Arizona’s Housing Legislation Faces Continued Opposition
Efforts to alleviate Arizona’s housing crisis through zoning deregulation have hit another roadblock in the state Capitol. The Starter Homes Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at expanding housing availability, remains in legislative limbo, awaiting a vote in the House.
The proposed legislation is designed to curtail the ability of municipalities to veto housing developments, aiming to boost the state’s housing supply. However, resistance from both conservative and liberal factions has stalled progress.
Senator Analise Ortiz, a Democrat from Phoenix, has expressed her support for the bill. She noted, “The proponents are working on several amendments, but basically since the last meeting it has been radio silence from the governor’s office, and to me that signals that they are not prioritizing this bill.”
Nick Ponder, representing the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, mentioned that municipalities have suggested changes to the bill, yet proponents have not agreed to these modifications. This sentiment is echoed by Senator Ortiz, who also accuses the League of resisting compromise. Furthermore, members of the Legislature’s Freedom Caucus, identified with the far-right, oppose the bill as well.
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