Article Summary –
Corey Woods, the first Black mayor of Tempe, focuses on enhancing affordable housing, transportation, and digital equity, attributing significant progress to the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which granted Arizona $8 billion for various infrastructure projects. The Hometown for All program, initiated by Woods, generates sustainable funding for affordable housing by allocating 50% of permit fees from every development project and encouraging developer donations, while additional federal funds secured by Rep. Greg Stanton will add around a hundred new affordable housing units. Woods emphasizes the critical connection between civic involvement and tangible community improvements, urging residents to vote to ensure continued progress in local infrastructure and quality of life.
Mayor Corey Woods of Tempe has been politically active since childhood.
“I was deeply involved in student government from fifth grade through my sophomore year at the University of Michigan,” Woods said. “In my mid-twenties, I decided to get more involved civically.”
Woods relocated to Arizona in 2003 for graduate school at ASU. By 2008, he was on the Tempe City Council, serving two terms before working in K-12 education. In 2020, he returned to politics and became mayor.
As Tempe’s first Black mayor, Woods aims to connect civic involvement with improved living conditions for Arizonans.
“There’s still much to do, but I’m driven to better my community,” he said.
Biden’s investments impact Tempe
Woods credits the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Arizona’s progress. The $1 trillion law has allocated $8 billion to Arizona since 2021.
Woods noted that over 630 projects statewide aim to improve broadband internet and water infrastructure. Transportation and internet expansion are critical in Tempe.
“As the Valley grows, we must develop systems beyond single-use cars, like light rail, streetcars, and bus systems,” Woods said.
Internet equity remains a challenge. “High-speed internet is essential,” Woods said. “Many inner-city and tribal communities lack access.”
With Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, Arizona established its Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Programs in 2023, aiming for statewide high-speed internet within five years.
Gov. Katie Hobbs announced a partnership with eX² Technology to expand broadband in rural Arizona via fiber-optic conduit installation along I-19, I-17, and I-40.
“The $8 billion investment will enhance roads, water, and internet connectivity,” Woods said. “Arizona’s growth depends on this funding.”
Tackling the housing crisis with federal support
Woods also leverages federal investments to address affordable housing in Tempe, where over half of renters are burdened by costs.
“We need actionable tools for affordable housing,” Woods said.
In 2021, the Tempe City Council approved the Hometown for All program, allocating 50% of development permit fees to affordable housing and encouraging developer donations.
“State laws make affordable housing complex here,” Woods said.
Rep. Greg Stanton’s efforts secured $1.6 million in federal funding, adding around 100 new affordable housing units in Tempe.
These initiatives are crucial as the US Supreme Court ruled that cities can punish people for sleeping in public, affecting states in the 9th Circuit, including Arizona.
“There’s an affordable housing and supply crisis,” Woods said. “Affordable housing is vital to me.”
Engaging Arizona voters
Woods emphasizes that local infrastructure improvements require funding.
“We expect smooth roads, but funds are essential,” he said.
Woods aims to connect with individuals and stress that voting matters, especially in the digital age where grievances are often aired without action.
“To ensure desired leadership, you must vote,” Woods said.
—
Read More Arizona News
